Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular Off-Broadway Reviews

At this point, those of us who love this material likely have seen the show before (maybe several times) and all we really want is the best singers Mr. Producer can find, an excellent sound system (check) and then one can simply close one’s eyes an...

At this point, those of us who love this material likely have seen the show before (maybe several times) and all we really want is the best singers Mr. Producer can find, an excellent sound system (check) and then one can simply close one’s eyes and relive the melodic, tumultuous pleasures of a pop opera like no other.

The concert arena production is packed with stellar voices, including Killian Donnelly as Valjean the night I attended, Bradley Jaden (Valjean’s nemesis Javert), and Samantha Barks (Fantine), among many. Collectively, they sing the roof off of Radi...

The concert arena production is packed with stellar voices, including Killian Donnelly as Valjean the night I attended, Bradley Jaden (Valjean’s nemesis Javert), and Samantha Barks (Fantine), among many. Collectively, they sing the roof off of Radio City Music Hall, aided by immaculate sound design that storms the barricade but also crystallizes the score’s more intimate passages, such as “A Little Fall of Rain,” when student Marius (Jac Yarrow) clutches a dying Eponine (Shan Ako).

Most important, the concert sounds glorious. The 2006 and 2014 Broadway revivals lost some of the musical’s power by downsizing the orchestra. Here, the larger ensemble restores the surging transitions, recurring themes and massive climaxes that pu...

Most important, the concert sounds glorious. The 2006 and 2014 Broadway revivals lost some of the musical’s power by downsizing the orchestra. Here, the larger ensemble restores the surging transitions, recurring themes and massive climaxes that pull the audience along. It makes a substantial difference in the show’s grip and emotional power.

When I first reviewed Les Misérables for its Broadway opening in 1987, I knew that it was special. It’s hard to believe that almost 40 years later, the show still gets to me, even after seeing it so many times. I’m obviously not alone. Judging b...

When I first reviewed Les Misérables for its Broadway opening in 1987, I knew that it was special. It’s hard to believe that almost 40 years later, the show still gets to me, even after seeing it so many times. I’m obviously not alone. Judging by the number of times the Radio City audience was moved to stand and cheer as if rooting for a hometown sports team, its cult status is deservedly preserved.