Photo by Matthew Murphy
Is there a classic musical so beloved the world over as Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil's Les Misérables? In the Spring of 2014 uber-Producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh revived the masterpiece on the Great White Way with a different staging than the long-running West End production, currently enjoying its 30th year in London. So it's high time we made this Broadway revival our #ShowOfTheWeek!
I recently attended a performance at Broadway's Imperial Theatre and if I could name only one reason to visit (or probably re-visit) this ground-breaking musical, then simply put, it is John Owen-Jones. Having followed the Welsh star's unstoppable career in the UK, it is thrilling to see him now getting the credit he deserves on this side of the pond. There are a couple of actors, who are eternally linked to the character of Jean Valjean (Alfie Boe, Hugh Jackman...) but for my money, nobody knows this role better than Owen-Jones. He first took over the role full-time at the tender age of 26 back in 1998, making history as the youngest Valjean ever. He returned to the London production in 2005 and also played the role for a few months at the end of the previous Broadway revival from late 2007 to early 2008. If that weren't enough, he also headlined the 25th Anniversary international tour which began in 2009 and was part of the 25th Anniversary concert at London's massive O2 Arena. Needless to say this man is a seasoned professional and knows the intricacies and nuances of Valjean like the back of his hand. It is a privilege and an honour to see him perform on the Great White Way.
As for the production itself, it feels as timeless as always and Matt Kinley's scenic design, coupled with magnificent, atmospheric projections, made me feel like I was visiting this musical for the very first time. There is something completely fresh, yet simultaneously familiar about the production and there is a thin line between the two.
Les Misérables is one of those rare pieces that seems to have a multi-generational appeal. Teenagers can attend with their grandparents and be moved in equal measures. With a score that boasts so many well-known standards - "I Dreamed a Dream," "Master of the House," "Stars," "On My Own," "Bring Him Home," and "One Day More" to name but a few - it's no wonder folks want to hear the people sing again and again.
The production is set to shutter on 4th September and I suspect Sir Cameron's previously announced Miss Saigon revival may well be heading to the Imperial next. But until then, make sure you join the revolution.
Click here for tickets to Les Misérables for performances through to 4 September 2016 at Broadway's Imperial Theatre.
Hayden Tee & John Owen-Jones in Les Misérables More Production PhotosOriginally published on