The streets of Boston are echoing with the familiar refrains of "Les Misérables," as the city welcomes back the epic musical for yet another stint at the Citizens Bank Opera House. This Claude-Michel Schönberg adaptation continues to resonate with audiences, drawing theater enthusiasts to experience the trials and tribulations of Jean Valjean in a freshly imagined staging. Actors and audiences alike find perennial relevance in this narrative arc that spans decades of 19th-century French society.
With over 130 million viewers worldwide, the show has clearly etched itself into the annals of theatrical greatness, and now, it is forging connections with a fresh cohort of spectators. According to CBS News Boston, Nick Cartell, who has slipped into Jean Valjean's skin for an astonishing 1,200 performances, reflects that, "It's really cool to now have a new generation that is embracing this show." Cartell underscores the uniqueness of the experience, noting that parents who once marveled at the musical's grandeur are now sharing it with their children, fostering a new cycle of narrative legacy.
Yet, "Les Misérables" isn't simply coasting on its storied past. The production's efforts to stay fresh are evident in its use of new projections that endeavor to bring Victor Hugo's historic milieu to vibrant life. "I think one of the reasons that 'Les Mis' is still poignant is because they continue to change and make changes to the show. It's not just stuck in what it was 40 years ago, 30 years ago," Cartell told CBS News Boston. The narrative's continued relevance is a testament to the musical's ability to evolve with the times while preserving the heart of its story.
Indeed, relatability seems to be a cornerstone of "Les Misérables'" enduring appeal. Haley Dortch, who portrays Fantine in the current production, agrees with her co-star on the show's lasting impact, asserting to CBS News Boston, "It's still such a relevant message, and a lot of people can relate to it, no matter where they come from in life." These new elements, aimed at empowering the storyline and its characters, are crucial in making the historical struggles portrayed feel immediate and pressing for contemporary audiences.
The show will continue its Boston run through August 25, 2024, as per details from lesmiserablesboston.com. For those eager to witness this blend of historical drama and modern stagecraft, the Citizens Bank Opera House is the rendezvous point for experiencing the poetic justice, the redemption arcs, and the revolutionary fervor that "Les Misérables" so vividly encapsulates.
