Broadway tour of "Les Miserables" at the Orpheum Theatre

Are you ready to hear the people sing? The people being the incredibly talented cast of the long-touring production of the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Miserables, most of whom were with the tour when it was last here in 2022 (and some even in 2018). The singing being the 6th longest running Broadway musical (from 1987 to 2003) and one of the most popular and beloved. I was telling someone about the show today (because I always end up talking theater with strangers) and they asked, why would I want to see something so miserable and depressing? Firstly, the music is gorgeous, nearly three straight hours of singing accompanied by a glorious orchestra. Secondly, because as I've previously written about the show, it's "such an inspiring story. Through a moment of kindness, a man's life is changed and he goes on to affect others' lives by passing on that kindness. But through it all he's still just a man, with doubts and regrets and struggles. In short, it's the human experience." It's truly inspiring and brings me to tears every time, especially my favorite line "to love another person is to see the face of God." Last night I was struck by the contrast between the two main characters. Valjean receives a moment of grace and kindness and allows it to turn his life around for the better, extending grace and kindness to those he meets. But when he extends it to Javert, he is unable to accept it and let go of his lifelong vendetta of hate. The world could use more Valjeans. Experience this epic journey at the Orpheum Theatre through December 1.

Broadway tour of "Les Miserables" at the Orpheum Theatre

The touring production of the 2014 Broadway revival of Les Miserables, the 6th longest running Broadway musical (from 1987 to 2003), is back again! Perhaps because this touring season didn't have a lot of new shows to pick from because of the 18-month Broadway shutdown, this season includes a lot of shows we've seen before. But this is a good one to re-visit, particularly this stunning production. As I've previously written: "Les Miserables is such an inspiring story. Through a moment of kindness, a man's life is changed and he goes on to affect others' lives by passing on that kindness. But through it all he's still just a man, with doubts and regrets and struggles. In short, it's the human experience." Despite the hugeness of this production (in cast, sets, and everything else), it doesn't lose sight of the humanity at the heart of this epic story. Les Miz continues at the Orpheum Theatre through December 18, click here for more information (including student/educator rush) and for the official ticket site. Pro tip: plan to arrive at the theater at least a half hour early to allow for parking, lines, the most thorough security process in town, and finding your seat before the firm start time. If you arrive late, you won't be seated until the opening number concludes (and it's a long one).

"Les Miserables" Broadway Tour at the Orpheum Theatre

Fresh off of a successful Broadway revival, the music-theater phenomenon known as Les Miserables is on tour, stopping at Minneapolis' Orpheum Theatre for the final two weeks of the year. I'm not one of those Les Miz fanatics (like my friend Laura at Twin Cities Stages), I save the fanaticism for RENT. I saw the tour 18 years ago, but it was the #TCTheater production at Artistry (formerly known as Bloomington Civic Theatre) five years ago that production that really won me over to the beauty of the story, writing, "Les Miserables is such an inspiring story. Through a moment of kindness, a man's life is changed and he goes on to affect others' lives by passing on that kindness. But through it all he's still just a man, with doubts and regrets and struggles. In short, it's the human experience." So I was ready for this large-scale Broadway production, re-invented from the original. And I loved every minute of it (approximately 180 of them).