Les Misérables, Jan 19, 2019 ***1/2

MUSICAL THEATRE
Music & book by Claude-Michel Schönberg, book by Alain Boublil, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
By Young Australian Broadway Chorus
At National Theatre, St. Kilda, until Jan 27, 2019 
Reviewer: Kate Herbert 
Stars: ***1/2

 This review also published in Herald Sun on Tues 22 Jan 2019. By the way, I'm back on deck after a hiatus. KH 

This production of Les Misérables by Young Australian Broadway Chorus may have a youthful cast, but their enthusiasm is contagious and the show entertaining, vivacious and often moving.

Robert Coates’ direction takes advantage of the enormous ensemble of young singers, filling the stage with milling crowd scenes and rousing choruses of the soaring tunes from this renowned musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg (music & book), Alain Boublil (book) and Herbert Kretzmer (lyrics).

Les Misérables, based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel, is set in the early decades of 19^th century France, ending in Paris after the tragedy of the failed1832 Paris Uprising.

The lead performers are capable actor-singers, but several give standout performances. Bryce Gibson plays the key role of Jean Valjean, the former convict, now gentleman, pursued relentlessly for decades by his nemesis, the policeman, Javert, played by Nicholas Sheppard.

Gibson and Sheppard may lack the years and gravitas usually required for these ageing rivals, but their commitment is unquestionable. Gibson’s renditions of Who Am I? and Bring Him Home are powerful and heartfelt while Sheppard makes a noble tragedy of the song and scene of Javert’s suicide.

Jordie Race-Coldrey is charismatic as Enjolras, leader of the student revolt, and, with his fine vocal tone, he effectively leads the ensemble in the stirring chorus of the anthemic song, Do You Hear the People Sing?

The rich-voiced Rhea Brendish makes a fine Eponine, Jasmine Arthur’s bright soprano is suited to Cosette who falls in love with Ben Gonsalvez’s rather goofy Marius, while Emily Svarnias breaks hearts as Fantine, singing the heart-wrenching I Dreamed A Dream.

The talented, youthful orchestra skilfully delivers the thrilling music that underscores the spirited, massed choruses and makes this production of Les Miz a musical treat that may be the starting point for a few professional musical theatre careers.

by Kate Herbert

Cast

Jasmine Arthur - Cosette

Rhea Brendish - Eponine

Bryce Gibson - Jean Valjean

Nicholas Sheppard - Javert

Emily Svarnias - Fantine

Ben Gosalvez - Marius

Madeleine Horsey - Mme Thenardier

Jackson Hurwood - M Thenardier

Jordie Race-Caldrey - Enjolras

Director - Robert Coates

Musical Director  -Justin Jacobs

Choreography -Jacqui Greene

Set -Dann Barber

Costume -Jennifer McKenzie

Lighting -Linda Hum