Cameron Mackintosh’s concert production of Les Misérables is quite possibly the musical event of the season. The concert ran from August 10th through November 30th while the newly renamed Sondheim Theatre (Les Misérables’ West End home for almost 35 years) underwent renovations. A special, final performance of the concert was broadcast live in UK cinemas on December 2nd, and in North American cinemas on December 8th and 11th. This is not the first time Mackintosh has produced a concert version of Les Misérables; he also produced the 25th anniversary concert in 2010. However, this production’s staging and impeccable casting allow it to stand as its own adaptation of the musical, not simply a night of celebration. 

 

The staging of this concert is the biggest improvement from Mackintosh’s last concert. Allowing performers to interact with one another instead of solely singing to the audience makes the story far more engaging for those who are new to the musical. This feature also allows newcomers to follow the narrative more easily. There are a few cheesy moments that I could have done without—namely the choreographed death sequence when the barricade falls in Act 2—but as a whole, the visual aspects of the show were marvellous.

 

The casting of the concert is another element of the production that is impeccably done. Drawing on a pool of West End talent, almost all of whom have been in Les Misérables before, the cast never misses a beat. Even the pre-show reminder to silence the one’s phone is beautifully sung, and the flawless vocals continue through its entirety. As a strictly, sung-thru musical with a dozen show-stopping solos, the quality of vocals defines a performance, and every actor in Les Misérables: The Staged Concert is perfectly cast.

 

Standouts in the cast were Rob Houchen and Bradley Jaden, who played Marius and Enjolras respectively. Houchen’s rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” is one of the most vocally impressive I’ve ever heard, but it’s his brilliant characterization of the role that sets him apart from many of his predecessors. His expressions are subtle yet heartbreaking, and he plays a Marius with far more depth than the one-dimensional, love-sick puppy he is often portrayed as. Likewise, Bradley Jaden’s commanding voice and charisma make him a perfect Enjolras. He steals the scene whenever he is onstage, making it impossible to turn away. Jaden is taking on the role of Javert in the new production at the Sondheim Theatre, and if his performance of Javert’s “Stars” at curtain call is any indication, he will be wonderful in that role as well. 

 

Another performer who deserves a special mention is Carrie Hope Fletcher as Fantine. Though Fantine is only in a small portion of the show, her story sets up the tone of the musical. Fletcher’s performance is a perfect blend of flawless vocals and raw emotion, setting the bar high for her costars. Her “I Dreamed a Dream” is a musical theatre masterclass, with a depth that leaves the audience hanging on her every breath without the actress sacrificing a single note. Fletcher’s vocal control and seemingly effortless performance makes it clear that she was meant to play this role.

 

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert is one of the strongest performances I’ve seen all year. This concert, which began as merely a way to continue the productions long-running streak of performances, has transformed into a supremely, engaging theatrical event. Fans of the musical, as well as those who have never seen a production, will finish the show feeling satisfied and inspired. Mackintosh says it best himself: “tomorrow always seems to come for Les Misérables.”

Les Misérables: The Staged Concert will be available on DVD and Blu-Ray on April 6th, 2020.