When I was invited to go to the opening performance of Les Misérables in Pittsburgh, I must admit that I agreed to go solely based on the buzz surrounding the PNC Broadway Across America Tour and, of course, the motion picture release. Since I was not familiar with it, I researched the storyline, which is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. {This is something I'd recommend for any theater patron unfamiliar with the story line!} As I delved into the story, I soon became fascinated with the characters. I found myself feeling like I couldn’t wait to “meet “ the characters at the Benedum Center!
For those of you who are not familiar with it either, the story is set in 19th century France, during a time when the effects of the French Revolution are being felt on society. Social instability and poverty created the environment that shaped the lives of the characters. Jean Valjean is released from prison and breaks parole to start a new life. He embarks on a lifelong mission to avoid recapture and redeem himself. Very (very) basically, it is a story about the importance of love and compassion, especially in dark times. I invite you to take a look at Pittsburgh Cultural Trustwebsite for more information.
Les Miserables, Peter Lockyer (Jean Valjean), Max Quinlan (Marius), Photo by Deen van Meer.
'Fall of Rain' - The Company of the New 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables. Photo by Deen van Meer.
Briana Carlson-Goodman (Éponine), Les Misérables. Photo by Deen van Meer.
'Lovely Ladies' - The Company of the New 25th Anniversary of Les Misérables. Photo by Deen van Meer
A stand-out actor for me (and many overheard at intermission!) was Joshua Colley, who played the character of the young boy, Gavroche. I could hear patrons guessing at his age, as it was incredible to see a performance like that from a child!
As a mother, I found the most touching scene to be the one where a young Cosette (played by Ava Della Pietra) sang, “Castle on a Cloud." She has spent most of her life up to his point as an abused servant, so when she sings of a place where there are no floors to sweep, no one is lost and no one cries… it really hit home for me!
The video screen background and the unbelievable talent of the cast transported us to another world. In one scene, the walk through a sewer tunnel looked so realistic that the people around me could hardly contain their amazement.
Hurry! Les Misérables leaves Pittsburgh after the evening show on January 27th. Transport yourself to 19th century France for the evening! You won't regret it.
Tickets for Les Misérables begin at $26.00 and are on sale at www.TrustArts.org, in person at the Box Office at Theater Square (655 Penn Avenue) and by calling 412-456-4800.
Groups 10+ are available by calling 412-471-6930. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to change without notice.
For more information on the production, engagement dates, and locations please
visit www.LesMis.com.
For a video sneak peek of the New 25th Anniversary Production of Les Misérables, please visit www.LesMis.com/watch.
Macaroni Kid of Pittsburgh LLC enjoyed complimentary media tickets to this performance however as always our reviews of products, shows, events etc are unbiased and of our own honest opinion. Our publications, at all times, seeks to connect our audience of readers to opportunities that will be of value to them. We are disclosing this information in accordance with I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
