Do You Hear the People Sing? You certainly do in this new production of Boublil and Schonberg’s modern classic, Les Miserables, currently being presented in Adelaide by the Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Les Miserables is not an easy show to stage, and full credit has to be given to David Lampard for his directorial vision and for assembling one of the finest non-professional casts seen in Adelaide for sometime, drawing on his experience as a veteran of a number of productions to deliver a new look, that doesn’t include a revolving barricade.
The main stage consisted of a number of levels connected by a series of ramps and stairs and a small revolve to facilitate movement in some of the lengthier scenes. Utilising a series of black curtains that sweep across the stage and an oversized French flag that flies in and out, Lampard creates a number of intimate areas at the fore-stage to accommodate the scene changes behind.
However it is the barricade that excels; a series of 200 window frames in various shapes and sizes that fly in, in three parts for the inevitable revolution, only then to disappear in the aftermath.
While there was the occasional opening night glitch with sound, projection and a wig malfunction, Lorraine Wheeler’s lighting with French inspired hues was apposite, though more attention could have been paid to the forestage scenes, as they tended to be starkly over lit and lost the required intimacy needed.
Ross Curtis as Musical Director has good control over his orchestra producing some very impressive sounds that extends to the cast with some wonderfully rich singing, especially the men who produced a wonderful energy.
The principal cast is outstanding, each bringing their own to their performance. Rachel Rai as Eponine and Rebecca Raymond as Cosette are subtly fine in voice, while Andrew Crispe as Marius and Paul Talbot as Enjolras produce well rounded performances.
Rod Schultz and Megan Humphries as the Thenardiers are superbly divine milking every grotesque moment, and Tom Millhouse as Javert is menacingly strong. Leah Harford and Zoe Borchardt are delightful as the Young Cosette and Eponine respectfully, while Tom Russell steals the show with his performance as Gavroche.
However, it is Mark Oates as Jean Valjean that is the standout performer of this show. A powerhouse performance from start to finish, with his rendition of ‘Bring Him Home’ a fitting highlight, full of depth and emotion that momentarily paused the show due to much applause.
Les Miserables continues to remain a firm favourite of amateur musical societies all over the country. In the absence of large scale musical productions visiting Adelaide in 2008, the Gilbert & Sullivan Society have filled the void with a magnificent production that is worthy of much praise.
Even after playing for more than twenty years, Les Miserables still manages to insight new fascination and awareness each time it is experienced.
Les Miserables
Gilbert & Sullivan Society. Scott Theatre, Adelaide.
Thursday 22 May 2008. Review by Rohan Shearn
Season - sold out!
Image: Mark Oates as Jean Valjean (photo by Eric Sands - Photopool)
