Review: LES MISERABLES at Popejoy Hall

Led by a phenomenally taalented cast, Les Misérables is a breathtaking experience that won't soon be forgotten. Based off Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, it tells an incredible story of unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption, all the while being set against the backdrop of 19th century France. Direct from a two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway, this Cameron Mackintosh presented production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award®-winning musical reminds everyone why Les Misérables is such a phenomenon.

The story of Les Misérables revolves around Jean Valjean, a man convicted to 19 years working on a chain gang for the crime of stealing a loaf of bread. At the start of the musical, Valjean is granted his freedom on parole, but is unable to find work due to his status as a felon. He is given a second chance by the Bishop of Digne, and through a generous gift, able to have a far better life. As Monsieur Madeleine, Valjean is a Mayor and factory owner, who always tries to help the people of his village as best he can. It is through a selfless act of rescuing a villager, Valjean draws the attention of Inspector Javert. Rather than returning to prison, Valjean keeps a promise he made to the factory worker, Fantine, and becomes the caretaker and father to her daughter, Cosette. Valjean and Cosette move to Paris, where they become involved in the 1832 students' revolution against the government due to Cosette falling in love with Marius. All the while, Javert remains obsessed with putting Valjean back in prison.

This production of Les Misérables was flawless, with each member of the cast playing their part(s) to perfection. With an emotionally charged performance, Nick Cartell gives a stand-out performance Jean Valjean, making even the most complex songs seem effortless. Josh Davis as Javert provides the perfect foil to Cartell's Valjean, taking the audience on a journey through Javert's emotional arc in a way that left the audience at Popejoy Hall enthralled. Mary Kate Moore brought depth to her role as Fantine, culminating in her incredible performance of "I Dreamed a Dream". As Eponine, Emily Bautista allows the audience to experience the pain of unrequited love. Nicholas Edward's performance of Enjolras was powerful and dynamic, making it easy to see how he could lead a revolution.

The creative team behind the production of Les Misérables were wonderful in their own right. The intricate costumes and scenery based off of paintings by Victor Hugo, helped to transport the audience to 19th century France. By the end of the nearly three hour show, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Les Misérables runs from Tuesday, May 8th until Sunday May 13th. Tickets, which range from $40 - $150, can be purchased at unmtickets.com, at the UNM Bookstore ticket office, the UNM ticket office at The Pit, or by phone at 925-5858 or 877-664-866.

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