The Sandspur

Issue date: 4/29/05 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS/ LES MISERABLES

Media Credit: COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS/ LES MISERABLES

Media Credit: COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS/ LES MISERABLES

Media Credit: COURTESY OF JOAN MARCUS/ LES MISERABLES

"Les Misrables" or "Les Mis" as it is commonly referred to, opened Tuesday, May 3, at the Carr Performing Art Centre to a sold out audience. "Les Mis" is one of several shows in the Orlando Broadway series sponsored by Suntrust Bank, which will be appearing at the Carr Performing Art Centre.

With over 51 million people who have seen the show in its many formats, it's no wonder why it has been called "The World's Most Popular Musical. "Les Mis" has played world wide from London to Shanghai. "Les Mis" fever has hit United States in three separate tours of 145 cities in 43 different states.

I personally had never seen "Les Miserables" before. Having heard several cast recordings as well as a rough storyline thanks to Victor Hugo's Novel, on which the show was based, I was intrigued. The novel by Hugo is very long and follows a long time frame, so I was interested in how the show would run. I was extremely excited, and was not let down by the show at all.

In fact, it makes me wonder why I had never pursued seeing it before. The actors were all very talented and combined make up a great company. Roger Seyer (Jean Valjean) has a voice that is remarkable, that sent wonderful chills up my spine. Tonya Dixon (Fantine) is simply divine and seems born to play the role she aptly has earned. Robert Hunt (Javert) passionately assumes the role of the villain "you love to hate," with his breathtaking vocal range and the handling of his character. Lest I forget my personal choice of favorite actor Sean Gilbert (Gavroche), Sean may be only a mere 8 years of age, but he can hold an audience in his young hand like many who have been in show business for years. This young lad is truly talented and has a bright future ahead of him.

The sets were very appropriate for the show. Very visual, but not so much as to inadvertently distract the audience from the plot. I felt the use of a turntable stage was inventive due to the many set changes. In an age of technology, movies and television are able to do larger than life sets, which I feel unfortunately causes some stage directors to attempt the same. And with such a rich script as "Les Mis" the set is useful and poignant.

There is however a major piece of scenery that is very large and detailed but it served many purposes, and when not in use was off stage out of view. Right away I also noticed the use of "mood lighting." A majority of the show takes place on a dimly lit stage, further passing on the mood of misery and despair that the characters are dealing with. During the moments of triumph or celebration the lighting reflected these moments with a warm glowing feeling. If you're an avid theatre goer "Les Miserables" is a show you must see.

"Les Miserables" is playing at the Carr Performing Arts Centre through Sunday, May 8. With matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at various locations including the TD Waterhouse box office as well as all Ticketmaster locations. Tickets can also be ordered online at online www.ticketmaster.com as well as over the phone via Charge-By- Phone (407)423-3900.

Many thanks to Beth Cox of the Florida Theatrical Association, for assistance with this review.

TJ's Rating: 5 Encores out of 5

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