By LeAnna Hamblin
At the end of the day, audiences are left with a heart full of love after experiencing Fred Meyer Broadway in Boise’s Les Misérables at the Morrison Center for Performing Arts at Boise State University. Les Misérables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo (with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer),is a love story of many different dynamics: love between parent and child, love between man and woman, and love between man and country. It premiered in Paris in 1980 in the original French language, then was adapted into the English language and has been playing in London since October 1985. Directors Laurence Connor and James Powell, with casting by Tara Rubin Casting/Kaitlin Shaw, CSA, have created a magical piece of storytelling presented by a cast of extremely talented actors and musicians.
Jean Valjean, played by understudy Christopher Vijoen (Nick Cartell unfortunately fell ill), is the central character through which all other stories intertwine. Vijoen’s intensity and dedication to this role bring the other actors together and give them a central point from which to radiate. Vijoen and Josh Davis, who plays Javert, Valjean’s nemesis, react to each other so well; the audience is drawn into their face-offs throughout the performance. Davis has a commanding presence throughout the show. As many attempt to stand up to him, he holds his ground in his quest to bring Valjean down. It is only after Javert realizes what kind of man Valjean has become that he decides to end the quest.
Fantine (Mary Kate Moore) is a dynamic character who sacrifices everything to sustain her daughter’s life. Moore brings a hopeful presence to Fantine, especially during the well-known number “I Dreamed a Dream.” Her clear and strong voice fills the audience with a sense of hope. Fantine’s daughter, Little Cosette (Aubin Bradley) is left in the care of Valjean. She is tenderhearted, which Bradley perfectly portrays along with the innocence required for this young character. It is especially impressive to watch the contrast between Little Cosette and her caregivers Thénardier (Jimmy Smagula) and his wife Madame Thénardier (Allison Guinn). Their raunchy portrayals of these well-known characters stay true to what the audience would expect. Smagula and Guinn’s voices are very entertaining. They creatively play off each other, working as a team while quietly attacking one another.
As Cosette (Jillian Butler) enters her teenage years, the father-daughter connection between Valjean and Cosette develops beautifully. Butler and Vijoen have a strong connection onstage and are convincing as father and daughter. Butler also has a strong onstage connection to Joshua Grosso who plays Marius, Cosette’s love interest. As Grosso delves into his role as Marius, his experience as an actor is apparent. The song “A Heart Full of Love” shows the teenage angst that is felt by Marius, Cosette, and Éponine (Paige Smallwood) as they navigate their way through their feelings.
Smallwood shines as a heroine during the barricade scenes as Éponine does what she can to save Marius and his crew of young soldiers, which include the young, fearless Gavroche (Parker Weathersbee) and the natural leader, Enjolras (Matt Shingledecker). Smallwood does an excellent job showing the vulnerable side of Éponine during “On My Own” as she fills the rafters of the hall with her passionate voice.
As the story develops and Valjean is forced to accept the fate of his own life, his only concern is for the well-being of Cosette. It is during “Bring Him Home” that we see Valjean’s most vulnerable moment. As he comes to terms with the fate at hand, Valjean carries Marius’ lifeless body through the sewer to protect him from further harm. The technical elements during this scene are incredible as the projection by Fifty-Nine Productions creates movement through the sewer, and the fog and lights, designed by Paule Constable, create a dark and dank space. Throughout the show, Constable’s lighting designs continually set the mood of the story, including drastic changes between life and death, between fear and hope.
The impressive ensemble comes together several times during this production to show off their talent, especially during “At the End of the Day” and “One Day More” where several ensemble members are featured as soloists. Music Director, Brian Eads, utilizes the actors to their fullest abilities, and pairs them with an impeccable live orchestra led by Eads himself.
As the cast gathers for the “Finale,” the message of this timeless story is featured as the they beautifully deliver the line, “Beyond the barricade is there a world you want to see.” Change can only happen if one sees that it must be. It takes courage and belief for change to happen and Grosso, Butler, Smallwood, Moore, and Viljoen display that courage throughout their performance.
Although Les Misérables is one of the most popular stage productions today, Fred Meyer Broadway in Boise’s production gives the audience something new to reflect upon as they are engrossed in the story. It is full of inspiration and full of lessons to be learned. The content is more of a PG-13 nature and there are some loud sound effects, pyrotechnics, and fog so I would recommend leaving your little ones at home. It is worth the trip to the Morrison Center at BSU with any theatre-loving friend or family member.
Fred Meyer Broadway in Boise Presents Les Misérables, Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.
The Morrison Center, 2201 W Cesar Chavez Ln, Boise, Idaho 83706
July 30-August 4, 2019; July 30-August 1, 7:30 PM; August 2, 8:00 PM; August 3, 2:00 PM, 8:00 PM; August 4, 1:00 PM, 6:30 PM
Tickets: $40.50-$210
Contact: 208-426-1110
The Morrison Center Website
The Morrison Center Facebook Page
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