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Les Miserables

By Matt Windman | amNewYork Theater Critic

November 10, 2006

LES MISERABLES, based on Victor Hugo's epic novel, returns to Broadway. Ali Ewoldt as Cosette and ALEXANDER GEMIGNANI as Jean Valjean front the tale of revolutionary France. Broadhurst Theater, W. 44 St., NYC. (ARI MINTZ, Newsday Staff / October 24, 2006)

You know that a production of "Les Miserables" has gone horribly, horribly wrong when the audience actually feels relieved to watch Fantine die.

Barely four years since ending its 6,680-performance run, "Les Miserables" is back. Not clear, however, is whether this truly is a "revival." Though it uses the national tour's scenery and the original staging, the orchestrations are new and the casting is unorthodox. It seems mega-producer Cameron Mackintosh did not produce a revival, but a celebratory "Les Miz" retrospective that trades the musical's authentic European character for an American pop bent.

"Les Miz" is easily the best of the British megamusicals. Not only does it have a truly outstanding pop opera score, "Les Miz" successfully reproduces the humanity in Victor Hugo's epic novel. Though it covers an immense amount of plot, it is driven at the heart by New Testament themes of redemption and dedicated love of one's fellow man.

Alexander Gemignani gives a solid and substantial performance as Jean Valjean. Norm Lewis, in spite of his golden voice, is awkward and static as Valjean's cold nemesis Javert. Gary Beach, as expected, is a riot as Thernardier. Celia Keenan-Bolger brings real empathy to the unfortunate Eponine and actually produces the show's most compelling image: As she lies dying in Marius' arms after being shot at the barricade, she desperately tries to kiss him in her last breathing moment, but loses strength and collapses. And Aaron Lazar has truly handsome stage presence as the young revolutionary Enjolras.

Daphne Rubin Vega, however, is a train wreck as Fantine. Though hundreds of actresses could have easily performed the role, Mackintosh seemingly wanted to surprise us with offbeat casting. Though Vega earnestly attempts to invest in Fantine's pain, her modern pop voice, distinctive vowel modulations and awkward belting are completely inappropriate the role.

But even if Daphne massacres "I Dreamed a Dream," there are still dozens of thrilling songs and iconic moments. And for the most part, the production maintains the red-hot blood and life force that has turned "Les Miz" into an unstoppable international phenomenon. Those choral anthems are so compelling that you may find yourself ready to join those boys on the barricade.

"Les Miserables" At the Broadhurst Theatre, through March 11. Tue 8pm; Wed 2, 8pm; Thu-Fri 8pm; Sat 2, 8pm; Sun 3pm; $36.25-$111.25. 235 W 44th St, 212-239-6200