Les Miserables – The Arena Spectacular
The Arena Spectacular is a Must See!
Reviewed by Karina Lawrence
Well, if you’ve not yet been blessed by the magical bliss and powerful masterpiece that is LES MISÉRABLES then this performance will definitely leave you feeling pretty blown away.
Clearly a big fan of the impactful theatre show that has graced adoring audiences from across the globe for 40years, as well as the musical phenomenon screened in movie theatres all over the world, as a box office hit.
This Arena Spectacular world tour is truly next level.
The set alone leaves you with a sense of wonder and the passion and talent from exceptional global superstar’s is certainly inspiring! 17 different nations and one dog are featured in this Arena Spectacular.
Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Management and Live Nation Australia who are thrilled to present the Australian leg of LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR! 
This production is HUGE featuring 110 Actors, Musicians and Crew.
The legendary Musical based on the Novel by Victor Hugo is simply put, stunning. The Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer will captivate you and leave a suspense, rumbling through your veins.
Taking the World’s Longest Running Musical to the World’s Biggest Stages, is definitely a big ask and reputation that desires a certain standard of delivery! This production will not disappoint, so get ready!
Directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy and Associate Director, Sam Hiller and Resident Director, Nikki Woollaston, allows the continuation of keeping this powerful story and dream alive on a completely different scale. It is just as apparent and impactive as when seeing the musical premier 38 years ago.
The roles that has housed celebrity performers from across the globe executes dedication, passion, phenomenal talent and has you truly in awe of such vulnerability showcased, as they literally leave it all on the floor.
Every performer is next level and what was most apparent to me with this design of show was how ‘in the moment’ and efficient they all were, while majority of the time they are truly in ‘their own zone’ with their performances feeding little off each other. They are mostly dedicated to performing directly to their audience in such a truly focussed way.
Every voice is next level, as they execute the musical gifts and assortment that this symphony delivers. I was literally in dismay, as each cast member embodied their characters effortlessly, yet with such a strong execution of powerful energy and story telling.
The opening night cast were a definite gift and assortment of incredible worldly talent. An absolute credit to every single artist, including the powerful ensemble. It was such a pleasure and honour to witness:
Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean
Michael Ball as Javert
Matt Lucas as Thénardier
Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine
Jac Yarrow as Marius
Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette
James D. Gish as Enjolras
Shan Ako as Éponine
With Original Orchestrations by John Cameron and this productions Orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke and Stephen Brooker, you will be taken on a truly delightful journey of passion, beauty and magic just in the appreciation of such excellence.
Conducted by Adrian Kirk the Orchestra is sublime. The Sound is truly haunting and magic by Mick Potter and Associate Sound Designer, Nic Gray. The essence of such impactful music, with Musical Supervision from Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo and Associate Musical Director, Dominic Woodhead.
From the moment the overture began you are memorised, feeling grounded with a connection of a multitude of feelings and emotions. To manage the sound on this scale for the arena settings, certainly enhances this incredible production.
There are 110 Mics used for the cast and orchestra and 174 loud speakers.
The Lighting by Paule Constable and Warren Letton as well as Associate Lighting Design from Simon Sherriff throughout the show is next level. You feel like you’re at a rock concert in moments where the scale of the lighting is fully revealed. The lighting rig itself will blow your mind, as it doubles up with effortless scenes changes showcasing the magnitude of mechanics and beautifully executed transitions.
It marries and compliments smoothly with Projections Realised by Finn Ross along with some captivating camera work from Camera Director, Bryan Miles and Video Associate, Andrea Scott. Allowing you to feel intimately connected to each performer.
There are 262 moving lights, powered by over 3km of cables with over 400 lighting cues during the show…..it’s mesmerising!
With Original Costume Design by Andreane Neofitou and Additional Costume Design by Christine Rowland and Paul Wills and Costume Design Associate, Laura Hunt you are taken on a cleverly delivered and beautiful journey into the era during the multitudes of poverty and wealth. Wigs, Hair and Make Up Design is by Stefan Musch with Lisa Peace as the Productions Wig Maker.
There are more than 300 items of costumes to appreciate and marvel over.
From the moment you enter the auditorium you know you are in stall for a very special production just by previewing the set. The Set and Image Design by Matt Kinley is so intricately and thoughtfully executed. The scale and simple yet effective construction enhances this style of production on another level. Everything is obviously thought out and every space designed and used with expertise.
Musical Staging from Geoffrey Garratt along with Associate Scenic Designer, Isobel Nicolson certainly makes you appreciate even more the magnitude of such an impressive production and how much truly goes into every aspect in making this such a standout and authentic experience.
It certainly is such a privilege to experience this iconic story and musical sensation on this level and continue to appreciate all its magnificence!
LES MISÉRABLES
THE ARENA SPECTACULAR is a MUST SEE!
Be sure to book your tickets NOW!
SYDNEY 15 PERFORMANCES FROM APRIL 30 MELBOURNE 15 PERFORMANCES FROM MAY 14 BRISBANE 7 PERFORMANCES FROM MAY 28
Bookings: https://lesmisarenatour.com.au/
