“Les Misérables” is one of the all-time great musical-theater juggernauts, and I’ve been lucky enough to see it multiple times over the years. The soaring score, the sweeping themes, the barricades that seem to get bigger every decade, they’re all baked into this show’s DNA. And every new tour adds just enough technical sparkle to keep things feeling epic without losing the story’s beating heart.
What truly makes a production of “Les Misérables” unforgettable, though, are knockout performances from the principal cast, and the touring production, now playing at The Fox Theatre through Nov. 23, has them in abundance.
The story stretches across decades in 19th-century France and centers on Jean Valjean (played on tour by Nick Cartell, reprising the role that helped make him a fan favorite). Cartell’s Valjean is rich, grounded and vocally impressive, a performer who has clearly grown into the soul of the show after years with the role.
Opposite him is Javert (Preston Truman Boyd), whose steely resolve and commanding baritone give the production its moral tension. Boyd’s presence is a perfect foil for Cartell’s warmth, the eternal clash of law and order laid bare.
Fantine, portrayed by Lindsay Heather Pearce, may only grace the stage briefly, but she makes every moment count. Her “I Dreamed a Dream” is one of the production’s emotional centers, delivered with heartbreaking clarity. Young Cosette is alternated by Lillian Castner and Kayla Scola-Giampapa, while adult Cosette is played by Alexa Lopez, whose earnest charm anchors the show’s romantic thread.
On the revolutionary side of the story, Peter Neureuther does an admirable job as Marius, bringing plenty of swooning lovesickness to the role. Jaedynn Latter, as Eponine, steals the spotlight whenever she appears, especially in her showstopper “On My Own,” which she delivers with the perfect blend of grit and vulnerability.
This touring production is everything “Les Misérables” should be: sweeping, emotional, beautifully sung, and a must-see for fans of musical theater, or anyone who wants to be swept away in the fog of faith, heartbreak, and redemption for a few hours.
Les Misérables” is now playing at The Fox Theatre through Nov. 23. For tickets call 314-534-1111 or go to metrotix.com.
