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.