By Megan Holley
Desert Star Playhouse in Murray, Utah is a family-friendly dinner theatre and its current show Les Miserable by Tom Jordan will keep everyone laughing all night long. They are known for having delicious popcorn (which is free) and having the audience participate in the performances by booing the villains and cheering on the heroes. During this performance you will recognize songs from not only Les Miserables, but also; Oliver, Snow White, Chess, New York New York, Phantom of the Opera, and so many more. At the end of every performance, the cast performs an Olio that is themed to the show. Last night’s olio is Halloween themed. Les Miserable is a creative adaption of a three-hour Broadway musical squished down into a little over an hour, which is why I would recommend knowing the original plot of Les Miserables before seeing this adaptation, not only to understand it more but also to enjoy more of the jokes. Scott Holman brilliantly directs this musical in a way that makes it so the audience will laugh the night away.
Jean ValJean (Kyle Larsen), has the prisoner number 24601 in the original musical; but in this show, his number is 8675309. Larsen has an incredible falsetto, and it will knock your socks off! Jean ValJean follows the original plot and adopts Cassette (Kerstin Hallows/Ashley Haslam) after her mom Funtime (Hilly Akin Carey/Corinne Adair) makes a dramatic exit. Javert (Matt O’Malley/Danny Eggers) tries so hard to bring Larsen down while adding a lot of spoofs to the original script, ending in lots of laughter.
Holman always chooses performers that have amazing comedic timing and improvisational skills, and can sing, dance, and act. The casting of this show could not be better if he tried, every performer is thoroughly committed to their character and even when things do not go according to plan, they improvise to make it seem like it was supposed to happen.
Choreographer Liz Christensen creates the most simplistically beautiful and clean dances that fit each piece splendidly. A highlight of her choreography is shown when all of the characters climb onto separate ladders, each one getter larger by the next. This is incredibly important to the plot, which you will discover why when you go and see Les Miserable.
Accompanists Jordan Richardson and Zach Hansen keep the show running by providing the music for the show and the sounds for the audience to know when to boo or cheer. They are both incredibly talented and you will want them to keep playing once the show is over.
Set Designer Ken Lineberry once again brilliantly creates the set and Tom May brings an extra bit of comedy into the set with what is called “The Wheel of Torture”, basically is a way to spin the wheel to see what happens to one of the characters; some of the choices include; wear 700 masks, choke on popcorn, lose an eye, puke slugs, rescued by the Scarlett Pimpernel, spin again, and so many more.
Costume Designers Larissa Villers, Mary Atkinson,and Brytan Todd all create the perfect costumes for the characters that align with the time period, and I loved the giant hats, puffy aristocratic dresses, and the more simple dresses, too.
Maeson Busk, Theo Tillman, and Todd all work together to make the lights enhance each scene by darkening the stage when something sinister is happening or brightening the stage when it is an exciting moment to catch the audience’s eye when an angel comes in, for instance. They also balance the sound to ensure the microphones and music are not fighting each other so the audience can hear clearly.
There is no better way to make memories than to go see live theatre with family, and Les Miserable is a great choice. You can go with or without a mask. If you are comfortable going without a mask, you have the option to order something from their delicious menu during the show.
Desert Star Playhouse’s Les Miserable is fun for the whole family. Vive la France right here in the Salt Lake Valley!
Children under five years old are not allowed.
Desert Star Playhouse presents Les Miserable, written by Tom Jordan.
Desert Star Playhouse Theatre, 4861 S State Street, Murray, Utah 84107
August 26, 2021- November 6, 2021, times vary
Tickets: Adults $26.95, Children $15.95 (11 and under)
Contact: 801-266-2600
Desert Star Facebook Page
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