Les Miserables

Les Miserables
Arvada Center
Arvada, CO 
September 16 - October 25, 2008

Les Miserables is an important musical in my life. The first time I saw the show performed in 1989 I found it life-changing. So, I may be pickier about aspects of this production.

Taking on a musical this epic in scale is daunting, but the Arvada Center didn't seem scared at all. They treated the material with respect, but showed a willingness to make changes where they saw fit. It worked out fine.

This stage is very intimate, much more so than others that have taken on this sprawling musical. But it doesn't feel too small, it just brings us closer to the people in the story.

The cast taking on this operatic work is strong. I particularly loved the connection created between Fantine and Cosette, they never meet during the time of the show, but a bond is created all the same. The realtionship  between the students is real and we want to join them at the barricade. And Jean Valjean, our redeemed hero, binds every story together.

Les Miserables is the best of theater. It taps into our humanity, no matter what the time and circumstance. Arvada Center has captured the joy, sorrow and tragedy of this masterpiece.