A Review

At The End of The Day, Another Great Night

By R. J. Donovan

"Les Miserables" has returned to Boston's Colonial Theatre as vibrant and as moving as ever.

With music and lyrics by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg, Victor Hugo's epic story tells the tale of fugitive-turned-businessman Jean Valjean and his lifelong struggle to evade capture from the self-righteous Inspector Javert.

Set against three turbulent decades of 19th century France, “Les Miserables” has received more than 50 major awards internationally, including the 1987 Tony for Best Musical. The original Broadway production concluded its 16-year run this past spring and ranks as the second longest running show in Broadway history.

Leading the cast is Randal Keith (left) as Valjean. With a commanding voice that bursts with power one moment only to shimmer down to a silk-like thread the next, Keith is outstanding in a role he has played both on Broadway and on tour. (He was personally chosen by Cameron Mackintosh to perform Valjean with the final Broadway cast which closed in May at The Imperial Theatre.)

The passage of so much time with one role might stifle another's interpretation, but that's hardly the case here. From his opening soliloquy to the touching "Bring Him Home," Keith sings the role like its an opening night performance.

Without exception, the cast is filled with outstanding voices. And as this is a show that's sung-through, that's critical to its success.

It's hard to single anyone out. But having said that, there’s Ma-Anne Dionisio who, as Eponine, delivers a heartbreaking "On My Own;" Tonya Dixon, who scores with Fantine's solo, "I Dreamed A Dream;" James Clow as Inspector Javert, who lifts you out of your seat with a powerful "Stars;" Erika Kiyomi Johnson as Young Cosette who sings a sweet "Castles On A Cloud;" and Josh Young as Marius, who sang "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" with such emotion that tears ran down his cheeks.

The comic relief in this tale of prison, war and patriotism is provided by Michael Kostroff and Cindy Benson as innkeepers, The Thenardiers, who provide devilish good fun in "Master of the House."

One of my favorite sections of the show remains what I call The Trio, which finds Cosette, Marius and Eponine singing "A Heart Full of Love" and "In My Life." As Cosette and Marius sing of their blossoming love, Eponine stands outside their view singing of her own love for Marius -- a love which, unfortunately, will never be returned.

"One Day More," which caps the first act, is one of the most moving moments in the evening with all the characters coming together with their own distinct song lines as we head into intermission.

Directed by John Caird and Trevor Nunn, the touring company is a carbon copy of the original staging, and the production values are topnotch. The center stage revolve spins effortlessly through the years, with cinematic lighting by David Hersey adding accent and highlight.

And the sound by Andrew Bruce is everything theatre sound design should be. You don't miss one word. Neither over nor under amplified, every whisper is realistically conveyed while the full-cast numbers are sharp and crisp.

Since opening in London in 1986, "Les Miserables" has been seen by more than 50 million people worldwide. Boston audiences have had several opportunities to see the show in the past, but another visit is called for as this cast is exceptional.

You've got until December 7 to give yourself an early holiday gift.

"Les Miserables " is at The Colonial Theatre, 106 Boylston Street in Boston, through December 7. For information, call 617-931-2787.

-- OnStage Boston

11/8/03