A Triumph on Stage

As someone who had never seen Les Misérables, on stage or screen, I entered the theatre as a complete blank slate, armed only with the knowledge of the show's legendary status. I was acutely aware that I was about to experience a cultural touchstone for the first time, and I wondered if a local, abridged production could possibly live up to the decades of hype. 

Any such doubts were utterly dismantled from the moment the first notes resonated through the auditorium. This was not a mere recital of highlights; it was a powerful, emotionally charged theatrical event that served as a perfect and spectacular introduction to this epic world.

My lack of context could have been a hurdle, but the production cleverly turned it into a strength. Before each musical number, the show's director would offer a concise, abridged summary of the story's progression. These brief narrations were delivered with such clarity that they functioned like the turning of pages in a grand novel. 

Instead of feeling lost, I felt guided. We were told of a man's long imprisonment for a minor crime, his broken promise, and his relentless pursuit by a rigid lawman. We learned of a mother's desperation, the idealism of young lovers, and the fiery spirit of student revolution. These preludes provided the essential scaffolding, allowing the music and performances to build the emotional architecture of the story upon it.

And what performances they were! Freed from the burden of a full, three-hour runtime, the cast attacked each number with concentrated intensity and were uniformly superb. As a newcomer to the show, please pardon my inability to delve too deep into every individual character or which of their respective songs were included, but what I can say is this; a commanding and vocally stunning Jean Valjean anchored the show, while, opposite him, the relentless Javert was the embodiment of an unshakeable belief and unwavering duty. 

The true emotional gut-punch, however, came from the tragic Fantine. Her performance of a mother's despair was raw and visceral, a haunting lament that stripped away all theatricality to reveal pure, unadulterated human pain. It was utterly breath-taking.

The production wisely employed a minimalist set, using strategic lighting, projections, and a few key pieces to suggest the grimy streets of Paris and the period setting of the French Revolution. This forced the focus where it belonged: on the human drama and the magnificent, sweeping score, which was delivered with impressive force. 

But there was also flair and spectacle in abundance when needed. As the story approached it climax, volley after volley of pyros spat forth from cannons that emerged from behind the curtain. Cast members bodies fell limply to the stage floor as they were struck down by eruptions of light and flame. It was highly emotive and moving without doubt. 

Truth be told, as a first-time viewer, the whole experience was uniquely impactful. I didn't have the memory of other actors in these roles or any pre-conceived notion of how a certain scene "should" look. I was simply swept away by the raw passion and immense talent on display. The rousing anthems of rebellion were stirring, the tender ballads of young love felt genuinely poignant, and the final, transcendent moments left me with a profound sense of resolution.

This abridged production did more than just entertain me; It served as a perfect gateway to Les Misérables, proving that the power of this story lies not in its runtime, but in its timeless themes and its unforgettable music. It was a spectacular achievement for local theatre and, for this newcomer, an utterly unforgettable introduction to a masterpiece. 

Bravo to everyone involved, bravo! The standing ovation received at the end was definitely thoroughly deserved. A remarkable 5 star performance that all of the cast and crew should rightfully be proud of.

If you have not managed to catch the show yet, fear not. There is still one performance left in this run on Monday October 20th. I would highly recommend that you get yourselves down to the theatre for it. You might even see me there enjoying a re-run.