The players were all solid performers. More than half were equity actors. J. Michael Bailey did an amazing rendition of “Bring Him Home” for the lead role of Jean Valjean. It was probably the best rendition next to Colm Wilkinson in the 10 year Anniversary concert. Bailey interpreted that song with such sincerity, tenderness and desperation, it just about brang a tear to my eye. It was a moment and the audience felt it too as they brought a rapture of applause that seemed to have no end. Was this a showstopping moment I’ve only heard about? Bailey’s strong performance was met head on by Brian Vaughn, who played the antagonist, Javier. Vaughn belted out “Stars” with determination and ease. He showed conviction and self assurance of a mad person with a god complex. I love a good villain.
I could go on and on about Epponine, Cossete, Marius, Fantine and the crazy Thenardiers but to sum it all up, they were all fantastic.
The show ends on October 20th. I may just go back and see it. I can’t wait for the muscal movie version which comes out on Xmas day this year. 9 months ago
Got tickets for Les Miz this Friday at the Utah Shakespeare Festival. Since its about a 3hr ride to Cedar City, we will be staying overnight. I hope to see a strong Jean Valjean and Javier. 9 months ago
I was 16 years old when I seen my first Les Miz show. I was not impressed, in fact I left the theater confused. I guess I was too young to understand the full scope of Victor Hugo’s story. I bought the double cd anyway because I loved “On my own”, the show’s signature song. There after I would play the disc while doing homework or getting ready for school, letting the musical seep into my psyche. I began to appreciate another song, then another. I eventually found myself singing along with the whole disc. But that was just the beginning of my love affair with the story.
I started to figure out who the characters were and the intentions of what they were singing about. I became engulfed with the story line. There are so many characters and so many subplots to become engrossed with. All their lives becomes entangled with the French revolution unifying the whole cast.
Over the many years, I do not pass up an opportunity to watch Les Miz. I’ve probably seen this show about 10 times and would love to see it again. 10 months ago
