Les Miserables

MS Society Regal Theatre, Subiaco WA August 2009 Congratulations to the cast and crew of Les Miserables on an amazing show. The production was sensitive, slick and most effective in its simplicity. Though it was clear that behind this seamless, minimalistic feel there was a complex array of well rehearsed set changes, microphone work and so forth as one scene evolved to the next. One particular notion I got was a great sense of synergy between the cast members. I understand the Director worked hard to engage the cast with the text and eachother even prior to the commencement of rehearsals. This, combined with an intensive rehearsal period obviously resulted in a close knit cast that worked very well together. The ensemble singing, ‘interjections’, acting and general stage movement were all very strong indeed. The simple elements of set flew in and out to create all sorts of different scenes/atmospheres – very effective. And that barricade was a real innovation to the ‘traditional’ style – loved it. In fact, I’ll go as far to say that having seen Les Mis three times before (twice being the ‘professional’ version) this is the first time I have been quite so transfixed almost throughout. With the length and text of this show it can sometimes be hard going … but the flow, attention to detail and elegant understatedness (I know that’s not a word!) of this production made it very watchable. Ian Toyne was wonderful in the role of Jean Valjean. His voice, control, emotion, timing and acting were all superb. Casey Edwards as Fantine was lovely. Her performance was genuine, understated and beautifully sung. Loved the light and shade in I Dreamed A Dream. A stand out. Gavroche was also excellent. I’m pretty sure it was Samuel Tye playing him last night - his voice and acting were great. A real little Artful Dodger! Tim Campbell as Enjolras was a strong presence on stage with a wonderful voice. The rest of the students all did a great job, with Tim How standing out with an always-engaged performance and some welcome comic relief! A big well done to the Thenardier’s too on a very strong performance. Carolyn Latter in particular was an audience favourite… and that laugh! Ben Doncon did wonderfully as Marius. His maturity and control in this part was excellent and Grace Edwards as Cosette was lovely too. One of the very few negatives I would say was the beginning. I might have just not quite have settled into it yet, but the circle of chairs, people coming and going and so forth seemed a little unfocussed to me. I wasn’t quite sure what was going on… with the casual chatting of the chorus at the opening… then the arrival of the men on hard labour… I was just a bit confused. But again, I’m sure it was done for a reason. Perhaps I just wasn’t in the ‘zone’ yet! So all in all a very much enjoyed, energised and professional production. What a great night out, and how wonderful an experience for all the cast members. I’m sure each and every one involved has learnt a whole lot and will go forward with great memories of this production.