“Les Misérables” will always have special meaning to me. Not only is it one of the best stage musicals of all time, but also it marked the beginning of a real love of theatre for me.
In 2004, my vocal music class decided to take a trip to the Civic Center to see a show. “Les Misérables” was chosen. As a young high school junior, I didn’t take the time to look into the plot of the show. I just thought it would be a fun class trip. I had no idea it would broaden my horizons to look at other musicals beyond those from Rodgers and Hammerstein.
I have since seen the show a second time during a “sisters excursion” to the Orpheum Theatre in Nebraska with my twin, Trish. I had an itch to see it again after college, and it was the closest show on the tour. Trish wanted to go also, so the trip was a no brainer. “Les Misérables” was just as fantastic as I remembered.
So Tuesday, I filed into a busy Des Moines Civic Center to see the show for a third time, I was ecstatic. The story was the same, but each production crew puts their own spin on the staging and set pieces. I was excited to see how the show changed in the nine years since I had last seen it.
This production made use of a video screen to help add to the set pieces on stage. This was the first I’ve seen the show using this technology. It was not overused, mostly just a background to the physical pieces on stage. When it was used more, it really added to the scene, particularly during the Javert suicide part.
The set pieces meant nothing without the cast around it. I thought the company as a whole did a phenomenal job. I have been listening to the original cast recording and was giddy with excitement when the ensemble hit the perfect blend and tone of the group numbers.
The story centers around a character named Jean Valjean. With Nick Cartell playing the part, the legendary role was in good hands. He played Valjean perfectly. His main solo in the second act, “Bring Him Home,” earned extensive applause from the audience. It was well deserved, and I had chills.
Every hero needs a good adversary. Javert has to be one of the most straight-laced characters ever written. He sees the world in one way and one way only. If you didn’t love Valjean so much, you may even like Javert. Josh Davis had the voice for the role. The low rumbling notes brought the correct amount of menace needed to really feel the hatred he had for Valjean.
The character who really breaks your heart is Fantine. Her tragic story was a major turning point for Valjean. Mary Kate Moore has a beautiful voice. “I Dreamed a Dream” was one of the best numbers of the show.
On a personal note, I got to share my excitement for the stage musical with my future sister-in-law, Ashley. She had only seen the movie and was really wanting to see it live. I told her before the show if she loved the movie, she’d love the stage production even more. I’m so glad the show didn’t disappoint. Ashley loved it even more than she thought possible, a dream come true if you will.
There’s still time to catch the show while it’s nearby. “Les Misérables” will be at the Civic Center through Sunday.
Contact Pam Pratt
at prodgers@newtondailynews.com