BWW Reviews: LES MISERABLES - A Triumph!

Stage West Community Playhouse celebrates the 25th Anniversary, of one of the world's longest running musicals, seen by over 65 million people in 42 countries, "LES MISERABLES", playing now through November 24th in Spring Hill, Fl.

Kudos to Stage West for programming such an enormous and ambitious project. And the opening night performance was the BEST production I have ever seen at Stage West, - a Triumph! Stage West's theatrical barre is raised to an all time height with this production! BRAVO!

'LES MISERABLES" is full of memorable melodies and stage pageantry. This show was the force behind the "Pop-opera" movement on Broadway in the 1980's, displaying an all singing libretto; (without any spoken dialogue).

The Broadway production opened in 1987 at the Broadway Theatre and ran until 2003, closing after 6,680 performances. It is the fourth longest-running Broadway show in musical theatre history and was the second-longest at the time.

"LES MISERABLES" was nominated for 12 Tony Awards and won eight, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. There was a Broadway revival in 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre, which closed in 2008. A film version was released at the end of 2012, starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway.

The story is set in France, in early 19th-century. It revolves around a French peasant, Jean Valjean, who breaks parole, after serving 19 years in jail, for stealing a loaf of bread, for his starving sister's child. As he tries to start a new life, he meets up with a variety of characters, and is swept away, by a group of young revolutionary idealists.

What a marvelous cast, in The Stage West production, with a cast of 40 talented, singing actors! The ensemble had some of the finest voices in the area. Their rendition of 'One Day More" at the end of Act I, was simply chilling.

Director Barbara Everest made an excellent choice, casting Brian Beach as Jean Valjean, (having played the role before). Mr. Beach gave an honest, passionate, portrayal. His wide vocal range and subtle inflections, combined with his fine acting, created an outstanding performance. His inspirational rendition of "Bring Him Home", will be long remembered. (You could hear a pin drop...).

Equally impressive was the intimidating W. Paul Wade as Javert. Mr. Wade's physical presence and total command of the stage ,was a great foil to Beach's smaller stature, heightening his battle with courage and bravery..

There were many memorable performances, including Jessica Virginia, who's glorious voice and acting skills brought life to her portrayal as Eponine. Victoria Primosch did a fine job in the challenging role of Fantine, singing a haunting, rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream". As Cosette, Brittany Gonzoles shines in her role. Her beauty, acting, and lovely lyric soprano voice, made her the perfect choice for this production. Patrick Gonzoles is a convincing Enjolras, the student leader. Maxwell Brazier put vim and vigor into his role as the pint-sized, brave, Gavroche. His solo, "Little People" had the audience in the palm of his hands.

The much awaited for comic relief of the production, is the all consuming, audience favorite, Leanne Germann as the boisterous, Madame Thenardier. Ms. Germann was outstanding in her role, giving a devily-delicious portrayal of the Innkeeper's wife, opposite Chuck DePalo as the crooked, Thenardier.

The highlight of the evening, was a stunning performance by Ryan Bintz as Marius. From the moment he began to sing, the entire production was elevated to new level. Mr. Bintz has it all, good looks, fine acting skills, and a well trained, lyric tenor voice that revels among the best. His dramatic, heart-wrenching rendition of "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables" left the audience weak and speechless.

Rounding out the talented cast were Trinity Walz, Ashleigh Dudek as Little Cosette and Little Eponine, George Dwyer as Combeferre, Augustin Quijije as Feuilly, Christian Braz as Joly, Jeff Germann as Grantaire, Colin Brooks as Lesgles, and Dakota Ruiz as Jean Prouvaire.

The ensemble included, Shanna Andrews, Sharyn Beach, Marvalyn Brown, Linda Campo, Nikki Dermott, George Germann, Kimberly Hagland, Judy Jones, Chuck Lutton, Allen Magnus, Bill Myers, Heather Olejniczak, Lyndsey Ruiz, Ralph Shafer, Amanda Sinclair, SydneyLynn Sizemore, Doug Stone, and Patty Villegas.

The set construction crew, kept the majority of design, simple and effective, which all lead up to the grande presentation of the street barricade, which revolved on a turntable. The lighting design by Dan Brojbag created a dark and dramatic atmosphere, albeit with ever increasing levels of fog at this performance, made Javert's death scene a challenge to view. Sound design by Dalton and Lynda Benson, and Bill Kopp was good, although some additional microphones would have allowed the audience to hear the lovely voices of the ensemble soloists.

Considering that this was opening night, these few technical issues were minimal and there is no doubt im my mind, that the fog will "lift" and the sound will be "bumped up", for the remaining performances.

"Bravo!", to Director Barbara Everest, who streamlined this production, by clearly defining the many characters and locations. Her casting choices were impressive and her skillful hand was evident in each seamless scene, keeping the 3 hour musical moving at a brisk pace. The clean, well rehearsed, period choreography was by Toni Merchant. Musical Director Wayne Raymond and Vocal Director Roberta Moger did a fine job with the challenging score, coaching the singers and musicians to give their very best performance. And they did!

The opening night audience gave the cast a well-deserved standing ovation.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

DON'T MISS THIS SHOW!

Running Time: Approximately three hours, with one intermission

Please support Community Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... "for the LOVE of the theatre".

LES MISERABLES - Book By Alain Boublil and Claude Michel Schonberg; Music By Claude Michel Schonberg; Lyrics By Herbert Kretzmer; Directed by Barbara Everest; Musical Direction By Wayne Raymond; Choreography by Toni Merchant. Runs November 7th - 24th, 2013. Ticket Prices $20.00. CALL - 352- 683-5113. The theatre is located at 8390 Forrest Oaks Blvd, Spring Hill, Florida.

The next production at Stage West Community Playhouse is "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever",Dec. 12th - 22th, 2013.