10 years after the first time I saw Les Miserables on stage, I was keen to take it all in again at Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular, a production celebrating 40 years of this revered musical. I mentioned last time I saw Les Mis that it’s much more my husband’s thing than mine. While I love musical theatre, my favourites are much more contemporary and a little less depressing. But I was psyched to see West End icons Alfie Boe and Michael Ball in the flesh. What a rare opportunity. They, and the rest of this stacked cast, did not disappoint.
That cast is really the most outstanding thing about this production. I knew Alfie and Michael would be incredible, but honestly they surpassed my expectations. Often you see people perform after decades in the business and wish you’d have seen them in their heyday, but these guys remain at the top of their game. Their vocals are simply incredible. Their intimate knowledge of the characters is evident in their performances. Their years of collaborating give them the sort of chemistry you rarely see at shows that throw together a bunch of stars. I’m sure the alternate Jean Valjean and Javert are incredible too, but I’m so glad I made a point to see these artists bringing their most beloved characters to life.
Alfie and Michael are the stars, as any artists with their storied careers, or indeed any Jean Valjean and Javert, should be, but they’re supported beautifully by the rest of this talented ensemble. Rachelle Ann Go’s Fantine drew me in with her warmth, poise, and passion. Beatrice Penny-Toure has the most angelic voice I think I’ve heard. She was perfectly cast as Cosette, and by the time he delivered a heartbreaking rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” I was sold on Jac Yarrow’s Marius. James D. Gish is my newest theatre crush. I have a long history of falling for Enjolras and he embodied everything about this character that makes me swoon. I’d initially feared Matt Lucas may be stunt casting, but what an exceptional job he does as Thenardier. I love that this production gives him space to play with the role. Helen Walsh as Madame Thenardier reminded me that getting the alternate isn’t always a bad thing. I was really looking forward to seeing Marina Prior sink her teeth into a bawdier role than I’m used to, but Helen was exceptional.
The ICC is much larger than the Capitol Theatre, where I saw Les Mis all those years ago, but this production fills it. The massive set really helps you feel like you’re on the frontline of the French Revolution. The use of sound effects and lights brought the battle to life beautifully.
Sadly my husband’s eagerness to catch a train home meant that we missed the finale, where cast members from the original Australian production graced the stage. I can’t quite believe it. What an opportunity gone begging. But I refuse to let it take the lustre off what was a really special night of music, even for someone like me who isn’t a big Les Mis fan.
After completing its Eora/Sydney run, Les Miserables: The Arena Spectacular will head to Rod Laver Arena in Naarm/Melbourne and the Brisbane Entertainment Centre in Meeanjin/Brisbane. Good tickets are still available across the season. Trust me musical theatre fans; you don’t want to sleep on this one.
Photo credit: Lauren Katulka
