By Larisa Hicken
The SCERA Center for the Arts in Orem, Utah has a hit on their hands. To celebrate the SCERA’s 30th year, they are showing Utah Valley’s Premiere of the beloved musical Les Misérables, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg.
Les Misérables is an epic musical adapted from the novel by Victor Hugo which takes place on the brink of revolution in 19th century France. The plot follows Jean Valjean as he is released after being in prison for 19 years. Through a generous act of mercy, he is changed forever and vows to do as God would want him to do, even if that means breaking his parole. His commitment leads him to save a young girl names Cosette and raise her as his own – all while running from the ruthless Javert who is determined to see Jean Valjean punished for being a wicked man.
Director Jeremy Showgren does an excellent job of exploring the deep themes of Les Misérables – sacrificing for that which we love and giving mercy versus demanding justice. Showgren is obviously a talented director with the potential to be one of Utah’s best.
Showgren was also the Music Director and the tremendous vocal performances of the actors are a tribute to his abilities. There were a few times that I felt like the theatrical aspects of the show were sacrificed for the vocal quality, but the sound was so spectacular that I didn’t really mind.
There were also a few times during the night where I felt like the storyline was a little unclear, due to distractions on the stage, so if you are unfamiliar with Les Misérables, you may want to read through a summary before you come.
Matthew Krantz gave a rich heart-felt performance as Jean Valjean. I liked his unique characterization and genuine expressions and his voice is magnificent. “Bring Him Home” was a highlight of the night. My only critique of his acting would be that he didn’t seem to age physically. Even at the end of the night he had a little bounce in his step that didn’t seem to fit an older man with the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Jeffrey Smith created a very believable and interesting Inspector Javert and gave a solid musical performance. His final “Soliloquy” was phenomenal.
The leading women were every bit as talented as the leading men. Kelsey Mariner Thacker is a power house as Fantine and her gut-wrenching “I Dreamed a Dream” was something I won’t soon forget. It was refreshing to see Cosette played by a truly powerful Soprano, Morgan Flandro and Kira Knorr, playing Eponine, gave an endearing performance of “On My Own”. Allison Books, playing Madame Thenardier, also gave a polished performance.
I enjoyed BJ Oldroyd’s portrayal of Thenardier, but I would like to have seen his relationship with Madame Thendardier taken a little deeper. These characters seemed a little flatter than the others in the show and I felt like there were some missed opportunities for comic relief between these two, particularly in “Master of the House.”
During “Dog Eats Dog” in the sewers, Thenardier snaps the neck of a fallen soldier which I felt was a little over-the-top. Showgren made a clear effort to keep the show family-friendly during the rest of the show, so I was a little confused as to why that graphic moment was included.
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The stand-out performer of the night was Bryan Thacker as the young revolutionary leader, Enjolras. He has the stage presence and power to dominate a scene and I was ready to stand up and join his group as he sang “The People’s Song.”
Christian Jones gave an earnest performance as Marius Pontmercy and there were a lot of tears during his moving solo, “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables.” His character relationship with Morgan Flandro as Cosette seemed natural and genuine.
The cast of Les Misérables is made up of some of the best talent in Utah valley. Every soloist was incredible and the ensemble brought the crowd to their feet for a standing ovation in the closing “Do You Hear The People Sing?”
I would be remiss if I didn’t also mention the outstanding hair and make-up designed by Samantha Dunford and the costumes by Kelsey Seaver, Deborah Bowman, and Danielle Berry. The visual aspects of the show were some of the best I’ve ever seen at the SCERA.
Les Misérables is a show that the SCERA and all of Utah can be proud of. Don’t miss the opportunity to see this terrific show performed by a uniquely talented cast.
LOCATION:
SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre
699 South State Street, Orem, UT 84058
DATES: July 3-19 @ 8:00 PM
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays
ADMISSION: $10-16
Tickets available online at scera.org.
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