So my girlfriend fell in love with Les Misérables after the first time I took her to one of the shows, some years ago now. Then earlier this year, after asking her again and again if she wanted to go see the show in New York City, and she repeatedly saying now, she suddenly wanted to go last minute after her boss told her about his experience with front row seats there.
Well, the tickets for the New York shows proved to be expensive. So I searched for some cheaper alternative. That was how I cam across this production of the show, which was to be at the Hudson Valley Shakespeare, a place which, admittedly, I had never heard of. It took some convincing once again, but she finally said yes once I showed her we could get front row tickets for cheaper than the cost of a single nosebleed seat in the Big Apple. So we got the tickets.
On Wednesday, we took the beautiful, albeit long, drive from Hillsborough, New Jersey, to the Hudson Valley. It was a perfect, sunny autumn afternoon, which enhanced the experience of the drive. She was nervous that I was going too fast at first, so I slowed down once we got to New York state, and the time constraints were not as pervasive. Then, we enjoyed a relaxing drive amidst frankly stunning scenery.
Let me start by saying that the physical setting is stunning. When we got there, it was surprisingly cool, with strong winds. My tolerance for cold is usually better than most, but even I put on a sweatshirt. Some people wrapped blankets around themselves to keep warm. Remember, this is on top of a hill overlooking surrounding hills and the Hudson River, visible far down below. the scenery alone is worth a trip here.
Now, pictures of the actual show were not allowed. So the pictures which I added here are of the venue and the program for this show, just so you know. That said, I added a link to the venue's website with Les Misérables, which shows some clips that give you an idea of the visuals and costumes.
If there was any doubt, shared by both my girlfriend and myself, it was that this was going to be outside, and in a small venue. I had not yet seen a small production of this show which did not include a large stage and impressive barricades and gunshots and all of that, which help to absorb the audience. This one was much smaller and considerably more stripped down. How would that be?
In fact, it was terrific. They made up for the lack of big sets and such with cleverness, including using the beautiful natural setting for added effect, very much enhancing the show. It really added something to see the revolutionary banner being flown in the wind and the sunshine, with a pristine view behind it. It felt a bit like a post, almost. As if you were seeing their loftiest revolutionary ideas taking form.
Also, it was different than any other version of Les Misérables which I have seen. And I have seen this now something like seven or eight times over the years. But what makes this different is the proximity of the actors and singers. The stage is right next to you. Sometimes, they were singing literally less than three or four feet from us, so you could really appreciate the power and intensity and emotion of their singing. Les Misérables always packs an emotional punch, but the intimacy of this show really added something to it. Seeing the expressions on the faces, feeling the emotions, whether crushing disappointment or heartbreak or even the energy of youthful idealism or jubilance of finding love. It was all very well done.
As mentioned earlier, they were clever with finding ways to make this work. The set props seemed to be, for the most part, tables and chairs. But they somehow used these to wonderful effect by creating a cart with these that actually felt like you were seeing a cart running over a man. Or the courtroom scene, where it indeed somehow was made to feel like a courtroom, with a judge presiding over the case as the real Valjean reveals himself. Granted, it helps to be familiar with the story, but it really was extremely well done.
Some scenes were enhanced with one cast member coming out on the side and playing an acoustic guitar softly. During "Drink With Me," the soft playing of an accordion - by the same cast member and playing mere feet from where we were sitting - added to the sense of melancholy. The characters were sitting all around the stage during the song. That mixed with the somber (yet familiar) music and the proximity of the cast members, it really felt a little like being at a sad gathering the night before a major event, which the characters know they likely will not survive.
Simply incredible.
Naturally, there were some standout performances. the whole show was great. There were no weak links. But David Beach was moving as the Bishop and then absolutely hilarious as Thenardier, really standing out for all the right reasons. Haley Dortch really brought out the tragedy of the Fantine character. Yet, she managed to play a very different role, that of the young, idealistic, charismatic and naively militant Enjolras very capably as well. And Josh Young was unforgettable as Jean Valjean. What a voice! It seemed at times that there were actual tears in his eyes.
Really, everyone was great. The whole show was amazing, albeit different than any showing I had seen before. With this minimalist take on Les Misérables, they somehow brought something fresh and new to a quite familiar musical. A very different take and feel to a familiar show. Yet, any concerns that something might be missing as a result of this quickly evaporated. In fact, the fact that is was smaller actually added some important elements to this show. To give someone thinking of going to this show some idea, I might compare it to seeing a favorite band perform at a smaller venue, perhaps with a stripped down acoustic set. It is not worse, but it is different. In fact, both my girlfriend and I loved it and were raving about it for some time afterwards.
If you are familiar with and love Les Misérables and get a chance, go see this. You will surely not be disappointed. Highly recommended!
Hudson Valley Shakespeare Website Page for Les Misérables:
https://hvshakespeare.org/events/les-miserables
Les Misérables | Hudson Valley Shakespeare
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