Reviewed by Sarah Hansel /
Sacramento
Stage & Theatre
Michael
Hunsaker as Marius and Will Ray as Enjolras in the 2007 Music Circus
premiere of LES MISERABLES
at the Wells Fargo Pavilion July 10–22, 2007. Photo by Charr Crail.
For
years, my family has owned a CD of the original Broadway recording of
LES MISÉRABLES.
Eventually it became a standard part of our
road trip soundtrack, even though I had never seen the play.
I grew up listening to songs like “Castle on a
Cloud” and “Master of the House” — enjoying them, singing along, but
never truly appreciating or understanding them.
After seeing the Music Circus’ version of LES MISÉRABLES, I listen to these
songs with a new perspective.
LES MISÉRABLES was passionate and even
epic — a musical that lacked little in both the talents of its cast and
the tragic truth of its message.
LES MISÉRABLES, based on the 1862
novel by Victor Hugo, is the story of Jean Valjean (Ivan Rutherford), a
convict on parole after 19 years in a chain gang. He soon breaks parole
and attempts to start his life over. Years later, Valjean has changed
his name and become the mayor of a small town.
After showing mercy to a dying prostitute
named Fantine (Andrea Rivette), he vows to find and care for her
daughter, Cosette (Laura Griffith). The play spans over about 20
years and follows Valjean’s quest to become an honest man, although he
is perpetually pursued by Inspector Javert (Brad Little).
Eventually, Valjean reaches Paris with Cosette and
becomes involved in the student’s revolution, led by Enjolras (Will
Ray), and Cosette’s newfound love, Marius (Michael Hunsaker), among
others.
LES MISÉRABLES evolves into a grand
tale of courage, love, and the decency of man and the law.
The famous plot of LES MISÉRABLES alone is well worth
applause, but the outstanding cast that brought it to life for the
Music Circus made it deserving of a heartfelt standing ovation.
Supported by a story as classic as that of LES MISÉRABLES, the singing and acting
of the performers was some of the most genuine and passionate I had
ever seen at the Music Circus.
As the lead character, Rutherford commanded
the play with such confidence and sincerity that he seemed to be
Valjean — no surprise, as he has performed the role over 1,800 times
across the country.
After singing “Bring Him Home” in a hauntingly
beautiful high-pitched key, he received the most fervent applause I
have ever heard at the Music Circus.
Other notable actors were Andrea Rivette,
whose heart-wrenching performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” as Fantine
nearly brought tears to my eyes, and Juliana Ashley Hansen (Eponine),
who perfectly emulated the tragedy of unrequited love in “On My Own”.
The rest of the cast was just as vocally talented —
I was actually taken aback at the beauty and power of their harmonies
at times.
In short, LES MISÉRABLES was incredible —
entertaining, passionate, dramatic, beautiful, sincere and
thought-provoking.
It was everything a musical should be, and so
profoundly touching that its music has become more than just a
soundtrack for me — it now represents a beautiful story that was
beautifully performed.
Performances are Tuesdays
through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7:30 p.m. and Thursdays and
Saturdays at 2 p.m.
The best available seating for LES MISÉRABLES is in the second week
of performance. Tickets ($37 –
$51) for LES MISÉRABLES are currently on sale
at the Wells
Fargo Pavilion Box Office at 1419 H Street, Sacramento, by phone at
(916) 557-1999.Tickets are also available on line
at www.SacramentoMusicCircus.com. For discounts for
groups of 12 or more, call (916) 557-1198.
The 2007 Music Circus season will continue with
NUNSENSE” (July 24
– 29), KISS ME, KATE (July 31 – August 5), ANNIE (August 7 – 12),
HELLO, DOLLY! (August 14 – 19), JEKYLL & HYDE (August 21 – 26)
and 1776 (August 29 – September 2.
