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diversions
'Les Mis' brought
to life in L.B.
By Jamie Rogers
On-line Forty-Niner
Victor Hugo's timeless
classic, "Les Miserables," captivated the audience
when it returned to Long Beach, Tuesday. Presented by Cameron
Mackintosh, the musical version of the 19th century novel
was performed brilliantly, bringing to life three decades
of misery and spiritual triumph so eloquently described by
Hugo.
The audience, which was surprisingly sparse, filling only
three-quarters of the Terrace Theatre at the Long Beach Performing
Arts Center, showed its appreciation with whistles and a standing
ovation between the solos and at the conclusion.
The story, based on one man's turbulent journey through life,
explosively depicts the seemingly endless struggles of the
French lower class to overcome a life of hunger, cold and
subjugation. Jean Valjean, played by Randal Keith, is the
expression of moral victory that Hugo believed was possible
for those who fight against oppression and prejudice.
Valjean was jailed for 19 years after he stole a loaf of bread
to feed his sister's hungry child. Hardened against the world,
and finally released on parole, Valjean continues a life of
crime when he steals silver goblets from the Bishop of Digne,
the only man who had treated the fugitive kindly. When the
Bishop forgives him, Valjean vows to change his way and live
the life of an honest man.
He changes his name and breaks parole in attempt to end the
cycle of his criminal past. The law, however, continues to
chase him for the next 17 years, forcing him into hiding.
He reappears in public when General Lamarque, the only government
official who had any compassion for the poor, died in 1832.
Parisian students rose up against the French bourgeois who
held the lower classes in servitude. During the riots, Valjean
felt compelled to protect the young man Marius played by Stephen
Colella, who is in love with his adopted daughter, Cosette,
played by Stephanie Waters.
In Keith's heartbreaking rendition of "Bring Him Home,"
sung to Marius, the tenor's vocal range reached remarkable
heights. After a short battle, the students are quickly squelched
and all but Marius are dead.
Included in the casualties is Eponine, the young street-smart
woman played by Diana Kaarina who is in love with Marius,
but sympathetic enough to help him in his quest for Cosette.
Her selflessness matches Valjean's compassion and Kaarina
mastered the beautiful and tormented solo, "On My Own."
Hugo's belief that any person can rise above circumstances
and become a better person is clearly reflected in all the
characters. Whether they reached absolution in life or death,
he portrayed the small, the downtrodden and the criminal in
an overtly sympathetic manner.
The cast, which will perform everyday until Sunday, was strongly
capable, as was the orchestra, conducted by Larry Pressgrove.
Tickets are available at the Performing Arts Center Box Office
and at all Ticketmaster locations, ranging from $39.50 to
$52.50. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and
2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
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