LES MISERABLES - CONTRA COSTA MUSICAL THEATRE. *****(FIVE STARS)

Noel Anthony (Jean Valjean) & Nicole Helfer (Fantine)
Courtesy of Actors' Equity Association

LES MISERABLES
MOST POPULAR MUSICAL IN THE WORLD


A NEW PRODUCTION OF BOUBLIL AND SCHONBERGS 



THEY'VE PAINTED THE PALACE -
AND THAT WOULD BE: CONTRA COSTA MUSICAL THEATRE 

The arrival of "Les Miserables" is a smash sellout - a magical treat. Who could not want to see technicolor air at the Theater? It's an unquestionable blockbuster. Brave the glorious intensity - you'll love it.   

 Les Miz talent is crowned with sensational fantastic clothing. You know the story -- it's become a national anthem. Well, let me tell you, this is the biggest evening of bejeweled clothing we have ever seen. There is also the street gypsies beneath the wigs. The mood is sad and sweet at times. The richness of the singing is downright magical. 

Of course, you know the brilliant score - don't you? Of course you do, or you will. And if you don't see Les Miz -- you will regret it forever. This version is the most exciting tear jerker that I have ever seen of Les Miz. Better than New York City - believe me. What Walnut Creek has here are fantastic wonderful magical vocals that bring tear drops to your face. Hey, I can't hold back the tears. It almost knocked me off the chair. What an achievement to admit -- this is one of the world's best miracles ever seen on a stage. These actors have a right to show their struts. And why not -- at least 1500 or more people in the Theater were excited. We cried - we cheered -- we could hardly stand up when it was over, but we did at the end. Everyone in the gorgeous Theater gave a standing ovation. Yes - we will hear the people sing. The voices are pure. You will want to hear and see this show again and again. The theme is unrequited love. The singing is Grand and Romantic. Intense yes - but its a real treat. Oh, and you will be thrilled with the First Class orchestra. Totally awesome!  

THIS IS THE BEST CAST THIS SEASON OR ANY OTHER SEASON - PERFECTLY CRAFTED! 

Here are the rich, complex actors: Noel Anthony* (Jean Valjean). Nicole Helfer (Fantane). Jerry Lee* (Javert - the meanie). Robert Lopez (Marius). Katherine Bartomeo (Cosette) and Alex Moore (Enjolras) and Robert Lopez (Marius). ccmt.org (Contra Costra Musical
Theatre).

RATING: FIVE STARS*****(highest rating) 

Music by- Claude-Michel Schonberg. Lyrics by Alain Boublil & Herbert Kretzmer. 

Book by - Claude-Michel Schonberg, Alain Boublil, Trevor Nunn & John Caird

Directed by: Scott Denison. Musical Direction by: Brandon Adams and Choreography by Jennifer Perry. 

*appears courtesy Actors Equity Association

LESHER CENTER FOR THE ARTS - WALNUT CREEK. (925) 943-7469 (show)

General Manager - Danny Boyle

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he also produced and hosted Radio/TV on PBS KQED - 7years)))