I attended opening night of Les Miserables at the Des Moines Community Playhouse recently. I am not a professional theatrical reviewer by any stretch of the imagination. I attend because I like "live" theatre and I am compelled to write today because of the level of professionalism demonstrated that evening on the Playhouse stage. Steve Barry as Jean Valjean, Maxwell Schaeffer as Javert and Katy Merriman in the role of Cosette provided what can only be described as tier one performances. And this is not meant as a means to take away anything from the 46 other members of the cast who provided a truly enjoyable and spot on production.
And this was opening night.
There were of course a couple of technical issues that normally crop up for the first time the curtain rises and since this review is coming a week into the run of the show they have certainly been addressed. But even with those shortcomings, Les Miz at the Playhouse was an outstanding production. Barry's and Merriman's solo vocal performances on stage were of the caliber that made you close your eyes and just revel in the beauty of their voices. Dani Boal also scored big time in the roll of Eponine when she commanded center stage herself n the second act.
Les Miserables is a major undertaking for any theatre company but the Playhouse cast and crew were up to the challenge. It appears a lot of other people have felt the same way.
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The final scenes will give you pause and a moment to reflect which is what good dramatic theatre is supposed to do. It might also make you leave the building checking your calendar to see if you can squeeze in another performance before the show's run concludes Thursday April 13.
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