‘Les Misérables’ is already a production of epic proportions. In an arena, this show is simply unstoppable.
From the iconic, instantly recognisable Cosette illustration to the grand musical numbers, ‘Les Misérables’ has held strong in the zeitgeist since its beginnings on the stage. Its timeless messaging continues to ring true across the world, and there are few ways to really grasp this like filling an arena with adoring ‘Miz’ fans.
Rod Laver Arena is abuzz with pre-show discussions when the lights go down and that incredible ‘Prologue’, swelling with determination, despair and power all in one, echoes throughout the venue. What follows is an extraordinary showcase of talents, in a presentation where the theatrics take a back seat and voices take centre stage.
This is not your typical ‘Les Misérables’ performance – it may be helpful, for those unaware, to know that you won’t get full moving set pieces, props and blocking at this arena show. . . It’s more of a concert, honouring the gargantuan scale of the story and music of ‘Les Mis’.
Performers take turns stepping forward to sing in character, and it just feels like a treat to witness these songs in this special way. Alfie Boe’s Jean Valjean is simply spectacular – there are no other words. He commands the stage phenomenally, garnering tumultuous applause particularly for ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘Bring Him Home’. . . Similarly, Michael Ball’s Javert is teeming with emotion. . . ‘Javert’s Soliloquy’ marks the end of his story, and Michael’s performance rips at the heartstrings.
Matt Lucas and Marina Prior are an unexpected match made in musical theatre heaven as the Thénardiers, bouncing off each other beautifully. It warms this reviewer’s heart to see the roaring reception as Marina appears on stage – she gives her everything in this role and, according to the final bows, Rod Laver tends to agree. A highlight is her back-and-forth with little Cosette (tonight played by Scarlett Sheludko). . . The scene calls for a child desperate to be held and loved, and a woman utterly displeased and disgusted by the thought: “Enough of that. . . Or I’ll forget to be. . . Nice!”
Image © Danny Kaan
It’s such fun to see a figure like Matt Lucas in a fun, unpredictable role like this one – he takes to it like a duck to water, taking every chance to interact with audience members up front and slipping effortlessly into the shoes of a slimy, conniving innkeeper with nothing but the most selfish of intentions.
Rachelle Ann Go’s Fantine is soft yet strong – deeply vulnerable yet powerful. She nails the iconic ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, injecting it with everything it needs to be a show highlight: yearning, desperation, resentment, and disillusionment. She is ethereal and breathtaking.
Shan Ako shines as Éponine, who is faced with the heartbreak of unrequited love. ‘On My Own’ builds similarly to ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, requiring a performer like Shan who takes its immense feelings of longing, loneliness, and imagination as escapism, and delivers a powerhouse rendition serving as another highlight of the evening.
Marius’ ‘Empty Chairs At Empty Tables’ feels like a turning point in ‘Les Misérables’ – where everything becomes incredibly real and horribly tragic. Jac Yarrow manages to embody all of this, even in the context of a ‘Les Mis’ without all the theatricality of the original stage show.
James D. Gish’s Enjolras is full of determination and devotion to his cause – his charm and charisma beam in numbers like ‘Red And Black’ and the triumphant ‘ Do You Hear The People Sing?’. Cosette, played here by Beatrice Penny-Touré, remains a symbol of hope and is filled with love throughout. She’s overshadowed a little by the expansiveness of the story and the tragedy of the other characters, but Beatrice gives a wonderful performance of a character who is essential to this story.
‘Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular’ brings the music of this timeless masterpiece to the forefront – allowing cast members to use their abilities at full strength to deliver an evening which reminds us why ‘Les Mis’ has endured as long as it has. This is a presentation for live music lovers, for those who love to feel something, and for ‘Les Misérables’ fans young and old.
