Les Misérables: An energetic show with solid performances
Les Misérables is a massive undertaking that offers both principals and ensemble members the opportunity to demonstrate their special talents — often one at a time.
Based on the 1862 historical novel by Victor Hugo, the sing-through musical tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean — imprisoned for almost two decades for stealing a loaf of bread — tracing his transformation and redemption between 1815 and the June Rebellion in Paris in 1832.
(Hugo based Valjean’s character on the life of Eugène François Vidocq, an ex-convict who became a successful businessman and philanthropist.)
The original French version was first staged in 1980 with the English-language production of Les Misérables appearing in London’s West End three years later to mixed reviews. More than 30 years later, it still plays to full houses and still receives some negative comments because of its melodramatic content and the perfunctory way it deals with certain aspects of the storyline. It is also a show that thrills s as many as it disappoints.
And there is no question that it is a huge challenge for any company. In a fine ensemble production, with first-class musical direction by John McGovern, the ASNY Les Miz, which involves close to 100 performers, musicians and crew demonstrates energy, commitment and some fine performances.
In addition to a strong showing from Justin Hills in the lead role of Valjean, several other cast members deliver well-sung characterizations. Standouts are Barb Seabright, who is a comic delight as Mme. Thénardier, the publican’s wife, and Ariadna Mazur-Mathieu, who offers charm, sincerity and a beautiful singing voice as the luckless Éponine.
Andrew Galligan is a forceful leader of the students and Joseph Stone holds his own as Javert, the official on a relentless quest to recapture Valjean. Meanwhile, show director Jennifer Fontaine is effective as Fantine, the mother of Cosette — the child that Valjean takes in.
As the young lovers Cosette and Marius, Andrea MacWilliams and Matthew Chin appear to have a clear understanding of the requirements of their roles but their musical quality and power, on opening night at least, were disappointing. There were also a number of glitches with the sound system, which hampered the continuity of the show.
The ASNY production of Les Misérables played at Centrepointe Theatre to February 1, 2015.
Les Misérables
Based on the novel by Victor Hugo
Music by Claude-Michel Schőnberg
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet (ASNY) production
Musical director: John McGovern
Director: Jennifer Fontaine
Choreographer/co-director: Jacqueline Armstrong
Set and lighting: Seth Gerry
Sound: John Cybanski
Costumes: Peggy Laverty
Cast:
Jean Valjean…………………………………………………………..Justin Hills
Javert………………………………………………………………….Joseph Stone
Bishop of Digene……………………………………………………..Lee-Pierre Shirey
Factory foreman………………………………………………………Sean Brennan
Factory girl……………………………………………………………Rachel Duchesneau
Fantine…………………………………………………………………Jennifer Fontaine
Bamatabois……………………………………………………………Peter Maitland
Fauchelevent………………………………………………………….Daniel Claxton
Little Cosette…………………………………………….Sierra Levesque/Cameron Hunt
Mme. Thénardier……………………………………………………..Barbara Seabright
Young Éponine…………………………………………..Cameron Hunt/Sierra Levesque
Thénardier……………………………………………………………Robert Singlehurst
Gavroche……………………………………………..Ella Samojlenka/Colin Samojlenko
Éponine…………………………………………………………..Ariadna Mazur-Mathieu
Cosette……………………………………………………………….Andrea MacWilliams
Marius……………………………………………………………..…Matthew Chin
Enjolras………………………………………………………………Andrew Galligan
Thénardier’s gang: Paul Drouin, Marc Lessard, Irwin Kreisman, Michael Malek, Rob Milinkovich
Students: Sean Brennan, Daniel Claxton, Joe Cousineau, Matt Easterbrook, Cayne Kitagawa, Peter Maitland, Jeremy Sanders
Ensemble: Sarah Algozino, Madeline Busby, Stéphanie Crepin, Rachel Duchesneau, Sakeisha Ferron, Lindsay Iseler, Andrea Kinsley, Alison Manning, Sue McGahey, Kathryn McLaren, Sarah Pion, Emily Samojlenko, Tara St-Pierre, Rebeka Tekle, Jennifer Venning, Mary Ellen Vice
Musicians:
Conductor…………………………………………………..John McGovern
Michelle Ash, Nigel Bell, Wendy Berkelaar, Angela Casagrande, Guy Edrington, Mike Estabrooks, Kellina Gehrels, Drum Hudson, Pierre Huneault, Tom McMahon, Sophia Pan, Sonya Probst, Dave Renaud, Steve Smith, Mike Tremblay.