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Wednesday, Mar. 31, 1999

`Les Mis' provides Broadway-level performance

Fabulous singing roles, technical work delivered by stand-out cast

By PAIGE ROSS
Staff Writer

   The poor were still ignored by the wealthy, cops continued chasing crooks and the young went on dreaming of a better world Tuesday night along the Corpus Christi bayfront.
   But by the time the words "there lived a man named Jean Valjean" were spoken at Selena Auditorium, the hushed audience was feeling a little less polarized and a bit more empathetic. They were viewing "Les Miserables," a musical setting of Victor Hugo's sprawling, classic tale of honor, faith and loyalty during 19th century France.
   Ivan Rutherford was moving as Valjean, as believable as possible and brought clarity to the vocal work. Joan Almedilla was striking as Fantine, handling the vocal demands of the part with grace. That both have recently carried leading roles on Broadway in the past few months was no surprise, given the quality of their work Tuesday night.
   Todd Alan Johnson was suitably stark as Javert, dark and severe, but able to deliver admirably when vocal firepower was needed.
   Throughout the event excellent technical theater heightened the impact of the story. Certain moments stand out: the use of a hurdy-gurdy in a scene of 19th century Paris street life, sets designed and used like the Old Vic stages of classic Shakespearean theater, and the stunning staging of the suicide scene.
   Sharon Matthews and J.P. Dougherty were delightful as the corrupt Thenardiers, turning "Master of the House" into a romp and threatening to disrupt the proceedings with their comic turn when they reappeared as "new money" after the revolution.
   The company has depth and range. Several of the singing actors gave distinguished performances, especially Sutton Foster as Eponine; Kevin Earley as a full-throated Enjolras, a leader of the student revolutionaries; and young Harley Adams as the urchin Gavroche.
   The stage combat was not of the standards set by the rest of the production. It was distractingly unbelievable, and there were some moments that lagged, particularly in the second act. But the overall quality of the touring production was so high that it seems petty to carp.
   Arts and entertainment writer Paige Ross can be reached at 886-3753, or by e-mail at rossp@caller.com
   

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  © 1999 Corpus Christi Caller Times, a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.