Action-Packed Show Will Take One Out of the Dog-Days-of-Summer Blues
By Paulette Tobin, Grand Forks Herald, N.D.
Jul. 20–If you’re looking for action-packed musical theater to stir you out of your dog-days-of-summer doldrums, check out “Les Miserables,” the acclaimed show that tells the story of a convict-on-the-run and his fellow downtrodden citizens of early 19th century France.
The show has a “Fugitive” story, starring Joshua Gunderson as the aforementioned Jean Valjean. There’s a “Pay It Forward” story, about how generosity and forgiveness can inspire more of the same. There’s a story of political upheaval and revolution, of poverty and social injustice, not to mention a heart-breaking love triangle, some nasty and scruple-free opportunists and a lesson about the oppression of women.
No wonder “Les Miz” is three hours long.
“Les Miserables” is this season’s show at Frost Fire Theatre near Walhalla, N.D., with seven shows remaining Aug. 3. Is it worth driving two-plus hours from Grand Forks to see? Oh, yeah.
There wasn’t a single performer in this show who couldn’t have sung the revolutionaries right off the barricades. With so many great voices and experienced players, this cast was totally up to the challenge of the searing and emotional “Les Miz,” in which every line of dialogue is sung. Most impressive was Crystal Cossette as the grown Cosette (yes, Cosette was played by a woman named Cossette), whose voice was simply stunning.
Many of these players will be familiar to Grand Forks theater fans because many of them have been performing here since they were in high school.
Ashley Braxton, for instance, a Central grad, played feisty and passionate, then defenseless and defeated Fantine, Cosette’s single mother who was forced into prostitution to save her daughter. Jared Kinney (Central) and Daniel Dutot (Red River), play young revolutionaries, and students Marius and Enjolras, just keep getting better in every role.
Darin Kerr, as the policeman who confused the law with justice, brought power and professionalism to his role as Javert. Misti Koop was tragic, but not pitiful, as Eponine, the third wheel in a love triangle with Marius and Cosette. “The world is full of happiness I have never known,” she sang. Were sadder words ever spoken?
During one refrain, the company sang: “Do you hear the people sing? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again.” Those are words that resonate today as we think of headlines about war and conflict in so many places in this world, and about injustice that crushes lives and dreams. With a show so weighty and meaningful it was good to have comic performances by David Paukert and Debra Berger (as the innkeeper and his wife) as perfectly reprehensible scoundrels.
Amy Jo Paukert designed and Carol Clark painted and brought to life a remarkable set.
Some thoughts: This is a long show. It’s a short walk to the concession stand for popcorn and sodas, which you are welcome to eat and drink during the show. But it’s a long walk from the theater to the bathroom.
Getting around: There’s a golf cart to help folks get from the parking lot and chalet to the amphitheater. There are no paved walks and it’s hilly, so pushing a wheelchair is difficult.
Final advice: Take a wrap in case it’s chilly. And don’t forget a hanky. You’ll need it.
Reach Tobin at (701) 780-1134; (800) 477-6572, ext. 134; or send e-mail to ptobin@gfherald.com.
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Copyright (c) 2008, Grand Forks Herald, N.D.
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