The Marriott Lincolnshire Theatre has outdone itself with this absolute must-see production that is guaranteed to bring gasps of excitement and tears to your eyes. What makes Dominic Missimi's production so special is a combination of several elements.
First, even though it's a show with which many Chicagoans will already be familiar, since several national companies have brought it here, this musical remains an exciting and powerful piece. For those not familiar with it, the show is a through-sung musicalization of Victor Hugo’s epic novel, spanning three turbulent decades of French history, and telling the story of Jean Valjean's life of suffering and redemption. At the Marriott, this saga is told full of spectacle, and yet it's welcoming in its intimate staging.
The production boasts a talented ensemble of 32 actors/singers from New York and Chicago professional stages. It also features brilliant orchestral arrangements by David Siegel and Patti Garwood. Unbelievable sets, lighting effects and costuming that have become the hallmark of this creative theater are once again achieved by the Marriott design team and staff. And Mr. Missimi's penetrating yet sensitive stage direction elevates this production—one of only five regional versions of this show in the nation—to become one of the finest musicals the Marriott has ever mounted.
No one actor can really be singled out of this talented cast; however, John Cudia as central character Jean Valjean and Richard Todd Adams as his lifelong adversary, Inspector Javert, especially impress, both dramatically and vocally. Kathy Voytko as Fantine, Leah Horowitz as Cosette, Chris Peluso as Marius, Anne Letscher as Eponine, Catherine Smitko and Michael Accardo as the unscrupulous Thenardiers and especially the incredible Patrick Cummings as Enjolras all dazzle with their vocal brilliance. The overall effect is the most magnificent vocal ensemble you’ll hear in Chicago outside of the Lyric Opera.
The Broadway version of this musical starred a revolving turntable set and the famous barricade. Tom Ryan's set design, which has to be seen to be fully appreciated, includes the makeshift stockade, but it cleverly permits the audience to see through it and thus appreciate the tragedy occurring both within and outside the structure. Windows and lanterns blink from above the theater; smoke and gas emanate from the famed Paris sewer grates; shafts of eerie light point out the tragedy on the barricade and illuminate the ghosts of dozens of lost characters. All these magical elements combine and enhance what will go down in Chicago theatrical history as the most memorable production of the season.
Reviewed by Centerstage!
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