Les Misérables at Tuacahn

I saw my fourth or fifth version of Les Misérables last night, at the incomparable Tuacahn Amphitheater. It's been my very favorite musical since I first heard the story in high school English and then was introduced to the music. Back then I was captivated by the love triangle, more specifically by Éponine's unrequited affection for Marius.

Now that I'm a bit more mature, I was much more interested in the parental aspects of this rich story: first, Fantine's desperate devotion to her daughter, and then Jean Valjean's journey from a criminal innocent of moral offense to an upstanding man who embodies the spirit of service and love for others. Of course, I was still moved by the love triangle, but my perspective has certainly changed.

The main benefits of seeing this masterpiece of musical theatre at the unique Tuacahn setting are:

• The opening scene of prisoners, scattered on the hillside, actually breaking up rocks with sledgehammers;
  


• When Cosette is sent into the woods, she is actually outdoors on one of the red rock side sets;


• "Stars" is sung under an expanse of real stars;


• Nothing can top "One Day More" with a crescendo of fireworks;


• Javert actually jumps from a tall bridge;


• The barricade is gi-normous;


• Tons of horse-drawn carriages;


• During the barricade battle, the opposing army is positioned in the rocks behind the barricade, shooting at the rebels while they fire back.

The best part, other than my new appreciation for the more mature themes of redemption and parental love and protection, was the performance by Timothy Warmen:
This is the Broadway actor who portrayed the best Jean Valjean I've seen. Not only was his voice strong and amazing, but he played the character with a level of emotion and passion I've never seen before. After the show, I was able to talk to him and tell him that I thought his performance was outstanding; he was very nice, and said that he'd never seen the show before and that he was glad he'd done well. This man is profoundly talented.

Of course, most of the cast is amazingly talented. There are few exceptions, as there should be when putting together a show with such high expectations. I think many theatre-goers have already seen some version of Les Miz, and the competition is tough. To be in this show, you must be able to carry a pretty demanding tune.

We saw the first preview night, and there were some things that clearly need to be addressed, but what matters is not who tripped over what set piece or who got pinned under a stray piece of the barricade when they tried to move it from the stage...What truly matters is the story. This is a phenomenal story. It is rich and complex and deeply moving. The acting and singing were great, but these characters and their struggles and triumphs are the most important, and they come together beautifully.

Les Misérables runs at Tuacahn from now through October, and if anyone reading this wants to attend but needs to go with someone, let me know. I'd be delighted to see this again.