'Les Miserables' stunning

Opening in the dark prisons of France, "Les Miserables" stunningly sweeps the audience into the tale of Jean Valjean, paroled prisoner with a purpose in life. With the low growl of prisoners the first sound after opening curtain, the tone of struggle and despair is set.\nJean Valjean (Randal Keith) was sentenced for stealing a loaf of bread. He served 19 years and is finally paroled by grudge-wielding Inspector Javert (Stephen Bishop), only to discover he must carry yellow documents of his shadowed past wherever he goes. After being given a new life by the Bishop of Digne (Seth Bowling), who forgives Valjean's crimes, he destroys the incriminating parole papers and takes on a new identity.\nThroughout the rest of his life, Valjean tries to do good by others while evading the constant pursuit of a bitter Javert. He rescues a poor orphan and fights for revolution with students in Paris.\nOverall, the effect is incredible. The music, scenery and acting capabilities of the cast convey the powerful story of love, revolution and forgiveness.\nThe set leaves no discrepancy in the plot, creating a visual array of the ghettos of France, the homes and workplaces of the struggling French. Opening with a transparent curtain brings the audience into the story slowly, as if gradually revealing a story struggling to be heard.\nReceiving a great amount of press, the set is of Broadway caliber, with no voids left in the scenes. The massive turntable helps convey the passing time while also making set changes seem effortless. Scenes are moved in and out so quickly that viewers are swept along as if they are in the midst of France, not viewing a reconstruction of the story.\nAlso massive are the student barricades used to defend themselves against the anti-revolutionary enemy. Reaching toward the lights, the barricades provide a backdrop for plans of revolt, defense from which to fight and a towering graveyard for the death of the justice seekers.\nNot overshadowed by the set are the powerful vocals of the cast. "Les Miserables" is sung entirely through, which can be taxing on a voice. Yet the strain of performing a show in which every line is sung could not be heard in this show. Particularly haunting were the melodies of Fantine (Thursday Farrar) and Eponine (Diana Kaarina). These actresses sang their tales of despair and lost love with fluidity and heart. The rest of the cast possesses the same spirit, from Valjean to the young Gavroche (Brennan Pickman-Thoon). Throughout the week, some of the cast members switch roles, but this should not affect the caliber of the performance.\nOn opening night the only problem was the sound. At first it was hazy, but panned out for the rest of the show.\nThe story is moving, and a standing ovation and red waving banners from the audience testified to the impact of "Les Miserables"