Theater review: Youth performers shine in ‘Les Misérables’ at Throckmorton Theatre
Courage, conviction and confidence are all on full display in Throckmorton Theatre’s production of “Les Misérables,” among the world’s most enduringly popular musicals. The Mill Valley show runs through Nov. 12.
Dubbed a “school edition” or “youth production,” the show is so nicknamed because of its all-student cast — the youngest, a sixth-grader, and the oldest, still in high school. The Marin IJ has a well-reasoned policy of not reviewing school plays, but this show is so far beyond the reach of most such shows that it’s more than deserving of consideration — and praise.
The performers’ tender ages to the contrary, this “Les Mis” is in every way a professional production — so good, in fact, that it compares with many adult efforts. Director Gary Stanford Jr. gets the utmost from a huge cast drawn from several area schools; some performers mention in their playbill bios that they have been doing theater “for years.” Their experience is apparent in every scene and every song.
Based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, “Les Misérables” is a multiple Tony Award-winning depiction of squalor and misery in a society on the brink of upheaval. Jordan Smith brings an appropriate level of gravitas to the central role of Jean Valjean, the badly wronged thief who manages to reinvent himself as an upright citizen after serving many years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread and attempting to escape.
On opening night, Finn Davis dazzled as the obsessed Inspector Javert, relentlessly pursuing Valjean despite his prey’s clearly redeeming moral character. (Hayden Haveland plays Javert in alternating performances — several of the show’s major roles are double-cast due to demands elsewhere on the performers.) Davis is both a compelling actor and an astonishing singer, as are Bella Martinez as Fantine, Hannah Canin as Eponine and Ava Jensen as the adult Cosette. Sam Garfinkel is utterly charming as the young Cosette.
Aaron Jensen is excellent in dual roles as the Bishop and Grantaire, while Felix Maxwell is commanding as rebel leader Enjolras. Jacob Wulfstat and Gillian Jambeck are delightful as Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, respectfully, proprietors of a rowdy pub that’s home to every imaginable petty crime. Their “Master of the House” is a spectacular bit of comic relief in an otherwise morbid but inspiring tale of the struggle for social justice. Apologies to those not mentioned here — the size of the cast precludes comprehensive listing, but everyone in this show deserves praise. It’s that good.
Throckmorton’s resident designer Steve Coleman’s set looms onstage, aided by Saylor’s stark evocative lighting. The versatile single-piece set encompasses everything from a broken-down wagon to the barricades where revolutionaries take their stand against their oppressors. Mallory McDaniel’s costumes are plausibly period-appropriate without duplicating attire worn in 19th-century France. The whole high-energy affair is propelled by a superb five-piece band seated in front below the stage, and led by Daniel Savio.
Gary Stanford Jr. is a talented helmsman and a superb actor in his own right — he starred in Throckmorton’s marvelous “Ragtime” and has just been named director/choreographer for the 2024 Mountain Play production of “Kinky Boots,” another popular musical that played to sold-out houses at the Throckmorton. Great leadership is not the only essential for a tremendous production — that also requires a deeply talented roster of performers. In that regard Throckmorton’s “Les Misérables” is hugely endowed.
It would be hard to imagine a more receptive and enthusiast audience than the one that filled the theater on opening night. Certainly there were plenty of families, friends and classmates in the crowd but even if they were all strangers the sustained standing ovation would have been just as deserved. Put aside any nagging misgivings you may have about “youth productions” and grab some tickets to this amazing show. You’ll be glad you did.
Barry Willis is a member of the American Theatre Critics Association and president of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle. Contact him at barry.m.willis@gmail.com.
If you go
What: “Les Misérables”
Where: Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley
When: Through Nov. 12; 7 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays
Tickets: $25 to $45
Information: 415-383-9600, throckmortontheatre.org
Rating (out of five stars): ★★★★