Music by
Claude-Michel SchÓ§nberg
Original French text
by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel
Lyrics by Herbert
Kretzmer
Directed Dr Cate
Clelland
Musical direction by
Nicholas Griffin
Conducted by Ian
McLean
A Free Rain Theatre
Company production
Q Theatre, Queanbeyan
to 22 April
Review by Len Power 6
April 2017
One of the most intriguing facts about the musical ‘Les
Miserables’ is that the original English production in London in 1985 opened to
generally negative reviews. The public
disagreed with the critics and the show became a world-wide phenomenon.
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 epic novel, the story follows
Jean Valjean, a man convicted to 19 years imprisonment for stealing a loaf of
bread. Unable to break free from his
convict past, he disappears during his parole period and is relentlessly
tracked over the years by police inspector, Javert. His concerned interaction with the characters
he encounters gives the show an emotional heart that makes it so universally appealing
to audiences.
Well known professional performer, Peter Cousens, plays
Valjean with great sensitivity and believability. His singing of this demanding role is truly wonderful. Sam Ward, in his first professional role, has
a superb voice and sings the character of Marius very well. Tony Falla was a strong and threatening Javert
and there was fine work by most of the many principal singers. Particularly outstanding were Janie Lawson and
Jim Adamik as the Thenardiers, Joss Kent as Gavroche and Nicole Carr as Eponine.
The production is played on a simple setting designed by
Michael Sparks that works fine. Lighting
by Hamish McConchie utilises a lot of atmospheric smoky effects which works
well but the side lighting casts some shadows on faces at times. Sound design by James McPherson was very
effective and the balance between singers and orchestra was just right. The large number of period costumes were
well-designed by Fiona Leach.
Choreography by Michelle Heine is mostly character movement and looks nicely natural
but the movement for the prisoners in the opening scene was too stagy.
Musical director, Nicholas Griffin, has done an excellent
job with the singers. Diction by all of
the principals is quite clear and there is really exciting depth in the group
singing by the chorus, especially in the rousing songs ‘Do You Hear The People
Sing?’ and ‘One Day More’. The orchestra,
conducted by Ian McLean, produces a superb sound, bringing out all of the
colour in this rich score.
Cate Clelland has directed an efficient production that
should please audiences who love this show.
The focus is on the singing but there are some rather wooden acting performances
that need more attention. Overall, this
is an entertaining production of a much loved show.
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program (9am Saturdays) and
‘Dress Circle’ (3.30pm Mondays).