Minor flaws can't mar 'Les Mis'

Marriott Theatre's on a roll.

After snagging the rights to "The Producers" last year, the Lincolnshire theater scored another coup when it obtained the rights to "Les Miserables."

Twenty-one years and a half-dozen national tours after it opened on Broadway, the megamusical by Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer based on Victor Hugo's 19th century novel makes its regional premiere at Marriott. Once again Marriott, peerless when it comes to re-imagining Broadway spectacles on an intimate scale, delivers.

Dominick Missimi's revival is a triumph, and the first-class artistic team of Diane Ferry Williams (lighting), Thomas M. Ryan (set) and Nancy Missimi (costumes) share the credit. Brilliantly cast, briskly paced and deftly staged (sans turntable) with a gloriously operatic ensemble under music director Brad Haak, Missimi's "Les Mis" succeeds on practically every level.

More Coverage Video "Les Miserables."

Nevertheless, the production must contend with a score that while boasting several inspiring anthems ("Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "One Day More") and truly lovely melodies ("Drink With Me," "Bring Him Home"), has a tendency to become repetitive and sentimental. Moreover, some supporting cast members fail to measure up to the lofty standards set by the principles. And if there's a reason to see this remarkable production, they're it.

The impressive array of Broadway imports include Richard Todd Adams, chilling as the merciless Inspector Javert; Kathy Voytko in another richly evoked performance as the impoverished Fantine; Chris Peluso, a fine singer whose transformation from infatuated student Marius to sober young man is subtle and credible; and John Cudia, sublime as Jean Valjean, a man hardened after 19 years in prison and transformed by kindness into a model of social conscience and compassion.

Cudia reflects the charisma and confidence of a Broadway vet, yet his powerhouse turn doesn't overpower. A robust baritone with a gossamer falsetto, Cudia's wonderfully moving performance of the hymn-like "Bring Him Home" is easily the most riveting, emotionally charged moment of the night.

Remember his name -- it will undoubtedly come up later this year when the Jeff Award nominations are announced.

"Les Miserables"

3 1/2 stars

out of four

Location: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire

Times: 1 and 8 p.m. Wednesday; 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2:30 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 5 p.m. Sunday through May 11

Running Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes, with intermission

Tickets: $45-$55 (lunch/dinner extra)

Box office: (847) 634-0200 or www.marriotttheatre.com

Rating: For most audiences