MAINE STATE MUSIC THEATER is staging, above, the classic “Les Miserables,” with Manna Nichols as Eponine dying in the arms of Marius, played by Max Quinlan, below right; and Jean Valjean, played by Gregg Goodbrod, holding a knife to his nemesis, Javert, played by Curt Dale Clark, below left.
If in high school you missed the required reading of Victor Hugo’s 1,500 page book, “Les Miserables” is the sweeping romantic tale of Jean Valjean, a thief who spends 19 years in prison until the policeman Javert releases him. Valjean breaks parole and gets caught stealing from a bishop who forgives him in exchange for the promise of reform. Thus Valjean gains wealth and status while constantly looking over his shoulder for Javert.
Skip ahead nine years, Valjean and Cosette live in Paris, a city on the verge of the 1832 student uprising.
There are other characters and plot points but even with scenes shortened or cut, “Les Mis” clocks in at more than three hours with a brief intermission. It all ends happily for Cosette and her revolution minded boyfriend, Marius, but not really for anyone else.
Even if you know the final act, bring tissues; you will cry.
Don’t let the recent 2008 performance prevent you from coming this season, either. This is a whole new talented cast and crew.
Gregg Goodbrod has a sweet tenor voice that easily conveys the pain and bitterness of Valjean’s lost years and his yearning to be a good man.
Artistic consultant Curt Dale Clark returns to acting in the role of the single-minded Javert, whom he plays with conviction. Clark’s bright baritone shines in his solo “Stars.”
Heidi Kettenring’s strong voice serves her well in the bawdy “Lovely Ladies” routine, but contradicts Fantine’s fragile state of health.
Fantine’s grown daughter, Cosette, is played by soprano Siri Howard, who hits the challenging high notes with envy-inducing ease just before kissing her on- and offstage partner, Marius, played by Max Quinlan.
Manna Nichols portrays Eponine, a character who doesn’t have an easy time in life, a little too cleanly. One wishes she’d rough her Disney princess voice up a bit more and put the pain that’s plain on her face when she sees her love, Marius, with Cosette, into her notes.
The actors who really steal the show — as their characters always do — are Abby Smith and Gary Troy channeling
Sharon and Ozzy Osborne as the comic and crass innkeepers; and an impressive Alec Shiman as the young boy Givroche.
The entire ensemble is perfect in the sum of its parts.
Traditionalists may scoff there is no turntable set, but thanks and praise was and should be given to Bob Klingelhoefer and his crew for a creative approach to scenic design. Without giving too much description and thus spoiling it for viewers, choose balcony seats if you can. Despite multiple set changes, the small stage never seems too busy or too crowded. Jeff Koger’s lighting array extends the set design to create the claustrophobic and confusing sense of being in underground sewers or adds visual depth and cinematic quality to a battle scene.
Director Marc Robin succeeds in combining what loyal fans of “Les Mis” expect to see with some original approaches to the visual design. Now if only there was room in the small orchestra pit for a real piano or a full orchestra, the show would be nearly perfect.
During the run of “Les Miserables,” Maine State Music Theater is running a campaign “I Dreamed A Dream of No More Hunger” and requests attendees bring nonperishable pantry items or monetary donations to The Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program.
‘Les Miserables’
WHAT: Maine State Music
Theater production of “Les
Miserables” WHEN: through July 13 WHERE: Maine State Music
Theatre, Pickard Theater,
Bowdoin College, 1 Bath
Road, Brunswick TICKETS: $52-$59 INFO, SHOWTIMES: www.msmt.org or 725-8769
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
