les miserables tour us

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Les Misérables - US Tour

About les misérables - us tour.

CAMERON MACKINTOSH’S ACCLAIMED PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES TO MAKE A MUCH-ANTICIPATED RETURN TO NORTH AMERICA TOUR PERFORMANCES WILL BEGIN THIS OCTOBER AT PLAYHOUSE SQUARE IN CLEVELAND, OHIO Cameron Mackintosh announced that his acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISÉRABLES, will relaunch its record-breaking tour of North America in October 2022 at Playhouse Square in Cleveland, OH. This tour of LES MISÉRABLES will play more than 60 week-long and multi-week engagements through next two years and beyond. A complete tour schedule and casting will be announced at a later date. Lesmiz.com is the official global website for LES MISÉRABLES and will be updated soon with additional details and cities as they are announced.

• Cast & Creative

Latest ticket information (US)

Cameron Mackintosh is delighted to announce new cast members joining the critically acclaimed new production of LES MISÉRABLES at the Sondheim Theatre from Tuesday 27 September.

Joining the company from 27 September will be David Thaxton as Javert, Ava Brennan as Fantine, Robert Tripolino as Marius, Nathania Ong as Éponine and Lulu-Mae Pears as Cosette. They join Jon Robyns as Jean Valjean, Gerard Carey as Thénardier, Josefina Gabrielle as Madame Thénardier and Jordan Shaw as Enjolras.

The company also includes Hazel Baldwin, Brad Barnley, Emma Barr, Cameron Burt, Natalie Chua, Matthew Dale, Matt Dempsey, Bryony Duncan, Louis Emmanuel, Sophie-May Feek, Natalie Green, Melad Hamidi, Harry Jack, Christopher Jacobsen, Benjamin Karran, Yazmin King, Bart Lambert, Sarah Lark, Georgie Lovatt, Ellie Ann Lowe, Adam Robert Lewis, Donald Craig Manuel, Jodie Nolan, Sam Peggs, Jo Stephenson, Phoebe Williams and Ollie Wray.

David Thaxton returns to Les Misérables, having previously played both Javert and Enjolras at the Queen’s Theatre. His other West End credits include Kevin T/Garth in Come From Away at the Phoenix, The Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Raoul in Love Never Dies at The Adelphi Theatre, Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Giorgio in Passion at the Donmar Warehouse, for which he won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical.

Ava Brennan’s West End theatre credits include Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton at the Victoria Palace Theatre, Alline Bullock in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical at the Aldwych Theatre and Mrs Crachit in A Christmas Carol at the Old Vic. She has also appeared in Netflix’s Top Boy and her film credits include Hellboy, Rocketman, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and Beauty and the Beast.

Robert Tripolino’s theatre credits include The Man in Whistle Down The Wind at The Watermill Theatre, Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Sal Russo in RAGS at Manchester Hope Mill Theatre. In Australia he has appeared as Jamie in The Last Five Years, Roger in Rent, Chino in West Side Story, Jean-Michel in La Cage Aux Folles, and Jamie in Third World Blues.

Nathania Ong, who most recently played Éponine in the UK and Ireland Tour, now joins the London production in the same role. She graduated from Mountview in 2021 and went on to make her professional debut in Be More Chill at the Shaftesbury Theatre that same year.

Les Misérables marks Lulu-Mae’s West End debut. She has recently been seen as Graziella in West Side Story at the Ljubljana Festival in Slovenia.

The Staged Concert – Out Now on Digital Download

New cast for les mis london.

Review Roundup: LES MISERABLES Launches New National Tour

Read the reviews for Les Miserables here!

The new National Tour of Les Miserables launched earlier this month in Cleveland.

The engagement plays through October 30 before embarking on a multi-city North American Tour.

Celebrated tour alums Nick Cartell and Preston Truman Boyd return to the barricades to portray the fugitive 'Jean Valjean' and 'Inspector Javert,' respectively. They are joined by Matt Crowle as 'Thénardier,' Christina Rose Hall as 'Madame Thénardier,' Haley Dortch as 'Fantine,' Devin Archer as 'Enjolras,' Christine Heesun Hwang as 'Éponine,' Gregory Lee Rodriguez as 'Marius' and Addie Morales as 'Cosette.' Cora Jane Messer and Hazel Vogel alternate in the role of 'Little Cosette/Young Éponine.' Harrison Fox and Gabriel Lafazan alternate in the role of 'Gavroche.'

Read the reviews so far below!

Playhouse Square- KeyBank State Theatre - Cleveland, Oh

Joey Morona, Cleveland.com : "Les Misérables" has always been an intimidating story to immerse yourself in, whether it's the novel or the musical. It's a lot of plot that if your attention is diverted for even a moment, it's easy to get lost. Readers of the book can just turn back a few pages. That's not an option when watching a musical, particularly one where every word is sung. That learning curve is made that much steeper when it's difficult at times to make out every word they're singing, whether it be an issue with the sound mix, the acoustics of the venue or the fact that multiple cast members are often singing, sometimes different lyrics, at the same time.

Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld : Both the solos and choral work is outstanding. Thankfully the cast interpreted the meaning of the lyrics rather than just singing words. This was obvious, for example, in "One Day More," the sure-thing show stopper, which was mesmerizing.

Sheri Gross, Jewish News : This particular production, with its articulate cast, its beautiful visuals (albeit a little dimly lit), and the near perfect sound balance makes for a show that is much easier to understand. And without the pressure of trying to hear a show, understand a show, and read about a show at the same time, suddenly audience members have the freedom to really digest and appreciate the timelessness and importance of the show's many themes.

Christine Howey, Scene : That's part of the magic of this show. The memories stay with you, along with the full complement of goose bumps. In this production, Preston Truman Boyd almost stops the show as Javert when he nails "Stars," especially when he shifts into a different gear in the last line, "This I swear by the stars." Although not imposing physically, Boyd creates a suitable villain all the way through his climactic plunge.

Providence Performing Arts Center - Providence, RI

Barb Burke, BroadwayWorld : Nick Cartell 's Jean Valjean is phenomenal. He brings great range to Valjean, both theatrically and musically, showing us the many facets of the hero from his early rage and savagery to his selfless dedication to Cosette. Cartell's return to his pre-pandemic role is reason enough to see the show.

Ken Abrams, What's Up Newp : Needless to say, the music is timeless, a level or two above typical Broadway fare. The leads were robust, with Nick Cartell's Valjean and Hayden Tee's Javert standing out. The full ensemble pieces "Do You Hear the People Sing" and "At the End of the Day" were especially memorable.

Benedum Center for the Performing Arts - Pittsburgh, PA

Jordana Rosenfeld, Pittsburgh City Paper: Among the performers, who are all skilled and well-cast, Christine Heesun Hwang stands out as Éponine, one of the play's most tragic characters, in part because her more contemporary vocal style cuts through the sometimes monotonous, florid vibrato of many soloists. Hwang and Dortch deliver masterful and moving renditions of two of musical theater's most dramatic and ambitious ballads "On My Own," and "I Dreamed a Dream," respectively, that are at once lovely and wrenching.

Laura, Pgh Lesbian : Although the musical has as one of its major themes unrequited love, I think one of the main themes is how authoritarian regimes punish their citizen for minor offenses (19 years for stealing a slice of bread!) and keep their citizens in poverty and misery. The musical certainly shows various wealthy characters throughout who abuse and disregard "the lesser citizens." Les Miserables expounds upon how those in poverty feel about their treatment and place in society which invariably leads to a revolution.

Uihlein Hall at Marcus Center For The Performing Arts - Milwaukee, WI

Kelsey Lawler, BroadwayWorld : But avid Les Mis fans stomach the heartache of the story for the beauty of music and text by Boublil & Schönberg. Fans can rest assured that this touring production, like the one before it, fully delivers. How could it not? It's the same stirring songs, the same heart-rending tragedy, the same characters theatergoers have loved and loved to hate for over 35 years and counting. We go to Les Mis to be transported, to marvel at singers and staging, and to have a good cry (just me?).

Aly Prouty, Spectrum News 1 : I do not have enough good things to say about this musical. It's perfectly cast, stunningly set, beautifully sung, provides the perfect combination of emotions and left me wanting to watch it again and again. Yes, even after three hours.

Orpheum Theatre - Minneapolis, MN

Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld : It was wonderful to see this global phenomen production again. The whole set, production, and costumes, were magnificent. You felt like you were in 1900th century France. The set transitions and the lighting affects were effective in feeling like you were in the battle, on the ship, the scene with Javier was powerful as he is falling into the water.

Fox Theatre - St. Louis, MO

Rob Levy, BroadwayWorld : Leading the show is Nick Cartell as the angst-ridden Jean Valjean. Electrifying on stage, he gives the troubled protagonist a formidable pathos that underscores the tumult of 19th-century France. As a singer his voice is in top form, especially on At the End of the Day and for his solos on Who Am I? and Bring Him Home. Equally powerful is Preston Truman Boyd as Javert. Capturing the inspector's unyielding determination in a mesmeric performance, his dastardly, relentless, and cunning turn make Javert's unsavory and frightening foe.

Mark Bretz, LaDue News : "Les Miserables" is an epic musical based on an epic novel. Yet, at its core, it remains a defining tale of love rising above injustice, handsomely acted, beautifully sung and hauntingly etched in the hearts of its ever-growing legion of fans.

Blumenthal Performing Arts Center - Charlotte, NC

Amanda Harry, Livin' Charlotte : It was action-packed. The story takes place against the backdrop of 19th-century France as a rebellion builds. It follows a decades-long rivalry between the protagonist and antagonist, so there's a great deal of action throughout the play. The onstage battles are tense, well-choreographed, and even brutal at some points.

Hippodrome Theatre - Baltimore, MD

Sue Tilberry, MD Theatre Guide : The vocals are extraordinary. The solos by Valjean (Nick Cartell); Javert (Preston Truman Boyd); Cosette's mother, Fantine (Haley Dortch); the Thénardiers' daughter, Eponine (Christine Heesun Hwang); and the young student, Marius (Gregory Lee Rodriguez), with whom Cosette falls in love, are spine tingling and nearly perfect. The entire cast is equally talented in the ensemble numbers.

Orpheum Theater - Omaha, NE

Courtney Brummer-Clark, Omaha World-Herald : In the touring company production now at the Orpheum, actor Nick Cartell has this monumental task, and to say that he is successful at it is a vast understatement. From his first song in the "Prologue" to his final notes in the "Finale," Cartell has total ownership of who Valjean is supposed to be - a hero who never considers himself a hero. He is merely a man doing what he believes he is supposed to, even when it isn't easy to do so.

Clowes Hall - Indianapolis, IN

The Marriage Matinee, BroadwayWorld : Let's be honest. LES MISÉRABLES as a production will not succeed without a superb Jean Valjean. Everything hinges on him, and the wrong casting will set everything akimbo. So I was a little disheartened to hear we'd have an understudy. But I need to learn my lesson: understudies can bring it , and that was exactly the case with Randy Jeter . You could tell he brought a hunger to this role that gave it an extra boost of vitality and passion. He found a wonderful foil in his counterpart, Javert, played by Preston Truman Boyd . Boyd also brought hunger but reined in and compressed so it was cold and hard, just like his character.

Kennedy Center - Washington, D.C.

Olivia Murray, BroadwayWorld : Les Miz veteran, Nick Cartell, continues his reign as Jean Valjean and, as always, stuns everyone in the theater. Having seen Cartell in other runs of Les Miz, I was very excited to see his performance again. This time, he brought a deeper sense of maturity to the role that was very enjoyable to watch. You watch Jean Valjean's life unfurl with Cartell's storytelling as he shows how much he has endured as the years continue on in the story. Continuously having a stellar vocal performance, we do see Valjean age as he tires from avoiding his past, which indicates how much Cartell has been able to grow with this character and embody Jean Valjean to his fullest potential.

Jeannette Mulherin, MD Theatre Guide : The much-loved musical score demands vocal and dramatic gifts, which the cast has in spades. Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) delivers unforgettable renditions of "Who am I?" and "Bring Him Home" and Fantine (Haley Dortch) sings a haunting "I Dreamed a Dream." Christine Heesun Hwang (Eponine) performs a mesmerizing "On My Own" and Javert (Preston Truman Boyd), Jean Valjean's uncompromising nemesis, reveals his true character in a searing "Stars." Thénardier (Matt Crowle) and Madame Thénardier (Christina Rose Hall) provide the story's comic relief with wit, charm, and superb renditions of "Master of the House," and "Beggars at the Feast." The company sings "Do You Hear the People Sing" and "One Day More" with commitment and power.

Kansas City Music Hall - Kansas City, MO

Ivy Anderegg, The Pitch : Nick Cartell (playing Jean Valjean) was perfectly cast as the driving force of the show, bringing power to the role with impressive tenor belts and an especially heart-melting performance of "Bring Him Home" that, despite the devastating scene at hand, was met with a roaring crowd in the middle of Act Two. Furthermore, Cartell's integrity with the character affirmed the humanity of each character, even the militant Javert (Preston Truman Boyd), embodying the theme of kindness and compassion for all.

The 5th Avenue Theatre - Seattle, WA

Jay Irwin, BroadwayWorld : With music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by  Herbert Kretzmer , from the original French text by  Alain Boublil  and  Jean-Marc Natel , this is not your standard fare of Musical Theater as people do not burst into song when the emotions are too high.  On the contrary, they start off singing and never cease, making it more of an Opera.  So don’t expect rousing dance numbers or dialog, instead just hang on for some of the most glorious voices, belting their emotions to the high heavens.  And that’s what makes this production so good, all that emotion.  I’ve seen uninspired productions where the talented singers come out and sing the pretty words well, but this show is more than just the pretty words.  It’s a complex story of love and loss and deserves to be told and that’s what this talented cast does, they tell the story. 

George S. and Dolores Dore Eccles Theatre - Salt Lake City, UT

Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld :  Nick Cartell  is an absolutely phenomenal Jean Valjean, heading up the strong cast with a gorgeous clear tenor voice and heartrending character performance.   Devin Archer  as Enjolras brings a similar powerful singing voice and acting chops, as does  Christine Heesun Hwang  as Eponine.

Nancy Van Valkenburg, Gephardt Daily : Haley Dortch gives her role as Fantine a beautiful, soulful voice and a quiet dignity despite her worsening circumstances, and Addie Morales brings a beautiful lyricism and joy to adult Cosette, who falls for Marius, a young man with enough honor and vision to impress Valjean. Gregory Lee Rodriguez is perfect in the role.

Ryan Painter, KUTV : Last night’s performance at the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater was a sublime experience. Culled from a pool of the world’s best actors, the touring cast is every bit as good as what you’d see in London or New York. They’ve updated some of the visual effects, stage design, and blocking. Javert’s fall worked particularly well. I liked Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean and Preston Truman Boyd is a strong Javert. I tend to favor Fantine and Eponine over the other characters. Haley Dortch’s Fantine was quite good. I miss the intimacy of Anne Hathaway’s performance in the film adaptation, but I’m happy to see Dortch give the character a different kind of flare. Christine Heesun Hwang’s Eponine provided the highlight of the night. Her version of “On My Own” was jaw-dropping amazing. Had it been appropriate, I would have given her a standing ovation immediately.

Orpheum Theatre - San Francisco, CA

Steve Murray, BroadwayWorld :  Les Miserables  remains a crowd favorite as it delivers a multitude of satisfying theatre elements: new and unrequited love, obsessions with duty at any cost, justice, rebirth, the effects of battle, greed, and mercy. Combined with the 19th century period setting and its stunning costumes ( Andreane Neofitou , additional costume designs by  Christine Rowland  and  Paul Wills ) and the famous barricade set design ( Matt Kinley ),  Les Mis  is the total package.

Saroyan Theatre - Fresno, CA

James Ward, Visalia Times Delta : While the version of “Les Miserables” that landed at the Saroyan has jettisoned the massive rotating stage in favor of nifty projected images and a scaled-down, if still impressive on-stage barricade, it features some “oh wow” stagecraft moments.

Pantages Theatre - Los Angeles, CA

Tracey Paleo, BroadwayWorld : While the new orchestrations by  Stephen Metcalfe ,  Christopher Jahnke  and Stephen Booker, were stunning, the vocal interpretations were breathy rather than full bodied, often nearly spoken instead of sung, and far more percussive and violent than one might remember this now modern classic musical to be.  The singers seemed to be singing far ahead of the notes, creating a frantic delivery that did not begin to ease until Jean Valjean’s second act number, “Bring Him Home.”

Katcy Stephan, Variety : Valjean’s scenes with Javert, expertly played by Preston Truman Boyd, are among the most compelling moments in the production, with aching desperation from both men driving each confrontation further until the rivalry hits its boiling point in a devastating finale.

Victoria Munck, Daily Bruin : However, the   solo numbers are what truly carry the drama’s impassioned beauty. In the tragic “I Dreamed a Dream,” the hopeless Fantine (Haley Dortch) commands attention with her smooth vocals and divinely held notes, leaving listeners broken-hearted while only four songs into the show. Cartell also brings an unrelenting power to Valjean’s numerous ballads, with the hard-hitting “Bring Him Home” serving as a clear standout. The prayerful song he sings to implore that he dies in place of Marius (Gregory Lee Rodriguez)   after the musical’s climatic battle features an enchanting falsetto that pushes his desperation further. Even Cosette (Addie Morales) – whose soprano occasionally suggests a whine – effectively conveys her immense feelings for Marius in an elegant rendition of “In My Life.”

Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

Christopher Smith, The Orange County Register : Jean Valjean, of course, is the show’s compass, events tilting around his choices. It’s up to the actor to make his incredible journey seem credible and Cartell’s performance steers us well. As for the singing, his beautiful tenor clarity and its staggering staying power through his 11 o’clock number “Bring Him Home” is stunning.

Michael Quintos, BroadwayWorld : Whether you're a long-time or brand new fan of the show's memorable songs or the show's arresting stagecraft, this rather impressive, high-quality sung-through musical offers both dedicated fans and casual theatergoers something to love about it. There's an implied high-brow, intellectual quality about it that somehow also positions it as populist entertainment. 

Civic Theatre - San Diego, CA

Pam Kragen, The San Diego Union Tribune : Nick Cartell leads the 32-member cast as Jean Valjean. He’s a sensitive song interpreter and passionate actor, and he has an angelic singing voice that’s perfect for the role. Preston Truman Boyd impresses with his vocal power and sheer menace as Javert, the policeman who doggedly pursues Valjean for decades due to his parole violation.

SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center - Sacramento , CA

Courtney Symes, BroadwayWorld : Jean Valjean translates well to modern audiences, except his nineteen-year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread would equate to, at the most, a sideways glance in today’s court. His compassion for the downtrodden and his redemptive transformation from beggar to savior sits well with a populace that has seen massive strides in acceptance and inclusion in the past several years. Songs like “Look Down” seem particularly timely, especially in California, as homeless rates soar. I encountered a man lying on the sidewalk just tonight, so the words carried a unique poignancy. 

First Interstate Center for the Arts - Spokane, WA

Amanda Sullender, The Spokesman-Review : The standout member of the production’s cast is Preston Truman Boyd as the dogged Inspector Javert – who was able to menace the audience as well as Prisoner 24601 with his low baritone. As Javert’s mental state unravels near the end of the show, Boyd’s preening that had intimidated before melts into a shadow of a man realizing his life’s mission was a lie.

ASU Gammage - Tempe, AZ

Herbert Paine, BroadwayWorld : The flagship 1980s British import mega-musical has docked at Tempe’s Gammage Auditorium with a one-weekend run of its North American Tour. This production of  LES MISÉRABLES,  affectionately called  LES MIZ  by many, is a solid rendition of the epic musical and a talent showcase for performers and designers.

Music Hall at Fair Park - Dallas, TX

Abbey Bowling, CW33 : Nick Cartell plays Valjean with strength and touching vulnerability, showing the character’s progression from a hardened convict to a reformed man — a transformation that is most evident in “Bring Him Home,” a moving ballad in which Valjean prays for Marius’ safety after the massacre at the barricade. Preston Truman Boyd commands the stage in the role of Javert. From his staunch loyalty of the law to a man haunted by an act of mercy, Boyd portrays the complexities of the character with surprising delicacy — most notably in “Soliloquy.”

Lied Center for Performing Arts - Lincoln, NE

Zach Hammack, Journal Star : All the theatrical fireworks aside, it's the sublimely beautiful vocal solos of love, longing and, at times, despair, that stick with a person long after the curtain drops.

Civic Center Music Hall - Oklahoma City, OK

Brett Fieldcamp, Oklahoma City Free Press

Hobby Center for the Performing Arts - Houston, TX

Sara Davidson, The Rice Thresher : Overall, the performance of “Les Misérables” proved to be one of the most spectacular shows the Hobby Center has seen in a while. The singers were amazing, complementing each other while still proving to be individual vocal powerhouses. From start to finish, they captivated the audience, even the large percent who snuck in after the opening number with their phone flashlights glaring for the world to see. Each number proved to be a dramatic affair, and the show received a standing ovation at the end. 

Orpheum Theatre Memphis - Memphis, TN

AniKatrina Fageol, BroadwayWorld :  Nick Cartell  is no stranger to the role of Valjean and it certainly shows. The musical notes flow efortlessly and I heard more than one sniffle during the iconic ballad "Bring Him Home". The same can be said for  Haley Dortch , whose Fantine captivates the audience and manages to belt out "I Dreamed a Dream" (one of the most iconic songs in musical theatre history) with poise and fierceness before Fantine ultimately turns to her own demise in order to save her young child.  Matt Crowle  and  Victoria Huston-Elem  manage to bring comedy to the stage in moments where it is desprately needed! Their portrayal of the Thenardiers, a couple who perfect at swindling and thieving, brings refreshing laughter to the story. My other call outs are Delayney Guyer and  Jake  David Smith , who bring a fresh new side to Cosette and Marius and actually play them as love-struck teenagers, something I have not seen done many times in the past. "A Heart Full of Love" is not just a lovely ballad but a painfully awkward love-confession, which makes the song comedic as well as wholesome. I loved seeing these characters as socially inept at times, as we often ony see the ingenue and nothing else. Kudos to these two for bringing them to life in such a fun way and providing some well-needed comedy (it can't all fall to the Thenardiers, after all) 

Overture Center - Madison, WI

Anna Kleibner, The Daily Cardinal : Having seen this same tour in December 2022 in Milwaukee, it’s always thrilling to see what different performers will bring to these well-known roles. While Cartell remained impressive in both performances and was my personal favorite portrayal of Valjean to date, Preston Truman Boyd’s performance as Javert was unlike any other, standing out from prior actors I have seen in the same role. 

Allison Garfield, The Cap Times : Filled with powerhouse performances across the board from the leading actors, the show delivers on the songs audiences have come to love while offering modern twists through intricate lighting sequences and high-tech visual backdrops. 

Fox Cities Performing Arts Center - Appleton, WI

Jarrod Michael, BroadwayWorld :   The current touring production features an incredible company of performers, masterfully crafted scenic design, and flawless transitions that all work collaboratively to unite every soul in the theatre. The ensemble is the best in the business, and enhanced the production with every interaction and microstoryline. Projections can often distract the audience, but with a watercolor painting effect, they enhanced the design of this show in a way that is not often seen. 

 Kelli Arseneau, Post Crescent : It's no shock to learn Cartell has numerous years under his belt playing Valjean in "Les Misérables." The musical is a bit of a vocal marathon for the lead, and Cartell absolutely succeeded. His voice has impressive control, and he could switch on a dime from a booming, operatic tenor to a powerful rock-like, straight-tone, to unwaveringly powerful yet impossibly quiet held notes, like in the ballad "Bring Him Home."

Civic Center Of Greater Des Moines - Des Moines, IA

DC Felton, BroadwayWorld : Now, if you are expecting the original production, this is different. The show was reimagined in London in 2009 for its 25th anniversary. This is the version that now tours the United States and played a two-and-a-half-year run on Broadway. Having seen this production the last time the tour came through, I could appreciate it in a new way.  

Shea's Performing Arts Center - Buffalo, NY

Peter Hall,  Buffalo Rising:  This touring production comes closest to what the great Ring Cycle opera composer Wagner described as his goal: a  Gesamtkunstwerk , or “total work of art,” combining all the elements of art in one theatrical offering.  This includes the beautiful music and the powerful singing, the realistic sets and fascinating projections (Matt Kinley), the costumes (Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland, and Paul Wills), and the lighting which was almost a character itself (Paule Constable). 

Proctor's Theatre - Schenectady, NY

Bill Kellert, Nippertown : From a design standpoint, the production has taken the best of the past several iterations. The sets are stunning and have been combined with some beautiful rear projections that bring 1800' Paris to life. Will Curry's musical direction is outstanding, the 17 piece orchestra with the musicians playing in excess of two dozen instruments is lush, exciting and captivating.

Princess of Wales Theatre - Toronto, CA

Samantha Wu, BroadwayWorld : The leading cast includes a few new faces taking on the titular roles and yet they fit into these roles like a glove. Boyd as Inspector Javert is phenomenal - his commanding presence and booming baritone immediately capture's the audience's attention and leaves the crowd stunned.  Haley Dortch  takes on the much beloved yet short-lived role of Fantine. The emotional pinnacle for her lies in the song "I Dreamed a Dream" and Dortch's voice soars to the rafters and brings the audience along with her. Enjolras has always been a personal favorite character and here he is played by  Devin Archer , who embodies the rock star nature of the character seamlessly.

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Review: The Updated Les Miserables U.S. Tour (2023)

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The restaged Les Miserables U.S. Tour is delighting audiences in Orange County, California, at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts where it is playing through October 1, 2023.

Die hard fans of Les Miserables since it’s English language debut in 1985 (5 years after it’s French language debut in 1980) tend to be purists and often debate over everything from the necessity of a turntable for the stage and whether the dramatic cuts to the libretto (and re-additions) were/are necessary. So how does the new staging compare to the original?

While nothing will ever compare to the original staging and script, it’s with admiration and respect that this reviewer has to admit how impressed I was at press night at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts on September 20, 2023, for the following 3 reasons:

Nick Cartell is an Exemplary Jean Valjean

As a Mizzie ( Les Miserables fan ), I have probably seen the show in the United States and the United Kingdom twenty times, at least, so the bar is quite high when reviewing any performance. It is impossible not to go into a theater thinking of performances I’ve seen over the years including from John Owen-Jones , Randal Keith, Dan Koek, and Ivan Rutherford. And while I was initially hesitant regarding my initial impressions about Nick Cartell ‘s performance, by the time he came to “Soliloquy” (following the Prologue), I was sold.

In fact, their confrontation scene following “Come to Me” was a highlight and provided the highest testament to the new direction by Laurence Connor and James Powell ( Trevor Nunn directed the original English production). Gone is the chair that Valjean once used as a makeshift weapon. Making use of Valjean and Javert’s chain gang background, Javert now wields a chain and the directors get points for the imagery.

His chemistry with Addie Morales (Cosette) was another beautiful highlight throughout the show that spoke well of the show’s updated direction. In particular during the Finale a small but touching embrace between Cosette and Valjean most likely had a few eyes misting with joy and pleasure.

Overall, his performance was a definite delight and would be well worth the price of the ticket for any musical theater fan. And it is a credit to the casting team at Tara Rubin Casting that he is surrounded and supported by a strong ensemble of actors and singers.

Paule Constable and Matt Kinley Create Magic with their Combined Lighting and Set Design

Paule Constable , known for the 25th anniversary concert of Les Mis at the O2 in London, England, works wonders with his lighting design bringing a further intimacy to the beloved Boublil and Schonberg musical (the same creators who brought us Miss Saigon ). In combination with the architecturally strong set design by Matt Kinley that replaces the famous minimalistic turntable, the effect is sublime. In fact, I would argue that Paule Constable’s lighting design is reason enough to buy tickets to see this reimagined Les Miserables while it tours the United States.

Finn Ross Proves Projections Can Be Worth Every Penny Spent

Projections have become a fad in theater often used even when not necessary. Thankfully Finn Ross (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) , credited in the playbill for his Projection Realization, is clever and wise enough to know just how best to use projections to support and benefit a timeless show such as Les Miserables.

Paired with Paule Constable’s lighting and Matt Kinley’s sets, Finn Ross’ projections prove their worth during the second act of the Les Miserables U.S. Tour . Javert’s Soliloquy and the scenes set within the Paris sewers are brilliantly enhanced as a result of the projections that do nothing to detract from the importance of the music and performances.

Thanks to the clever and talented artistry of Nick Cartell and his colleagues, Paule Constable, Matt Kinley, and Finn Ross, the Les Miserables U.S. Tour is a must-see during its run in Costa Mesa, California.

Les Miserables U.S. Tour in Orange County

Website : https://www.scfta.org

Tickets : Starting at $40

Dates : Through October 1, 2023

September 28 th :  Patrons attending the performance on Thursday, September 28 th  at 7:30pm are welcome to join us for a free talkback/Q&A with Les Misérables cast and company members. The talkback will take place after the performance on the Orchestra level and will last approximately 15 minutes.

Next Up : Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations (October 17-29, 2023)

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Theater Review: LES MISÉRABLES (National Tour)

by Tony Frankel on August 14, 2023

in Theater-Los Angeles , Theater-Regional , Tours

DON’T MIZ IT

Unlike most of the characters in the blockbuster sung-through musical  Les Misérables , the show itself will never die. Consistently presented either on Broadway, national tours, and globally since the English-language version opened on the West End in 1985, audiences can’t get enough of Victor Hugo’s story about ex-con and do-gooder Jean Valjean and his righteous long-arm-of-the-law pursuer, Javert. With a speedy 3-hour running time, the rousing anthems, heartbreaking ballads, delicious characters right out of Dickens, and compelling storytelling—from Valjean’s paroling to the Paris Uprising of 1832—prove that modern audiences and millennials do indeed have an attention span if the material is great.

After that awful movie adaptation, another Les Miz found itself on Broadway in 2014. The National Tour which relaunched October 7 and opened last week at the Pantages Hollywood (which then heads for Segerstrom in Costa Mesa) is a sleek new revival based on that production, the national tour of which was cut short by COVID in 2020. With dozens of roles, many of them major, and 30+ ensemble members, all of whom must sing spectacularly while negotiating hundreds of costume and wig changes, Les Miz is not an easy venture to undertake (costumes by Andreane Neofitou , additional costume designs by Christine Rowland and Paul Wills ). This production directed by James Powell and Laurence Connor captures the revolutionary spirit in spades.

Designed by Matt Kinley (inspired by the paintings of Hugo), and projections realized by Finn Ross , Jonathon Lyle , and Fifty Nine Productions , the turntable and multi-media spectacle of Broadway have been expunged, but — especially with Kinley’s massive barricade and the amazing lighting by Paule Constable — it is no less effective.

Tara Rubin Casting has assembled the most important thing: singers. Some acted better than others, but the vocals blew me away, especially with Mick Potter ‘s sound design, which makes the acoustically troubled theater feel intimate. I heard most every lyric.

The astounding Nick Cartell anchors the show as Valjean: His vocal abilities positively stunned with a powerful and resonant tenor, and his rendition of “Bring Him Home” was one of the most stirring on record — a lengthy and roaring ovation followed this poignant ballad (one of the few places in the show the audience gets a break to applaud).

Other characters were portrayed as well as those on Broadway. Randy Jeter was the apotheosis of sanctity and strength as the Bishop who bestows silver candlesticks on Valjean as a way to keep him from a life of thievery. An impassioned and persuasive Devin Archer brought life to Enjolras, the leader of the revolutionaries with no backstory whatsoever (indeed, I don’t believe the character’s name is even mentioned in the show). Chicago actors Matt Crowle ( Gentlemen’s Guide.. .) and Cristina Rose Hall ( Wonderful Town ) wisely don’t go over the top as Monsieur and Madame Thénardier, lowlifes who make Fagin from Oliver  a candidate for Sainthood.

Christine Heesun Hwang veered from that yodeling, pop-opera sound as Thénardier’s daughter Éponine, offering a lovely, straightforward teenager who is torn between unrequited love and a life of larceny. A real find was Henry Kirk as the Artful Dodger-like boy, Gavroche; it’s always thrilling to see a child actor powerful in voice who can do without cloying behavior. And as Valjean’s adopted daughter Cosette, who falls for the student revolutionary Marius, Addie Morales presented a clarity of tone that was astonishing. Haley Dortch as the good-girl-turned-prostitute Fantine (“I Dreamed a Dream”) scrunched three-hours of drama into her twenty-minute role, but wisely replaced that grand tortured-soul performance for damaged purity.

Preston Truman Boyd has a booming voice and tall stature as Javert, but while compelling, he lacked character complexity. The only undistinguished performance came from Gregory Lee Rodriguez as Marius, the student revolutionary who falls for Cosette — he sounds fine and looks swell, but without dramatic intent, his songs didn’t always ratchet up to an emotional impact. His love songs, however, soar. And when he meets cute with Cosette, it’s a very winning moment. (Listen, spectators will have their own favorites in regards to characters and/or the actors portraying them; that’s yet another reason why people return and return again.)

Updating John Cameron ‘s original orchestrations, Stephen Matcalfe , Christopher Jahnke , and Stephen Brooker did wonders with a scaled-down 14-member orchestra (music supervision is by Stephen Brooker and James Moore . Credit for the vocals and band goes to Musical Director Brian Eads . With that damn terrific score brought to magnificence by Eads, it’s clear why Les Miz is, as the ad says, “Still the World’s Most Popular Musical.”

But the stars of the show really are creators Claude-Michel Schönberg (music), Herbert Kretzmer (English language libretto based on original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel ), and James Fenton (additional material). And, of course, the adaptation by  Trevor Nunn  and  John Caird . These gentlemen may have truncated and in some ways bastardized Hugo’s novel, but there must have been Divine Intervention because they found the beating heart of the universal human journey: the search for love in a world of injustice.

photos by Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade

LES MISÉRABLES National Tour for dates and cities, visit Les 

reviewed at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre end on September 10, 2023 for tickets, call 800.982.2787 Broadway In Hollywood and Ticketmaster

Segerstrom Center for the Arts in Costa Mesa September 19-October 1, 2023 for tickets, call 714.556.2787 or visit SCFTA

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Cameron’s Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s  LES MISÉRABLES: THE ARENA SPECTACULAR  will embark on a World Tour from this September with strictly limited UK dates. Expanded from the hugely successful  Les Mis é rables The Staged Concert , which played for over 200 record-breaking performances in the West End, this spectacular production will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues with a cast and orchestra of over 65.

Tickets are now on sale for the only UK and European dates. CLICK HERE for tour dates and to book tickets.

Initial UK and European casting now announced. CLICK HERE to find out more.

Trailer features initial UK casting. Please note that the appearance of any artist is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice. Full casting to be announced.

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Francis Scott Key High students bring epic musical ‘Les Miserables’ to life this weekend

S tudents from Francis Scott Key and Century high schools, as well as the elementary and middle schools that feed into FSK,  will bring the classic musical “Les Miserables” to Carroll County this weekend and next.

Director and FSK High teacher Roberta Gore said the show truly reflects multiple school communities coming together to create an emotionally evocative live performance.

“I chose [“Les Miserables”]because I knew that we had, generally speaking, the talent, the effort, and the work ethic to pull it off,” Gore said. “It is really really hard, but I also think it’s really important for a kid to do good, good, good stuff.”

The show’s pit includes student musicians from both high schools, and Gore said she is grateful to the Sykesville school for assisting with the production.

“We have Francis Scott Key and Century playing together in our pit, and it’s just so cool,” Gore said.

The instrumental music of “Les Miserables” is a heavy lift for students, as it continues uninterrupted for nearly the entire show. Gore said challenging students with difficult scores can be incredibly rewarding, as long as the students receive the time and instruction required to master their respective parts.

“I’m most impressed with the orchestra because they don’t get any break at all,” Gore said.

More than 94 students contribute to the show, including those who appear onstage, in the pit, and those who helped design and create technical elements of the show.

Gore said “Les Miserables” is not an easy show, but the talented cast of students rose to the occasion over 4 1/2 months of rehearsals.

] “For anybody, it’s hard to perform an opera,” Gore said. “It’s not a concert, so you can’t just stand on stage and sing; you’ve got to act, but while you’re acting, you’ve got to be hitting all these notes.

“We’re very excited,” Gore said, “but we are very aware of the challenge.”

“Les Miserables” the musical is based on an epic novel by Victor Hugo set in 1830s France, and its main story centers on the June Rebellion of 1832, an anti-monarchist uprising that took place in Paris.

Gore said the musical offers a profound message in presenting the depth of love of which humans are capable and sends the message that individuals are more than the labels society assigns them.

“If people stand up after the show and feel even a tiny bit more hopeful about mankind, I would think that is a win,” Gore said.

Students have risen to the challenge of conveying the stakes associated with being on the front lines of a revolution, sometimes playing five or more distinct characters in a story that spans three decades, Gore said.

“The kids have to make multiple costume changes,” Gore said, “and they have to really be on it, but we’re excited.”

Gore directed “Les Miserables” twice at North Carroll High School, in 2004 and in 2013, before coming to teach at Francis Scott Key in 2016. She said it is one of her favorite shows, and she cherishes the experience of sharing it with a fresh group of students and a new school community before she retires. Gore, 65, added that she likely will retire soonbut not immediately.

“I really wanted to give Francis Scott Key “Les Mis” because I think, generally, we’re afraid of it,” Gore said. “Generally, we feel like we don’t have enough talent to pull this off, and the truth is we all do.”

Performances are set for 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday as well as April 26 and 27 at the high school, 3825 Bark Hill Road, Union Bridge. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased online: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/fsk-choral-drama-boosters/65b913efedc8bb0e3ee04c91/tickets

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