LES MISÉRABLES at Dallas Summer Musicals – Not to be Missed

I’ve started this post three times. But I keep erasing and re-writing it because I can’t quite find the words to adequately express, just how incredible I found the National Tour’s production of LES MISÉRABLES last night.

If there is any possible way you can see this National Tour, currently at Dallas Summer Musicals at Fair Park– you simply have to make it happen. The cast is flawless, the staging beautiful and effective. It’s exactly what you hope for when you go to the theater. Magic.

Some of the highlights for me?

Nick Cartell (who plays Jean Valjean) probably has the most beautiful voice I’ve ever heard, live and in person. There was a moment when he was singing “Bring him Home” that he hit the most beautiful pure note – and I closed my eyes in some kind of reflex. The beauty of the sound was too overwhelming, and I physically couldn’t keep my eyes open and take it in. And by the time the song was over – my entire row was wiping away huge tears. The big burly guys in the row in front of me, were sobbing.

His whole performance was just so raw, and beautiful.

(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

I was also really touched by something that happened while Éponine (Emily Bautista) was singing one of the most well known songs in the show. I was sitting next to a sweet elderly couple in their early 80’s. They had told me during the intermission, that they have been members of Dallas Summer Musicals for years, and that they were particularly delighted that their 2018 subscription had included LES MISÉRABLES. They had never seen a production of LES MISÉRABLES, but had deeply loved the music for years.

And never was the truth in their statement more apparent, than when that elderly woman very quietly began to sing. She started to sing “On my Own…” along with Éponine during the show. She sang a whole verse, before she remembered where she was. In that moment, she was Éponine too.

She was that thoroughly transported. We all were.

I brought my almost 10 year old daughter with me last night. She sat in rapt attention for the entire show. And I could particularly see her admiration for the young child actors that are featured so heavily. The show also sparked some great conversations with her as we made our way home last night. Compassion, black and white thinking, mercy, political rebellion – all topics she understood in a new way. All topics that still feel so relevant to our lives in 2018.

LES MISÉRABLES is the world’s most popular musical. Beloved by so many, it’s easy to forget that with each performance there are still people like my daughter, who are discovering it’s story for the very first time!

(Photo by Matthew Murphy)

In short…

Every single cast member in this production was perfect and memorable. Truly, I could tell you so many other beautiful moments that are seared into my mind from last nights show. But telling you what I loved about this show isn’t enough. You have to go yourself, to experience this cast. This production.

It’s special.

To purchase tickets:

• Visit dallassummermusicals.org/shows/les-miserables
• Call 214-691-7200
• Or, visit the Music Hall at Fair Park Box Office – at 909 1st Avenue.

Ticket prices start at $35. For a sneak peek, please visit www.LesMiz.com.

 

 

Thank you to Dallas Summer Musicals for tickets to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own.