Review Roundup: LES MISERABLES Launches New National Tour

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!

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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.

Fox Theatre - Atlanta, GA

Emma Loggins, FanBolt: Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean is the star of the show. And he is, without question, the best actor I’ve ever seen in this role. His performance was sheer perfection and his voice was not only the ideal fit for Valjean – it’s also one of the best voices I’ve heard on stage in any musical – ever.

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts - Orlando, FL

Albert Gutierrez, BroadwayWorld: It’s that “enough” that makes Les Misérables such a classic today. It knows how much it gives to its audience, and gives just a bit more to make it worth it. There’s a reason why this show has toured multiple times for multiple years. The last time Les Misérables brought their story to Central Florida, COVID-19 was merely a concern from halfway around the world. No one could have anticipated that its 2017 tour would closed suddenly in 2020, waiting two more years to get mounted once more. The 2022 tour has one more year left before retiring in August 2025, including more stops in Florida. However, those in Orlando only have this final week in June to witness the majesty and grandeur of this popular musical.

Jeremiah Good, Laughing Place: Never before has a show moved me to the point of wanting to give a standing ovation not just at the end of the show but multiple times during the show. Based on the Victor Hugo novel about love and revolution, this new production wasted no space on the Walt Disney Theater stage, sets and props are constantly moving but never to the point of distraction because it is all done with the magic of theater. Each song is written to bring out the emotion in not only the actor but in all the audience, but it takes true talent to deliver a performance that takes you out of the audience and transports you to somewhere real  and the entire cast is next level when it comes to that. Two of the cast members that stood out, which is a hard thing to do with such a talented ensemble, had to be the lead Nick Cartell who not only owns the stage as Jean Valjean but conveys such emotion in ever note he sang and made me believe he truly did grow older with each scene. Though for me the show stealer had to be Mya Rena Hunter as Éponine, in this grand cast she may have a smaller part; her rendition of “On My Own” could be one of the finest moments I have ever experienced in a theater.

Place des Arts [Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier] - Montréal, Canada

Amanda Wong, My Scena: First of all, I must applaud the cast for their singing. Nick Cartell delivered a stellar performance as Jean Valjean (aka prisoner 24601), his melodious tenor reflecting his extensive experience in the role (over 1200 performances). Preston Truman Boyd stood out as Javert with his deep, rich voice, while Randy Jeter made a memorable impression with his brief yet heartfelt scenes as the Bishop. Jake David Smith impressed as Marius: the boyish innocence of love-at-first-sight was captured in his awkward and endearing meeting with Cosette under her balcony. 

National Arts Centre - Ottawa, ON

Courtney Castellino, BroadwayWorld: The entire cast gave strong performances, especially the two leads, Cartell and Truman Boyd. Cartell has given over 1,200 performances in this role, and it shows; he embodied the heart and soul of Valjean, nowhere more obvious than during “Bring Him Home”. This is a song towards which I generally feel ambivalent, but Cartell’s rendition transformed it into an almost religious experience. Truman Boyd was the perfect counterpart to Cartell in his portrayal of Javert, the man who seeks justice, despite his growing inner misgivings.

Lynn Saxberg, Ottawa Citizen: A majestic touring production of Les Misérables landed at the National Arts Centre on Tuesday, full of soaring voices, fanciful costumes and a barricade to be defended at all costs.

Samara Caplan and Laura Gauthier, APT613: It would be difficult to list the standout cast as every actor on stage from lead to ensemble members was outstanding and had stellar voices that perfectly captured the difficult and dense score. It’s a very fast-moving show, with a winding tale told over many years, so the audience needs to pay attention to the lyrics and story because before you know it, you’re into the next scene and plot line, which these actors pull off effortlessly. The orchestra was beautiful and powerful, with such well-known songs adding to the grandeur, pace and emotion of the story.

Boston Opera House - Boston, MA

Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald: Often it’s mocked for this sweep. The cast is huge. The score often rises up like a mountain range. The sets and lights and fog (so much great fog!) carry the audience from 1800s French chain gangs to whore houses to the bridges and sewers and barricades of Paris on the brink of revolution. It has to have this largeness to frame the large ideas and emotions that provide the show’s humanity.

Ensemble Arts [Academy Of Music] - Philadelphia, PA

Jamie Flowers, West End Best Friend: Les Misérables is such a powerful show and seeing it live at Ensemble Arts in Philadelphia was an amazing experience. The current North American tour, starring Nick Cartell, Preston Truman Boyd, Matt Crowle, Mya Rena Hunter, Delaney Guyer and understudy Emily Fink, gives a truly memorable performance that cannot be missed. The live theatre experience has a way of connecting you to the emotions and artistry in a profound way that is irreplaceable.

Chrysler Hall - Norfolk, VA

Page Laws, The Virginian-Pilot

Playhouse Square - Cleveland, OH

Roy Berko, BroadwayWorld: The changes, in the scheme of things, don’t change the overall power and effect of the show.  No one is going to argue with the conceivers and stagers of a show which has been seen by over 70 million people. 

The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts - Louisville, KY

Taylor Clemons, BroadwayWorld: The supporting cast and ensemble are wonderful as well, but with a cast so big it is hard to shout everyone out, however Matt Crowle and Victoria Houston-Elem as the Thènardiers were a wonderful comedic diversion to the serious and dramatic tone of the story. Also, Kaitlyn Sumner, an understudy for Èponine, was vocally superb and acted the role with deep thoughtfulness.

Kirby Adams, Courier Journal: Let's start with the goosebumps-worthy songs the audience experiences during Les Miserable. From “I Dreamed a Dream” and “One Day More” to “Do You Hear The People Sing,” this is a show loaded with powerful, passionate, and highly emotional songs accompanied by live orchestral music.

Wharton Center - East Lansing, MI

Chelsea Lake Roberts, Lansing City Pulse: If you're a theater person, you know the story and love the songs. But in this tour, the tech and talent bring the script to life again. Seamlessly integrated projections and lighting take us down the streets with protesters and underground, into the sewers of France. Stagecraft like choreographed fighting and weaponry is expertly handled. And the barricade frightens in its familiarity, like the shining metal from the used car lot down the road instead of a scene from two centuries ago. 

Auditorium Theatre - Rochester, NY

Colin Fleming-Stumpf, BroadwayWorld: The production of Les Misérables currently featured at the Auditorium Theatre is intense, captivating, and a reminder as to why this iconic piece of theatre has stood the test of time. 

The Bushnell - Hartford, CT

Hartford Courant

Orpheum Theatre - Minneapolis, MN

Jared Fessler, BroadwayWorld: Leading the show, Nick Cartell shines as Jean Valjean, delivering a performance full of heart and emotion. His version of "Bring Him Home" was absolutely stunning, earning one of the biggest ovations of the night. Cartell captures the struggles and strength of Valjean perfectly.

Johan Preston, Star Tribune: Lo these many years ago, Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell) stole a loaf of bread, was sentenced to an initial five years in prison that got extended to 19. Now out, he has broken parole and reinvented himself as a respectable businessman with a heart of gold.

Tulsa Performing Arts Center - Tulsa, OK

Tulsa World

 Eccles Theatre - Salt Lake City, UT

Tyler Hinton, BroadwayWorld: Nick Cartell, who has played Jean Valjean over 1,300 times, brings the best parts of Colm Wilkinson and Hugh Jackman to his portrayal, along with his own special blend of boldness and tenderness, carrying the show on his broad shoulders.

Blair Howell, Q Salt Lake: Surprising for a tour production, each cast member’s bravura performance is the hallmark of this Broadway Across America production. Playing the lead characters and doing them justice is a Herculean feat. Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean and Nick Rehberger as Javert are truly gifted.

Bass Performance Hall - Fort Worth, TX

Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star Telegram: The story works on so many levels - redemption, faith, love, strength, courage, determination, compassion — all with the connecting link to a greater good. The message is as unforgettable as the music. Cartell, who has played Valjean over 1,400 times — including the show’s last trip through Fort Worth — is mesmerizing in the role of Valjean. The story demands such a performance, and he delivers mightily, encompassing the past Valjean can never forget even as he looks to the future, particularly for Cosette. And his commanding voice leads the way for the blissful and bombastic blend of music delivered by a range of amazing vocalists throughout the cast."

Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex - Birmingham, AL

Cade Lott, BroadwayWorld: The entire cast delivered exceptional performances, bringing Victor Hugo's timeless story to life with passion and conviction. "One Day More" resonated deeply with the audience. The Thénardiers stole the show with their comedic brilliance in "Master of the House," and their energy made the audience roar with laughter.

Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall - Sarasota, FL

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