When the world’s longest running musical returns to Singapore after more than 20 years, a trip to the theatre is inevitable. The original production of Les Misérables in London has just celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. Based on the classic novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, the musical tells the story of Jean Valjean, a convict being pursued by the ruthless Inspector Javert for breaking parole. Set in the revolutionary period in 19th century France, the musical features strong themes of human struggle, hope, love and compassion. Audiences are certain to be sent on an emotional ride with the characters on stage.
The Sets and Staging
This new production in Singapore is a replica of the reimagined 25th Anniversary UK tour production which boasts new sets and striking projections based on Victor Hugo’s own paintings. I remembered being very disappointed by the changed staging when I saw the recent revival on Broadway back in 2014 (which is also based on the 25th Anniversary UK tour). I felt that the projections were out of place, especially for a musical set in 1815. When it was announced that the Singapore production will also use the same staging, I lowered my expectations to prevent myself from being overly disappointed again. To my surprise, I found the projections less jarring this time and were actually quite effective at times to show passage of time. It might have been a change of opinion or that the strong performances of the cast made me focus on the actors instead. I choose to believe it’s the latter.
The Lighting Design and Special Effects
The lighting design blended well with the new projections and the set pieces. It played a great part in providing atmospheric ambience while not being too flashy. Apart from some pyrotechnics, there aren’t many visual surprises in this production with the exception of "Javert’s Soliloquy" by the Seine in the second act. However, for what was lacking it was made up with effective choreography and creative staging design.
The Music
“Do You Hear the People Sing”, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “Castle on a Cloud” and “One Day More” are just a few from the truckload of haunting soaring melodies from this musical. It is one of those rare shows that doesn’t has at least one bad song. The Tony Award winning score was performed by the Singapore cast with great passion and their strong compelling voices join in unison as they hit the final note at the end of act one. It was as close to perfection as it could get. Even better than the original cast albums in my opinion. Well, to each his own.
This new production in Singapore is a replica of the reimagined 25th Anniversary UK tour production which boasts new sets and striking projections based on Victor Hugo’s own paintings. I remembered being very disappointed by the changed staging when I saw the recent revival on Broadway back in 2014 (which is also based on the 25th Anniversary UK tour). I felt that the projections were out of place, especially for a musical set in 1815. When it was announced that the Singapore production will also use the same staging, I lowered my expectations to prevent myself from being overly disappointed again. To my surprise, I found the projections less jarring this time and were actually quite effective at times to show passage of time. It might have been a change of opinion or that the strong performances of the cast made me focus on the actors instead. I choose to believe it’s the latter.
The Lighting Design and Special Effects
The lighting design blended well with the new projections and the set pieces. It played a great part in providing atmospheric ambience while not being too flashy. Apart from some pyrotechnics, there aren’t many visual surprises in this production with the exception of "Javert’s Soliloquy" by the Seine in the second act. However, for what was lacking it was made up with effective choreography and creative staging design.
The Music
“Do You Hear the People Sing”, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “Castle on a Cloud” and “One Day More” are just a few from the truckload of haunting soaring melodies from this musical. It is one of those rare shows that doesn’t has at least one bad song. The Tony Award winning score was performed by the Singapore cast with great passion and their strong compelling voices join in unison as they hit the final note at the end of act one. It was as close to perfection as it could get. Even better than the original cast albums in my opinion. Well, to each his own.
The Cast Simon Gleeson (Jean Valjean) Simon Gleeson gave a multi-facet performance as the runaway convict turned wealthy factory owner turned loving father. As his character aged and changed identities, Simon Gleeson changed his voice slightly. This made Jean Valjean seem more like a real person as opposed to the saint-like figure written on script. Simon Gleeson also excelled when he needed to show his vulnerable side with his spot-on delivery of “Bring Him Home” and “Who Am I”. Overall, an emotional and captivating performance and one of the best Valjeans ever. Won the Helpmann Award in 2015 for Best Actor in a Musical in the Australian tour of Les Misérables |
Patrice Tipoki (Fantine) Fantine’s fall from grace was portrayed by Patrice Tipoki with such believability not seen from past portrayals. Her enunciation and intensity were controlled precisely. Many of her softer scenes were articulated with skill; neither sounding overly bombastic nor overly weak. Her glorious “I Dreamed a Dream” was one of the highlights of the evening. However, it was the last scene in the church where she was overlooking the conversation between Valjean and her grown daughter, Cosette that gave the most lasting impression. Nominated for the Helpmann Award in 2015 for Best Actress in a Musical in the Australian tour of Les Misérables |
Earl Carpenter (Javert) Earl Carpenter’s Javert was a worthy match to Gleeson’s Valjean. His performance as the condescending police officer bound by his misguided sense of law and duty was a compelling one. Earl Carpenter’s frightening demeanor provided much tension and sense of urgency to our protagonist. |
Chris Durling (Enjolras) Chris Durling played the charismatic leader who led the revolution at the barricades. He sang with great gusto and had a strong stage presence. Although he did went slightly off-key at times, his dashing good looks and charming aura made the character of Enjolras a memorable one. Nominated for the Helpmann Award in 2015 for Best Supporting Actor in a Musical in the Australian tour of Les Misérables |
Emily Langridge (Cosette) Emily Langridge plays the sheltered over-protected adopted daughter of Jean Valjean. Her crystal clear soprano gave Cosette just the right amount of innocence while adding her own nuances to her otherwise rather bland character. Paul Wilkins (Marius) Paul Wilkins played the lovesick schoolboy who is torn between joining his friends in the rebellion or being with his true love. With the vocals to match his boyish charms, it’s easy for audiences to see why Cosette fell for him at first sight. His heart-wrenching rendition of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” was one of the best I have heard. |
Kerrie Anne Greenland (Éponine) Although Kerrie Anne Greenland is no Lea Salonga or Samantha Barks, her Éponine seemed more intelligent and had a tinge of modern sensibility. Her soulful laments of heartbreak in “A Heart Full of Love” were able to even out the overflowing sweetness and corniness as Cosette and Marius professed their love. Won the Helpmann Award in 2015 for Best Supporting Actress in a Musical in the Australian tour of Les Misérables |
Cameron Blakely and Sarah Murr (The Thérnadiers) Cameron Blakely and Sarah Murr (Madame Thénadiers cover) provided much comic relief needed to lighten the mood for this otherwise excessively gloomy and depressing piece. Their chemistry worked well and audiences were able to catch most of their jokes. Their impeccable comedic timing made them two of the most popular characters in the play. |
The Chorus The young actors were well casted. Young Cosette was played by Esang De Torres on my evening. Last seen as a finalist on Season 2 of The Voice Kids Philippines, Esang has an angelic and surprisingly strong voice for a 9 years’ old. Gavorche was played by Callum Hobson and was every bit believable as the parent-less street-smart child. The rest of the chorus were adept and many of the standout scenes were numbers done by the entire ensemble. |
Les Misérables was never in my Top 5 list of musicals before seeing the Singapore production. Now, it’s my favourite musical (second only to maybe The Phantom of the Opera). I hadn’t had goosebumps during a show for a long time. Despite being downsized due to excessive costs for the transportation the huge set pieces, Les Misérables is the same timeless classic that still speaks to audiences today after 30 years. Thank you for giving Singapore audiences a world-class act and I wish the cast all the best for their upcoming run in Dubai. Please do not wait another 22 years to come back again!