There may be some theatergoers wary of seeing the immense “Les Miserables” in a small frame. But they need not worry about Signature Theatre’s production, which tucks the musical into a 280-seat black box theater without in any way reducing the impact of its book or music.
Based on Victor Hugo’s 19th century novel, “Les Miserables” tells the story of a prisoner, Jean Valjean, jailed for stealing a piece of bread. When he is released, he steals again and — although he turns his life around — is hunted down by the relentless police inspector, Javert. In Signature’s production, Valjean (Greg Stone) and Javert (Tom Zemon) are neatly balanced in terms of their stage presences and voices, Javert menacing and full of evil, Valjean tender-hearted and full of love for a young girl, Cosette, whom he adopts.
As it winds through various tales — the student uprising on the barricades, the love story between Marius and a grown-up Cosette — “Les Miserables” is full of a great variety of musical styles, all of them handled skillfully by this cast. The entire cast is noteworthy, especially Marius (Andrew Call), Cosette (Stephanie Waters), Fantine (Tracy Lynn Olivera) and Eponine (Felicia Curry). The chorus of powerful voices deserves praise as well.
Director Eric Schaeffer is to be commended for even trying to fit such a mammoth production into his Max Theatre. He and set designer Walt Spangler cleverly thrust the stage into the audience; Spangler then uses the full height of the theater and a minimalist set of metal structures. Mark Lanks’ lighting design helps create small, intimate spaces as well as large outdoor areas.
Costume designer Kathleen Geldad’s use of fabrics, from leather to lace, creates an immediate sense of social class. Staying within a gray palette, she instantly identifies the workers, students, prostitutes and members of high society.
Because the action unfolds so near the audience, the final impression of this “Les Miserables” is that its major themes — determination, love, redemption, honor — are even more immediate and intense than when contained beneath a proscenium arch.
If you go
“Les Miserables”
Where: Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave. Arlington
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday. Holiday performances: 8 p.m. Dec. 23 and 30. No performance Dec. 24, 25, Jan. 1.
Info: $65 to $87 ; 703-573-7328
