BWW Reviews: LES MISERABLES at Hale Center Theater Orem is Truly Exceptional

LES MISERABLES is a show that Utah knows and adores. With the constant stream of productions in the state since the performance rights were made available, you'd be hard-pressed to find a local theatre fan who hasn't recently seen it live. So why see the current production at Hale Center Theater Orem? Because it is, quite frankly, better than any professional or semi-professional production that has been mounted along the Wasatch Front.

LES MISERABLES (a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, with lyrics also by Jean-Marc Natel and Herbert Kretzmer) is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It is the epic story of Jean Valjean, who spends his life running from the law because he stole a loaf of bread to save his family, and those he comes in contact with, including the students involved in the Paris Uprising of 1832. It is a powerful, classic tale of love, strength, and redemption told through beautiful music that is now iconic in its own right.

The performances, direction, and design in this production are all truly exceptional, and they have been tightly woven together into something that is riveting to behold. The three-hour runtime flies by as the audience is completely immersed in the story and music.

Director David Morgan has excised all hints of operatic excess, focusing on tight storytelling, realistic character development, illuminating acting choices, and interesting reinterpretations of scenes. This is all carefully balanced on a foundation of incredibly strong vocals instilled by music director Justin Bills.

The breadth and depth of talent is astonishing. Could there be a stronger Jean Valjean than Christopher Higbee (double cast with R. Brodie Perry), or a more heartbreaking Fantine than Adrien Swenson (double cast with Korianne Orton Johnson), or a more likeable Marius than Kaden Caldwell (double cast with Jon Rose)? That's not even mentioning the fantastic Rex Kocherhans as Javert (double cast with Ricky Parkinson), Marissa Smith as Eponine, Cairo McGee as Gavroche (double cast with Cooper Johnson), and more. Every actor fits his or her character like a glove.

And just as wonderful as the performances is the sublime production design. The scenic design by Bobby Swenson, projection art by Howard Fullmer, and lighting design by Cody Swenson work together seamlessly to transport the audience to the different worlds of nineteenth century Paris. The second act sequence that follows Valjean and Marius through a sewer and then Javert to a bridge is the zenith of what is accomplished throughout the show using subtle projections on a visually striking brick wall, flawless lighting, fog, and clever set pieces. The artistic lighting of the many death scenes is beautiful and meaningful.

Just when one might think the art of sound design in Utah has been lost, along comes the brilliant design by Cody Hale. It renders every vocal detail perfectly clear while also enhancing the impact of the performances.

The epic-scale costume design by MaryAnn Hill is also impressively executed, as is the accompanying hair and makeup design by Janna Larsen.

If you're sick and tired of LES MISERABLES, you still may want to make an effort to see this production. And whether you are a superfan of the show or you've never seen it in your life, this is the one to see.

LES MISERABLES plays through April 25, 2015. For tickets, call the box office at 801-226-8600 or visit www.haletheater.org.

Photo Credit: Pete Widtfeldt. L-R Christopher Higbee (Jean Valjean) and Rex Kocherhans (Javert)