‘Les Miserables’ at Bass Hall is a study in compassion, faith and much more
Our next step in life could be the most important decision we ever make. Not only could it greatly impact our life, but the lives of many others — some whose paths we have yet to cross.
It could be a step toward redemption, or take us to a place that’s — as described in the musical “Les Miserables,” a breath away from Hell.
Perhaps there is no greater example of this than Jean Valjean, the main character of “Les Miserables.” A gesture of mercy — albeit a crime — as a young man altered events for the rest of his life. His life story became a journey of imprisonment, a quest for redemption to himself and others, and a search for freedom and compassion amid a world of turmoil.
His story unfolds on the Bass Hall stage for the first time since 2019 as the legendary musical has returned to Fort Worth as part of Performing Arts Fort Worth’s Broadway at the Bass Series presented by PNC Bank. Performances run through Sunday, March 23.
Billed as one of the greatest musicals ever, it is hard to debate that claim. It has been playing regularly somewhere since first hitting the stage in Paris in 1980, including a Broadway run that lasted 16 years (1987-2003) with eight Tony Awards.
It’s easy to get swept away by the songs in the sung-through musical (think opera, but with a different style) — and you should, for they are timeless and masterful. So many unforgettable numbers, such as the soulful “I Dreamed a Dream” and “Bring Him Home,” the anthem styled “Do You Hear the People Sing” and the inspiring “One Day More” will never lose their strength.
While Victor Hugo probably never imagined his 1862 masterpiece novel would ever be set to music, after decades of the stage production being in our midst, it’s now hard to imagine that it wasn’t always.
Set in early 19th century France, the story begins with Valjean (played by Nick Cartell) having been in prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving child. After 19 years he is released on parole in 1815, only to find himself denied opportunity by society.
When he is caught stealing some silver from a befriending bishop (Randy Jeter), it appears Valjean is headed back to prison. However, the kind bishop intervenes with an act of mercy, claiming he gave Valjean the silver.
An inspired Valjean breaks his parole, starting a new life in disguise to hide from a determined detective named Javert (Steve Czarnecki on this night), whose sole mission is to put Valjean back behind bars.
In his new life as Monsieur Madeleine, Valjean finds wealth as a factory owner and is even a mayor in his new town. When a single mother working at the factory named Fantine (Lindsay Heather Pearce) is on her deathbed, Valjean adopts her orphaned daughter Cosette (Audrey Hoffman as little Cosette and Delaney Guyer as the older).
Through Cosette Valjean completes his transition from a hardened criminal to a man of compassion. Likewise, he is able to give her a life unlike the one in poverty from which she came.
However, with his fatherly love for her comes the reality of the world he knows is out there. He shelters her as best he can, but comes the day she falls in love with a young man named Marius (Jake David Smith).
Marius is one of numerous student revolutionaries reacting to the death of General Lamarque, known for showing kindness to the poor. With impending violence approaching, the first act ends with the students singing “One Day More” to signify their determination to survive.
As serious as the overwhelming majority of the show is, there’s the fresh frivolity of the Thenardiers (Victoria Huston-Elem and Matt Crowle). What they lack in morals they make up for in laughs, including the joyful “Master of the House” song during which they display a variety of ways to steal from the customers.
The story works on so many levels - redemption, faith, love, strength, courage, determination, compassion — all with the connecting link to a greater good. The message is as unforgettable as the music.
Cartell, who has played Valjean over 1,400 times — including the show’s last trip through Fort Worth — is mesmerizing in the role of Valjean. The story demands such a performance, and he delivers mightily, encompassing the past Valjean can never forget even as he looks to the future, particularly for Cosette.
And his commanding voice leads the way for the blissful and bombastic blend of music delivered by a range of amazing vocalists throughout the cast.
There’s a belief that Valjean has always had a good heart (remember why he stole the loaf of bread). But even the best of hearts can turn hard and cold in the harshest of life’s circumstances — or they can warm with understanding and caring, such as when the bishop told Valjean to take the silver and do something good.
Whereas Valjean responded to the kindness shown to him in a positive way, the same could not be said of Javert, who could not cope with Valjean not killing him when he had the chance. What follows is one simply awesome special effect, the likes of which is rarely seen onstage.
The variety of moving sets and effects are a perfect complement to the story. Notably, the barricade constructed by the students fittingly looks dark and ominous even though it’s designed for protection.
In the show’s final moments comes perhaps its most memorable and powerful line, “To love another person is to see the face of God.”
The audience is left with the hope of a better world.