Page 26 THE VILLADOM TIMES II, III & IV • December 8, 2010 Paper Mill Playhouse revisits Broadway classic by Dennis Seuling I remember being blown away by the original Broadway production of “Les Miserables.” I even made it my business to see the show a second time, when it was just as impressive with its brilliant staging, beautiful score, and vivid characters. I was eagerly looking forward to the Paper Mill Playhouse’s version, designated as the New 25th Anniversary Production, to see if the show, after some 23 years, would still have the same impact. Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo, the show is set during the gestation and infancy of the Revolution of 1830, which brought a political voice to the people of France, and tells about the trials and tribulations of Jean Valjean (Lawrence Clayton), his 19 years at hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread, his desperate descent into a life of crime, his redemption, and his attempt to turn his life around and escape his past. Through it all, he is shadowed by the obsessive policeman Javert (Andrew Varela), who sees the law as the ultimate blueprint for life and enforces it to the letter, despite extenuating circumstances and disproportionately harsh punishments. The ensemble consists of prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, soldiers, and others trying to survive in a time of political upheaval. The production at Paper Mill stands out largely on the merit of its vocal talent. All the principals have beautiful Student revolutionaries sing ‘One Day More’ in the Paper Mill Playhouse production of ‘Les Miserables.’ voices that do justice to the songs by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Herbert Kretzmer. In particular, Jenny Latimer (Cosette), Justin Scott Brown (Marius), and Jeremy Hays (the student Enjolras, who rallies the crowd and leads the rebellion) are excellent and often send chills as they reach notes mere mortals can only dream of. As Valjean, Clayton is a risky casting choice. He is African-American, which initially strikes an odd note for a character of early 19th century France, but his acting, his ability to connect with the audience, and his amazing voice soon whisk away all such concerns. He shoulders the pivotal role with strong stage presence as he wends his way through the years and many scenes of the three-hour play. Though the show deals with a great deal of personal and societal misery, as the title states, there is room for comic relief in the characters of the vile innkeeper Thenardier (Michael Kostroff) and his equally despicable wife (Shawna M. Hamic), who water the wine, steal from their inebriated customers, and look for any opportunity to profit from the misfortune of others. Their song “Master of the House” is a highlight of Act I as innkeepers and customers cavort in an anthem to greed and debauchery. Varela’s Javert delivers his songs with accomplished professionalism, but the audience never gets the menace and tenaciousness of a man blinded to all but his vision of God and the law. He never strikes an ominous tone, and he should. Javert is a wonderfully complex character. Though many would consider him a villain, he regards himself as a dedicated servant of the law. He sees the world in black and white, never gray. A man will fare well if he works hard and obeys the law, but any departures will cost him dearly -- and Javert will be on hand to clamp on the shackles. It’s a case of how terrible power can be when wielded without (continued on Crossword page) State Line 375 State Highway 17 North, Mahwah Open 24 Hours, 7 Days Join Us For Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner The Best Got Better! Diner - Restaurant 201-529-3353 Now Serving Cocktails, Espresso & Cappuccino $ 00 On $10.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 1 $ 00 On $20.00 and over. With this coupon only. One Coupon per table. 5:00 to 9:00 pm only. State Line Diner VT Off 2