Saw this last night. it’s basically an Encore’s version of the show - not a lot of blocking - a lot of standing down stage singing songs, but the voices are generally excellent. And lots of lighting effects and a lighting rig that looks like something out of Close Encounters.
Alternating principals - I saw Killian Donnelly as Valjean and Bradley Jaden as Javert. Both were fine. Jaden got a standing O after “Stars”.
Samantha Barks is a bit of a clean, cool Fantine. OK, but I like someone a bit grittier.
The Thenardiers are wonderful scene stealers (duh). I didn’t realize that it was Matt Lucas playing Mr. He was fabulous. And Marina Prior matched him as Mrs.
The whole Production sags just a bit here and there, but the music is glorious and rather touching when the songs remind you of what we’re missing in musicals nowadays.
And Philip Quast plays the small role of the Bishop, but even there, his brief singing section was thrilling.
Updated On: 7/24/26 at 03:23 PM
