So, hey howdy y’all! Long time no stagey-talk. Not to say I’m getting pigeonholed, but no sooner had I begun to work on this piece—jouer l’écrivain, as it were—than the first preview flickered before my eyes. Sure enough, there’s a movie coming out of the show I’m writing up. Of course. Apparently, I’m that guy. The “play-that-was-a-movie-or-soon-shall-be” guy. I kid, of course, but it certainly has been a bit of a theme. Well, listen up: no matter the star-power or cinematic wonders, a stage show must be seen live, done by people who dedicate their lives to live theatrical work. Lecturette over. Does “lecturette” count as French?
The world’s longest-running musical (Broadway’s third) Les Misérables, comes to the Fabulous Fox Theatre October 16–28. Cameron Mackintosh’s adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 19th-century novel of social inequity and revolution, vernacularly known as “Lay Miz,” marked its 25th year in 2010.
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The occasion has not passed unrecognized. The ongoing stage production at London’s Queen’s Theatre—where yours truly had the privilege of witnessing this spectacle in the ’90s—was joined by a special anniversary staging at the Barbican, where the show originated. Also, a concert to celebrate the long-lived show was beamed live from the O2 Arena to cinemas around the world. So much London-centric celebration is well understood, but bless their crumpety hearts, the Brits are more than happy to share! This month the anniversary staging of Les Misérables, produced by Mackintosh, to the very town where the original touring show ended its run in 2006. Makes one almost forget that Boubil & Schönberg launched the French musical back in 1980. Ah, what the hell, “Rule Britannia!” 25th anniversary it is…or, was two years ago…YEAH!
So what’s been reworked? I put that question to the generous and engaging Timothy Gulan, this production’s innkeeping con-artist, Thénardier. Thénardier sings “Master of The House.” (Remember that Seinfeld? That was a good show.)
“First off, it’s much tighter, trimmed of some extraneous stuff, so it moves faster,” he explains. “Some newer orchestration and traveling with such a great orchestra makes this (Les Mis) the one to hear.”
Also new are sets specific to certain places and events—those familiar with the “classic” show may recall the ramshackle barricade at center stage, a rotating catch-all setpiece. Assisting the establishment of scene and passage of time are projections and dimensional effects based upon the drawings of Victor Hugo himself.
“He was actually a fine artist in his own right,” Gulan offers in an impromptu history lesson, “but he often didn’t wish his drawings to be shown, in case they might distract from his career as a writer.”
The nine semi-trucks-worth of sets—the largest touring Les Mis yet—eases the company’s transition from house to house, though offstage differences in theaters still must be negotiated. Just know that if an actor in this show has exited, stage-left even, and re-emerges stage-right, he’s been on a bit of a harried adventure! As for Timothy Gulan, whose Thénardier has a penchant (say, that’s French!) for addressing the house, one might think the Byzantine rococo excess of the Fox’s gilt interior might prove distracting. Mais, non! Monsieur Gulan is a true professional actor: he is distracted only by food, specifically the aroma of the nuts roasting in the lobby.
Our excitement at getting a glimpse of this snazzy new production is matched only by Gulan’s excitement at coming to town. No, seriously. “I loves me some St. Louis,” he says. “City Museum, let’s GO!” See, not only has Timothy done a couple of tours of duty with the Rep, but some 20 years ago, he came to town in a touring company of, what else, Les Misérables.
As to the forthcoming movie, says Gulan, “Having a definitive, memorable experience with the live show can only give you the foundation to enjoy the movie more.” And, there’s the added bonus of those aromatic cinnamon-roasted nuts. Just save some for Timothy, he’ll be awfully snacky after all that backstage running.
Take a peek at the 25th anniversary production of Les Misérables here. The production runs October 16–28, Tues-Sat 8 p.m.; Sat & Sun 2 p.m.; Oct 21 7:30 p.m.; Oct 25 1 p.m. The Fox Theatre, 527 North Grand. Tickets $15–$80, 314-534-1111 or 800-293-5949.
