Ogunquit Playhouse goes big for season closer

“Les Misérables” is an epic musical about the trials of France’s lower class and the triumph of the human spirit, based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo. It’s a huge production for a relatively small theater like the Ogunquit Playhouse.

The musical, the longest running in history, is being performed at the playhouse on Route 1 in Ogunquit, Maine, through Sunday, Oct. 12. It ends the extended 2008 season, along with Columbus Day weekend matinees of Disney’s High School Musical.

Set in early 19th century France, “Les Mis” follows the connected lives of people struggling for redemption and revolution. Paroled convict Jean Valjean (Ivan Rutherford) fails to find work as an honest man and conceals his identity to break parole, while police inspector Javert (Todd Alan Johnson) becomes obsessed with finding him. Fantine (Andrea McCardle) is a single mother who turns to prostitution to support her daughter, Cosette. After Fantine’s death, Cosette is adopted by Valjean from the unscrupulous innkeepers who raised her, the Thénardiers. The innkeepers have a daughter of their own, Éponine (Alexis Kalehoff), and both girls later fall in love with a revolutionary student named Marius Pontmercy (Josh Young), who is involved in a revolt to free the oppressed lower class. The main characters are joined by an ensemble of prostitutes, revolutionaries and factory workers.

Bradford Kenney, executive artistic director for the playhouse, spoke of the scale of the musical in his introduction, warning of fog machines, strobes lights and use of the aisles. The set is framed in high rocky, castle walls reminiscent of Alcatraz Island and alluding to a sense of no escape. The lighting is rather dark at times, as is some the content.

Though the plot is heavy, the musical has an uplifting message of hope. It gives identity and a voice to people who are often neither seen nor heard. The way actors shift from being downtrodden to standing up for themselves is represented in songs near the beginning and end of Act I. The lyrics begin, “At the end of the day, you’re another day older. And that’s all you can say for the life of the poor. It’s a struggle, it’s a war.” But when the people rebel, they sing, “Do you hear the people sing? Singing the song of angry men? It is the music of the people who will not be slaves again!”

The problem of a large cast was solved by having many actors play more than one role. The playhouse stage was well filled. Still, a few more extras might have made the show more convincing and compelling, particularly in scenes where the people have come together to revolt, triumphantly waving a huge red flag. With the size of the stage as it is, there is not much room for the cast to march off to battle, so they do a box step. 

The choreography in general is exceptional. The best may be the crouching beggars, who lurch about like the living dead. When the prostitutes take front stage, they flaunt in a way that is humorously offensive. The scene introducing the innkeepers with the song “Master of the House,” with Ryan Landry as Thenardier and Mary Callanan as his wife, is a delightfully rambunctious romp. The sleazy but silly couple provides comic relief throughout the play.

Ivan Rutherford has performed the role of Jean Valjean over 2,000 times on Broadway and across the nation, and he has perfected it. His character’s vow to do good is enforced by his angelic voice. Meanwhile, Todd Alan Johnson as Javert sings with resonance to express the frustration of not catching Valjean.

Andrea McArdle, as Fantine, played the title role in the musical “Annie” as a child and has been performing ever since. Her solo, “I Dreamed a Dream,” is intimate and intense. Before Fantine dies, she looks broken, and her song to Cosettte is heartbreaking. McArdle’s real-life daughter, Alexis Kalehoff, joins her as Eponine. Kalehoff made her Broadway debut in the original production of “Les Misérables” as young Cosette at age 8.

“Les Misérables” is directed by Shaun Kerrison, who just completed “My Fair Lady” for the playhouse and has been associate director of “Les Misérables” at the Palace Theatre in London and tour director for the national company. Last year, Kerrison staged “Les Misérables” in concert at Windsor Castle to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale.

The downside of this musical is that interest can taper off in Act II. It becomes overly sentimental and weighed down with religious references. Also, the fate of Javert is somewhat confusing and disturbing. Overall, though, it moves quickly and seamlessly with non-stop action and singing.

“Les Mis” runs through Oct. 12, with shows Wednesdays through Sundays. For tickets, call 207-646-5511 or visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.