BWW Reviews: CM PAC's LES MISERABLES - This One Is For Noel

Noel Ruiz, that is, CM PAC's beloved leader, a mentor to so many, and a pillar of the Long Island theatre community who passed away in September. This production of the Tony Award winning classic LES MISERABLES was Mr. Ruiz's vision and dream. As you read the bios of the cast in the playbill, they even dedicate this performance to him. PatRick Grossman, a CM vet, stepped in for the final staging as, naturally, the show must go on. And let me tell you, Mr. Ruiz would be so proud.

Bob Butterley, another veteran of the Long Island theatre community, masterfully portrayed Val Jean. His strong voice and commanding stage presence made him an excellent choice for the role. Val Jean has been released from an extremely harsh jail term as the musical opens and his frustrations and angst on how society dismisses him after his release grew as the show progressed.

Breaking probation, Val Jean was relentlessly and sadistically tracked down by Police Inspector Javert portrayed by Casey Manning. Perhaps a little young for someone who is supposed to be a senior-level law enforcement official, but Mr. Manning wonderfully performed the role of the feared police man. What an incredible voice he has.

Also among the large, talented cast, was Brianne Boyd as Fantine, a poor worker who unfairly loses her job. This results in her selling her belongings and turn to prostitution in order to continue to pay the conniving Thénardiers - portrayed by Erica Gigilio and Rob Schindlar - for the care of her daughter. Among the favorites of the sold out audience was Ms. Boyd's heartbreakingly beautiful rendition of the iconic "I Dreamed a Dream". Starting off the number a little shaky, there was not a dry eye in the house by the end of the song. Additionally, Ms. Gigilio and Mr. Schindlar got roars of laughter with a comical performance in "Master of the House"

Indeed the set was another highlight. CM's stage is not particularly large - and this is a massive show - but they pulled it off wonderfully including the barricade scenes (which practically got a standing ovation from the nearly sold out audience).

LES MISERABLES is certainly a theatre staple in every shape and form. The themes - love, revenge, compassion, who's really the bad guy? - continue to be as relevant now as when it first premiered on Broadway in 1987. CM PAC's incarnation proves to be a great showing of this classic and Noel Ruiz wouldn't have had it any other way.

LES MISERABLES is presented by CM PAC of Oakdale, Long Island through November 24th. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Book by Alain Boublil, Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, Envisioned by Noel S. Ruiz, Staging and Choreography by PatRick Grossman, Musical Direction by Gary Eisele, Lighting Design by Michael Cole, Sound Design by Jennifer Amy, Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III & Debbie Parker, Stage Management by Amanda Wenchel and Sean Burbige. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit cmpac.org.