Timeless 'Les Misérables' shines at the Paramount

There aren’t many stories with the staying power of “Les Misérables.”

It’s been more than 150 years since Victor Hugo’s novel was first published, and ever since, the tale of love, loss, forgiveness redemption, egalitarianism, and much more in 19th century France has bounced from one medium to the next. There’s been no fewer than a dozen film adaptations — not to mention a couple of miniseries — a radio version, an anime version, and, of course, the musical first presented in the 1980s.

Not all of them have turned out well. Even the most finely-tuned script can go wayward if left in the wrong hands.

But you will find no more capable cast and crew than the ones behind the latest touring production of Alain Boubill and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony-Award winner. Fresh off its two-and-a-half-year Broadway run, the show is in Seattle through June 17 at the Paramount Theatre.

Powerful performances from Nick Cartell (Jean Valjean) and Josh Davis (Javert) carry the day with a deft combination of booming vocals and heartfelt emotion as the pair plays out their decades-long game of cat-and-mouse. Those two roles set the baseline for the production, and Cartell and Davis establish from the opening moments the weight of this iteration.

But part of what truly brings the show to life are the contributions of those that surround that duo on stage. Despite lacking the stage time of the main players, Emily Bautista (Eponine), Mary Kate Moore (Fantine), and Jillian Butler (Cosette) shine during their solo moments.

Though its moments of humor are oftentimes overlooked, J. Anthony Crane and Allison Guinn — especially Guinn — bring the laughs as Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, while Joshua Grosso (Marius) earns a special nod for his light performance of “A Heart Full of Love,” showing an unexpected playfulness that brought new life to number.

Each performance is backed by a more-than-capable orchestra that balances the moments of darkness, of light, and of everything between with aplomb.

And then, there’s the backdrop.

Those familiar with the story will know that the setting of the story quickly jumps from one location to another, requiring one seamless transition after another to keep the show moving smoothly and without breaking the facade for audiences.

This production does just that, with enchanting scenic design by Matt Kinley that incorporates original artwork from Hugo via advanced projection technology to add a certain mystique to an already stunning array of sets. It’s enough to make one forget they’re looking at a stage (even without the turntable of the original production).

With a run time of nearly three hours (including a 20-minute intermission), it would be easy for even the slightest hiccup to derail the performance.

Suffice to say, this effort avoids any of those pitfalls.

“Les Misérables” runs through June 17 at the Paramount Theatre (911 Pine St.) The production is recommended for ages 10 and up. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.seattle.broadway.com.


From left, Josh Davis (Inspector Javert) and Nick Cartell (Jean Valjean) in the new national tour of "Les Misérables." Photo by Matthew Murphy