Les Miserables

Last night Robyn and I went to see Les Miserables at the Pioneer Theater Company here in Salt Lake. It is the first "regional" theater company that has the rights to do the full Les Miz.

They did a spectacular job, all things considered. The scenery was different than the traveling company's version that we saw a few years ago at the Capitol Theater. They still had the rotating stage, however, and other than the curtain knocking over a lamppost towards the end of Act I, it went off without a hitch.

The play was stolen by Jeremiah Miller, who played Marius. Normally the understudy, and starring the role of one of the students, Feuilly, he was by far the most talented vocalist of those in lead roles. Eponine was endearing, played by Kirsten Wyatt. However her signature performances, "On My Own" and "A Little Fall of Rain" left something to be desired. Javert was entertaining, played by James Judy who, while not the best vocalist of the group, was quite expressive in his performance. Much more so than the Javert of the traveling company we had previously seen.

Jean Valjean, the main character, was played by William Solo, formerly an understudy of the role behind Colm Wilkinson -- Yes, that Colm Wilkenson, the one on all the recordings. That being said, he was no where near the performer that Wilkinson is. And again, his signature numbers -- "Bring Him Home" and "Who Am I?" -- left something to be desired as well.

Still, however, it was a moving performance. Incredibly well done. I'd give it 3 starts of four, and Marius is the key reason it's not 2 1/2 stars. I highly recommend it, nonetheless. Tickets are still available, as the production has been extended yet another week into July.