Do You Hear the People Sing?

Movie Review:  Les Miserables

Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, the most impressive of the highly accomplished stars of Les Miserables.

 

Musical theatre fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief.  The long awaited big screen adaptation of Les Miserables is not just a good movie musical but a great one, working as both a successful adaptation and a strong film in its own right.  Tom Hopper’s lovingly crafted epic may have a few faults, but they are mere nitpicks in a film that does so much right with what could have gone so very wrong.

The plot of Les Miserables, the musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s sprawling novel, tells the story of convicted thief Jean Valjean and his lifelong struggle towards redemption in 19^th century France.  After breaking his parole, Valjean goes into hiding and eventually meets disgraced factory worker Fantine before becoming the guardian of her daughter Cosette.  The pair moves to Paris, where Cosette falls in love with student revolutionary Marius right before he spearheads a violent uprising against the Parisian elite.  All the while, Valjean is relentlessly pursued by the rigid Inspector Javert, the one man who knows Valjean’s past and could see him locked away forever.

For those who wondered how Hopper and screenwriter William Nicholson would condense the three-hour pop opera into a typical movie runtime, the short answer is they didn’t.  Although a couple of verses and some incidental music have been trimmed, every musical number from the stage version is represented (even “Turning”).  The order has been tweaked, but as in West Side Story these changes feel organic and are often for the best.  Hopper and Nicholson have even found room for a new song, “Suddenly,” which illustrates the instant connection and responsibility Valjean feels for young Cosette.  It may not be equal to the greatest pieces of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil’s score, but it works as a nice character moment and a welcome change of pace from all the bombastic power ballads.

The transfer from stage to screen does reveal some flaws in Les Miserables’ construction, as elements that go unquestioned in the theatre feel underwritten on the big screen.  The reasons behind the student uprising that forms the crux of the second half are never satisfactory explained (something about “the people”), and the love triangle between Cosette, Marius, and street urchin Eponine is underexplored.  But while some details could stand fleshing out, the emotional truth of the story remains intact and powerful, and those prone to tears should definitely bring some tissues.

The star-studded cast is uniformly excellent, even those with zero musical or theatrical experience.  Hugh Jackman anchors the movie with his innate charisma and a fine flair for the dramatic, with his expressive face conveying the depth of Valjean’s internal conflict.  His voice does sound a wee bit strained on the high notes, but I can’t think of another movie star better qualified to tackle such a mammoth role.  And if we’re going to get really nitpicky, they probably could have aged Jackman more for the movie’s final act, although the actor’s expressive eyes go a long way towards conveying Valjean’s growing weariness.

The true revelation among the cast is Anne Hathaway’s devastating turn as Fantine, the factory girl who resorts to prostitution in order to support herself and her child.  Hathaway pulls out all the stops for her bravura performance, committing to the role physically and emotionally in a way few actresses could manage.  In a film full of big songs her “I Dreamed a Dream” is the showstopper, a gut-wrenching depiction of a woman with nothing more to lose.  Hathaway is a guaranteed Oscar nominee, and it’s unfortunate the constraints of the story keep her from being in more of the movie.  Whenever she does appear, it is pure movie magic.

Russell Crowe does an excellent job as the relentless Inspector Javert, although the role’s restrained nature keeps him from cutting loose the way his costars can.  Crowe possesses an unexpectedly strong singing voice, and while his strict adherence to the written rhythms is initially jarring in comparison to everyone else’s free-form recitative, it ultimately works as a character choice which further illustrates his unbending nature.  Amanda Seyfried has surprisingly little to do as Cosette (while none of her material has been cut, the role feels much more substantial in the stage version), and while a fine actress her lightning-quick vibrato is the one vocal quirk this reviewer can’t quite overlook.  Seyfried does have excellent chemistry with Eddie Redmayne’s Marius, and the young actor’s ease in the role goes a long way towards making the second half of the film work.

Samantha Banks’ Eponine is gloriously sung and looks properly pensive, although her underwritten character arc doesn’t leave as much of an impression as it could have.  Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are perfectly cast as the wily Thenardier and his wife, and their scene stealing antics provide some much-needed levity amid all the angst and suffering.  Of all the major characters, the Thenardiers have the least bearing on the central plot, but Cohen and Carter are so hysterical that their every appearance is appreciated.

The movie’s production design is exemplary, with the dingy costumes, makeup, and set design giving the musical a grounded quality it never had onstage.  The sweeping vistas on display are quite breathtaking, but unfortunately Hopper’s direction is much more enamored with various awkward close-ups.  It’s difficult to tell if the problem stems from the precise angle of the camera or from the actors’ visible discomfort directly addressing it, but these shots pull your attention out of the movie and make many of the solos appear visually flat.  The few that do switch up the shooting style, such as “Stars” and “Master of the House,” are notably stronger for it.

Overall, Les Miserables is a stunning achievement that should delight fans of the stage version and nonbelievers alike.  Top-tier production values and truly compelling performances help disguise the source material’s occasional shortcomings, and the movie manages the difficult task of remaining faithful to the stage version while simultaneously succeeding on its own merits.  Any theatre aficionado owes it to themselves to see this movie, and rediscover the joys of one of the seminal musicals of the past thirty years.

Best Shows of 2012: #6

Best of 2012

#6 – Jesus Christ Superstar

Jesus learns that living in NYC means ignoring the noise coming from right next to you.

 

Until last spring’s Broadway revival, I couldn’t even begin to fathom the enduring appeal of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Jesus Christ Superstar.  An indulgently screechy rock opera written for singers with superhuman voices, the show features almost zero character development and a poorly scripted plot that’s nearly incomprehensible to those not already familiar with the story of Jesus Christ’s final days.  But after viewing director Des McAnuff’s pulse-pounding production, I finally “got” the show and why it has continued to appeal to generations of fans.

A dynamically engaging post-apocalyptic setting combined with McAnuff and choreographer Lisa Shriver’s propulsive movement gave this Superstar a drive few musicals can muster.  Each subsequent number would build upon the one which preceded it, and suddenly Lloyd Webber’s constant repetition of melodies and motifs felt purposeful and even necessary.  This staging successfully captured the giddy, over-the-top nature of a rock concert, while simultaneously adding unexpected depth to the show’s key interpersonal dynamics.  Now the relationships between Jesus, Judas, and Mary Magdalene weren’t just talked about but deeply felt, communicated through piercing stares and telling body language.

The entire cast deserves kudos for effortlessly highlighting the show’s hidden complexity and handling its vocal demands as well as any group of actors I’ve ever seen.  Paul Nolan’s pitch perfect rock tenor even managed to make the unending bombast of Jesus’ “Gethsemane” palatable, with the fact that he looked like the walking embodiment of every Renaissance painting of Christ serving as an added bonus.  Although I missed Josh Young’s Tony-nominated Judas due to the actor’s pervasive health issues, understudy Jeremy Kushnier was an entirely compelling anti-hero who genuinely struggled with the decision to betray his former friend.  And Chilina Kennedy’s Mary was the perfect foil for the two estranged friends at the show’s center, delivering the oft-sung “I Don’t Know How to Love Him” with refreshing honesty and conviction.

Jesus Christ Superstar will never be a great show, but this was a truly great production capable of converting even the show’s most ardent critics, myself included.  As a theatrical event and musical experience it exceeded all possible expectations, presenting a fresh take on the tired and at times overwrought material.  Unfortunately Superstar failed to find much of an audience and has long since closed, but those lucky enough to have seen it know why it was one of the Best Shows of 2012.

 

For a full review of Jesus Christ Superstar, click here.

Best Shows of 2012: #7

Best of 2012

#7 – Clybourne Park

Proof the white people should never, EVER attempt to "raise the roof."

 

Clybourne Park’s Broadway transfer almost didn’t happen.  Despite winning both the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and the Olivier Award for Best New Play, its planned Broadway bow was thrown into question when lead producer Scott Rudin withdrew from the production after a dispute with playwright Bruce Norris.  Thankfully producer/theatre owner Jordan Roth swooped in to save the show, as Clybourne Park’s mixture of black comedy and thought-provoking rhetoric made for a fantastically stimulating night at the theatre.

Set in the fictional Chicago neighborhood of Clybourne Park, Act I took place in 1959 and Act II took place in 2009.  The first half of the play concerned the imminent arrival of the neighborhood’s first black family (implied but never explicitly stated to be the Younger family from Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun), while the latter portion dealt with a white family moving into the now all-black neighborhood.  This structure allowed the play to make many fascinating observations about how racism has and hasn’t changed over the past five decades, and if the first act seemed slow the near perfection of the second half not only elevated the evening but proved everything which preceded it was necessary to fully understanding what Norris had to say.

An actor himself, Norris managed to create two equally compelling sets of nuanced characters, making the racially-charged dialogue feel organic rather than didactic.  Norris also expertly avoided the trap of oversimplifying his arguments, letting every character make valid points which challenged the audience’s beliefs.  It was refreshing to see both black and white characters portrayed as equally right (and wrong), and that quality helped make Clybourne Park an especially satisfying encapsulation of the endlessly complex subject of race.  Even better, the play managed to tackle all of these topics while remaining laugh-out-loud funny, providing a welcome respite from the weighty matters being discussed.

The cast of Clybourne, all of whom originated their roles in the play’s world premiere Off-Broadway, was ideal.  Under the razor-sharp direction of Pam MacKinnon, the seven-strong company was a master class in ensemble acting, supporting and playing off one another with delightful ease.  With every actor tasked with portraying two characters (one in the first act, one in the second), the specificity and nuance in their characterizations became all the more impressive.  Their chameleon-like nature allowed the audience to fully immerse itself in the play’s world, and kept the focus squarely on Norris’ crackling dialogue.  The deserved winner of this year’s Best Play Tony, Clybourne Park gave audiences the perfect blend between art and entertainment, and that is why it is one of the Best Shows of 2012.

To read my full review of Clybourne Park, click here.

Best Shows of 2012: #8

Best of 2012

#8 – Annie

Anthony Warlow and Lilla Crawford are the two stellar stars of James Lapine's handome new Annie.

 

When it first opened on Broadway in the spring of 1977, Annie received near-universal acclaim and became so prolific that even people with zero interest in musical theatre knew it by name.  The show about the little orphan with the big heart has since become synonymous with the sun-drenched optimism that typifies classic musical comedies, and in an increasingly cynical world that earnestness has made it a subject of scorn and derision.  It’s easy to forget that behind that relentlessly positive outlook lies a solidly constructed tuner just waiting for the right production to reveal its multitude of charms.

James Lapine’s splashy revival is just such a production, shedding the decades of baggage and expectation Annie brings with it to emerge as one of the year’s freshest pieces of escapist entertainment.  By focusing on the text and the truth of the show’s world, Lapine and his actors have reached a level of earnestness that makes the many songs about hope and positivity feel both genuine and necessary.  The show’s version of Depression-era New York is unabashedly naïve, but that viewpoint is wholly appropriate to the musical’s child protagonist and its message about the value of looking on the bright side of life.

Lapine has found an extremely talented group of young women to embody Annie and her orphan pals, and their unbridled enthusiasm proves to be infectious and one of the show’s strongest assets.  In a performance sure to result in a Tony nomination, Anthony Warlow’s Daddy Warbucks is sublime perfection, with his growing fondness for Annie creating some unexpectedly moving moments.  Two-time Tony-winner Katie Finneran may not be doing her best work as the villainous Miss Hannigan (and the show does suffer because of it), but the comedic actress brings plenty of raucous energy and a particular gift for physical comedy to the scene-stealing role.

Annie’s family friendly nature ensures it will be many children’s first exposure to the wonders of live theatre, and from the opening chords of the overture until the final curtain young audiences are sure to be utterly enchanted.  But fun has no age limit, and anyone who remembers (or would like to remember) the joy and limitless possibilities of youth will find plenty to appreciate in this handsome staging.  Here’s hoping that this Annie has many, many tomorrows in its future.

For my full review of Annie, click here.

Podcast Episode 4: Fall Season Wrap-Up

As 2012 fades into 2013, Jared, Brian, and Christopher look back at the past six months on Broadway and the many productions of the fall season.  Which shows impressed the most, and which ones missed the mark?  Find out as we discuss our favorites and which shows we fully expect to see among next year's Tony nominees.
 

An Off-Kilter Family Christmas

Review:  A Christmas Story

A Christmas Story finally fulfills Broadway's long-standing need for a production number centered around a leg-shaped lamp.

 

Despite its prolific holiday airings on multiple TV stations, I have never actually seen the much beloved film A Christmas Story.  Therefore I cannot judge the musical incarnation, currently playing a limited engagement at Broadway’s Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, on its fidelity to the source material, although judging by the anticipatory laughter from the packed house I assume most of the movie’s major comedic beats survived the transfer intact.  Reviewing this adaptation on its own merits, I unfortunately must report that it’s a hit or miss affair that features promising new talent led astray by some dubious directorial choices.

A Christmas Story tells the story of young Ralphie Parker, whose only goal in life is to receive a Red Ryder Carbine Action BB Gun for Christmas, despite his Mother’s repeated protestations.  “You’ll shoot your eye out,” she warns.  Ralphie’s Old Man isn’t any more receptive, being more preoccupied with winning a crossword competition and repairing the many, many broken devices around the family’s cozy Indiana home.  Ralphie’s quest for the Red Ryder Gun is really just a framing device that allows the show to explore the various mishaps that befall Ralphie and his family as they prepare for the holidays, which include various schoolyard antics, a pair of pesky bloodhounds, and some questionable home décor.

Given the saccharine sweet nature of most holiday offerings, it’s refreshing to see A Christmas Story present such an off-kilter take on traditions like visiting Santa, picking out a tree, and the all-important Christmas dinner.  While the plot gets stretched mighty thin in order to fill a two-and-a-half hour musical, the characters are endearingly quirky and the less-than-perfect holiday shenanigans feel relatable and authentic.  Joseph Robinette’s libretto commits no major sins, even if a few more sections of overt comedy would have been welcomed.  And the score by Broadway newcomers Benj Pasek and Justin Paul is a delight, establishing the young songwriters as talents to watch.

It’s unfortunate the show suffers from such uninspired direction by John Rando, the Tony-winning director of the similarly cheeky Urinetown.  Rando’s flat staging makes poor use of the stage and Walt Spangler’s set, and fails to provide the speedy pacing that would help disguise the book scene’s shortcomings.  Many of the solos end up feeling static due to Rando’s minimalist staging, but thankfully A Christmas Story also features a smattering of fantasy sequences that are a visual delight.  The Western-themed “Ralphie to the Rescue” casts the dozen-strong youth ensemble as rough-and-tumble gunslingers and sassy saloon wenches, and the speakeasy-set “You’ll Shoot Your Eye Out” is far and away the evening’s highlight.  One of the most adorable things you’ll ever see, the young performers dress up as little gangsters and flapper girls to perform a showstopping tap number that features the best dance solo currently on Broadway, made even more impressive by the fact that dancer Luke Spring is only nine-years-old.

In fact, the kids prove to be the strongest members of the show’s cast.  As Ralphie, Johnny Rabe carries the show with aplomb and finesse, acting and singing like a seasoned pro.  Zac Ballard is adorably weird as Ralphie’s younger brother Randy, throwing himself into the show’s physical comedy with the kind of abandon only a child can muster.  Jack Mastrianni and John Babbo are particularly funny as schoolyard bullies Farkus and Dill, and Jeremy Shinder’s goofy best friend Flick proves to be a welcome addition.

When it comes to the adults, John Bolton and Erin Dilly give their all as Ralphie’s Old Man and Mother respectively, but both actors are ultimately betrayed by some questionable writing and a lack of strong direction.  Bolton adeptly switches from bellowing brute to misunderstood everyman, but these personality shifts lack motivation and result in a schizophrenic performance (although his “A Major Award” production number is a winner).  Dilly’s Mother is suitably maternal, a frazzled but loving housewife who only wants what’s best for her family.  Despite some lovely vocals and fine acting from Dilly, Mother’s two songs fail to add anything interesting to her character, slowing the show down rather than enhancing it.  The rest of the adult ensemble fails to make much of an impression good or bad, and is quickly forgotten once they leave the stage.

Ultimately, A Christmas Story has a lot of things going for it.  A holiday show for those who don’t like holiday shows, it evokes the spirit of the season without resorting to cloying sentimentality.  It’s an exciting Main Stem debut for the promising songwriting duo of Pasek and Paul, who between this and Off-Broadway’s Dogfight are having quite the breakout year.  There are certainly worse ways to spend a December evening, and the show’s scheduled two month limited run seems about right for this particular musical.  A Christmas Story’s imperfections are ultimately a part of its charm, and those looking for a holiday treat will find plenty to enjoy.

Best Shows of 2012: #9

Best of 2012

#9 – The Mystery of Edwin Drood

Damned if there you are!

 

I firmly believe that Rupert Holmes’ The Mystery of Edwin Drood is one of the worst musicals ever written.  Based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished last novel, the show is two hours of uninteresting exposition and merely passable songs that mark time until we reach the musical’s central gimmick, which is letting the audience vote on the mystery’s solution and thereby choose the show’s ending.  The nearly incomprehensible “plot” and exceedingly shallow characters require a top-notch production to mask their many deficiencies and make the show even vaguely tolerable.

Thankfully, the Roundabout Theatre Company’s current Broadway revival is a top-notch production.  Filled to the brim with outstanding performances, the talent involved elevates Drood into a musical confection that’s still devoid of meaning but so much fun you hardly care.  Stephanie J. Block has found the perfect vehicle for her many talents, with her turn as the title character equally highlighting her skills as a musical comedienne and her nearly unmatched vocal prowess.  In any other show, a performance of Block’s caliber would make her the unequivocal star, but this production features so many outstanding supporting turns that Block is but one jewel in a musical crown.

Rising star Jessie Mueller demonstrates remarkable range as the fiery Helena Landless, proving just as entrancing here as she was playing the ingénue Cinderella in this summer’s Into the Woods.  As the musical’s master of ceremonies, Jim Norton turns what could be a rather bland role into one of the year’s great comedic performances, hamming things up with delightful abandon.  Will Chase chews the scenery with infectious, giddy delight as the musical’s villain, and as the object of his lascivious desires Betsy Wolfe is a dream.  The show also boasts Chita Rivera’s return to the Broadway stage after a six year absence, and this living legend proves that she’s still got it.  The sets and costumes are just as impressive as the starry cast, with William Ivey Long’s gorgeous Victorian outfits a particular standout sure to net the designer his umpteenth Tony nomination.

Roundabout’s Broadway productions have been hit or miss in recent seasons, but The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a definite hit.  The not-for-profit has given this musical a far better production than it deserves, and those high standards have resulted in one of the most entertaining musicals of the year.  Anyone looking for a carefree night of bawdy jokes and hammy performances will absolutely adore Drood, and even the most ardent Scrooges in the audience won’t be able to resist cracking a smile or two.



For my full review of The Mystery of Edwin Drood, click here.