Les Miserables opens to raves in new regional Chicago production

[jon5202]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 4:05pm

The Paramount Theatre in Aurora (outside Chicago) has opened its final production of its Chicago based Broadway series. Les Miserables has attracted rave reviews from all Chicago critics for the epic operatic style production directed by Jim Corti. The Paramount has quickly become THE regional theatre in Chicago that is producing Broadway caliber revivals. I think it is only a matter of time before they attempt world premiere musicals. Here is a review link which does include a short video sequence:

http://www.theatreinchicago.com/les-miserables/reviews/7615/

pics:

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Note: The stunning set has a center revolve which allows the staircase to rotate fully. This allows some scenes to be shown in full movement as actors climb the stairs and sing. The upper circular walkway moves up and down in the front half so that different levels of action can be achieved.

Among the cast the lead - Robert Wilde - as Jean Valjean was having some vocal problems during his opening night and succeeding performances and I would have preferred more maturity in his performance in the second act. The real surprise here was Rod Thomas as Javert who it turns out has a stunning voice and gives a more humanistic portrayal than usual. His final exit in act two brought gasps and strong applause from the audience.

One final thing - the 14 member pit orchestra brings a truly lush sound to this production - a hallmark of the Paramount Theatre.











Updated On: 3/25/15 at 04:05 PM

[indytallguy]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 6:49pm

Wow, that's some set. Sounds like a great production indeed and I like how it apparently references Dante's nine rings according to the Sun-Times review.

[Call_me_jorge]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 7:33pm

Isn't the Drury Lane, another chicago theatre, premiering beaches the musical this summer?

[AEA AGMA SM]

Posted: 3/24/15 at 11:57pm

It's such a great space. Glad that they are producing shows to live up to the quality and history of that theatre.

[jon5202]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 12:27am

Yes, Drury Lane is producing Beaches opening in June.

http://drurylane.com/live-theatre/15-16-theatrical-season/

[NoName3]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 1:54am

Is that the same Jim Corti from Chorus Line and Ragtime? If so, he's a first-rate performer.

Updated On: 3/25/15 at 01:54 AM

[jon5202]

Posted: 3/25/15 at 11:14am

Yes. He is now a first rate director in Chicago.

Here is his blog at the Paramount:

http://paramountaurora.com/category/news/