Les Misérables ~ a Musical and Visual Masterpiece ~ Now at Cleveland Playhouse Square

Disclosure: I was invited to media night. All opinions are my own.

Les Misérables now playing at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace

My oldest son has always been quiet and pensive but a few years ago he discovered theater and he literally becomes a different person on stage. It’s been amazing to see him perform in several musicals and while he still is very quiet off-stage, his love for theater continues to grow. A few weeks ago he started to see advertisements for Les Misérables tour in Cleveland and was intrigued. He wasn’t familiar with the story but as soon as we started listening to the soundtrack, he was hooked.

“Les Misérables” — the epic musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel about the Paris Uprising of 1823 — has been by more than 130 million people in 44 countries and in 22 languages around the globe. It has broken box office records everywhere and in it’s 32nd year is still the world’s most popular musical.

“Les Misérables” is a thrilling and unforgettable musical that will stir your soul. Whether this is your first time to hear the amazing songs such as “One Day More” and “One My Own” or you’ve been belting them out in the shower for years, you can rest assured this musical is inspiring and uplifting. In fact, I found it hard not to stand and clap after quite a few numbers.

“Les Mis” begins in 1815 with Frenchman Jean Valjean being released from prison, where he has spent the past 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Wanting to leave his old life behind, he changes his name, becomes a wealthy business owner and mayor. He takes compassion on fired employee, Fantine, who died after becoming a prostitute out of desperation and raises her young daughter, Cosette.

Years later, the country is in a state of revolution and the fates of Valjean and his daughter, become intertwined with the young students leading the rebellion. All the while, Valjean is hunted by the obsessive Inspector Javert who just can’t seem to let him be.

This production boasts Nick Cartell as Valjean and Josh Davis at Javert. Their songs such as “Bring Him Home” and “Stars” are breathtaking and are sure to keep audiences coming back time and time again. Their voices blend together beautifully as well as stand strong on their own

Rounding out the cast and giving some passionate performances is Jillian Butler, as Cosette; Joshua Grosso, as Cosette’s love, Marius; Paige Smallwood, as Eponine; and Mary Kate Moore, as Fantine. When Mary sang her rendition of “The Dream I Dream” it gave me goosebumps.

The comedic antics from inn keepers, J Anthony Crane, as Thenardier, and Allison Guinn, as Madame Thenardier, had the audience in hysterics. This conniving couple really brings a strong comedic element to the show. While some of their gestures were a little adult, most went over my son’s head. In fact, he deemed their song, “Master Of The House” his favorite.

Besides the music, the show is dominated by remarkable lighting and backdrops that were inspired by the paintings of the author of the book, Victor Hugo. This musical also added video imagery to create a dramatic experience as Valjean carries an injured Marius through the Paris sewers. In another intense scene involving Javert, multiple parts of a bridge are whisked away in just seconds and you could hear the gasps from the crowd.

Whether this is the first time you are going to see “Les Misérables” or you’ve seen it time and time again, you won’t be disappointed. It will stir something inside of you that with be with you long after you leave the theater.

‘Les Misérables’ continues through Nov. 18 at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland. Tickets range in price from $39 to $149. For tickets call 216-241-6000 or visit playhousesquare.org.