There are few shows in Broadway history that are as demanding as Les Misérables. The epic based on the eponymous Victor Hugo novel is a show drenched in emotional intensity that’s only matched by melodic and vocal dexterity that requires the strictest of concentration. When done correctly, it’s among the finest works ever staged. Even then, the effort to keep it all organized as it jumps from comedy to drama, from intimacy to active war fields, from love to revenge; is an incredible task that only the best have been able to pull off. Luckily for the students of The Academy of the Performing Arts, they were more than up to the challenge, using the minimalist stage work of Rose Center Theater to produce a “school edition” that is small in design but big in heart.
To provide some clarification, the “school edition” is far from an incomplete text. While the program may not list every song, all of the hits from “Who Am I?” to “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” are here. There is the familiar rousing finale where the ensemble takes the stage, singing harmoniously while flags are waved. Everything that has made Les Misérables a masterpiece is theoretically here, including its more risqué subplots and profanity. The high school actors who rotated over four performances between two weekends this past May are doing everything that’s expected of the show, just with a reduced budget. The enthusiasm shines through and it grows impressive to watch the cast pull off some of the more difficult passages.
The Rose Center Theater has done an impressive job of getting more for less, and it is evident very quickly in this production. Using predominantly an electric backdrop to depict key dates and scenery, the story unfolds as the ensemble walks onto the stage. With solid costume work, every character is distinguishable as they sing. While some of the ensemble numbers feature the familiar tech issues, the cast rebounds nicely, able to keep the production moving along, never allowing any moment to stumble. Besides the use of a few bare sets, the story comes to life by the sheer will of the actors, especially those in lead roles. Jean Valjean is an especially demanding role, but is given plenty of nuances as he navigates the story of redemption amid conflict with officer Javert and rescues Cosette, daughter of the story’s most tragic figure Fantine.
It’s a delicate story that impressively jumps back and forth between the various narratives. Impressively, the cast does an excellent job as well, managing to incorporate every inch of the stage so effortlessly. As scene changes take place, an actor will stand before the curtain doing the next number. Others will appear in adjacent balconies, adding a dynamic to numbers like “Stars” as a twinkling backdrop emerges. Musical director Tim Nelson keeps everything flowing nicely with the music, allowing nothing to feel rushed. Every character gets their moment and the comedic and dramatic beats play effectively each time.
More than anything, it shows the talented capabilities of its cast. Given the use of recurring motifs, few stumbles were made over certain lines but they quickly recovered in time for the next line. Even with a small ensemble, the show does an excellent job of doubling up on roles and giving everyone a purposeful use in the show. Nobody is left without something to do for long, consistently adding to crowd scenes or various pieces of choreography. It’s a rousing piece full of difficult subject matter, and the execution only makes you appreciate the potential of teen actors to handle more difficult work.
The enthusiastic applause that concluded each performance of Les Misérables was more than deserved. With excellent use of the stage and actors who handle an exhaustively nuanced show, this was a fun night out. What it lacked in the familiar big budgeted thrills it more than made up for with inventive workarounds, finding ways to make a largely bare stage work to the story’s favor, keeping the momentum from ever dragging. It also continues Nelson and crew’s noteworthy work at The Rose Center Theater for elevating great work for local smaller productions. Overall it's the perfect sign to keep an eye on whatever everyone involved does next. They all deserve credit for taking one of the most difficult shows that can stump more established performers and make it emotionally satisfying and intimate. Bravo, one and all. Bravo.
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