By Les Misérables is routinely one of the most celebrated musicals in Broadway history. Ranked among the top ten highest-grossing Broadway shows and proudly featured on Stagedoor’s list of the top 100 musicals of all time, its legacy is undeniable. So it comes as no surprise that the Fabulous Fox has chosen to include this beloved classic in its 2025–2026 lineup.
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, it explores the life of Jean Valjean, who is released from prison after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. An act of kindness from a bishop inspires him to reconsider his life, leading him to break parole and live as a fugitive but he is fanatically pursued by Police Inspector Javert. Valjean’s journey ultimately involves adopting a child, Cosette, and later aiding the students in the Paris uprising.
The cast of the national tour is incredibly talented. Nick Cartell’s Jean Valjean is both powerful and deeply moving, especially in the poignant “Bring Him Home.” Preston Truman Boyd delivers a commanding Javert, his resonant voice and stoic presence perfectly capturing the inspector’s relentless pursuit. Lindsay Heather Pearce brings expressive depth and a radiant voice to Fantine, creating a truly emotional performance. Victoria Huston-Elem and Matt Crowle are comedic perfection as the morally bankrupt Thénardiers. Jaedynn Latter as Éponine shines in “On My Own,” infusing the song with vulnerability and power. Peter Neureuther (Marius), Alexa Lopez (Cosette), and Christina Mark Gibbs (Enjolras) round out the ensemble with impressive vocal strength and compelling performances.
The heart of Les Misérables comes directly from the source material so expertly translated from Hugo’s novel to Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg’s musical. Originally conceived as a concept album, the work evolved into a full musical in 1980/1985, with additional lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. The result is a fast-paced and emotionally charged journey that follows Valjean’s pursuit of redemption. The engaging and memorable score is both intense and beautiful, allowing nearly every main character to experience meaningful emotional growth throughout the story.
Paule Constable’s lighting design, Matt Kinley’s set and image design, and Andreane Neofitou’s costumes all work together to amplify the emotion of the story. Particularly striking is the use of lighting on the students’ barricades. The set, inspired by Victor Hugo’s own paintings, is enhanced by a large LED screen that often resembles a painted backdrop. It moves fluidly with the story, never distracting from it. One of its most effective uses is the depiction of the Paris sewers after the barricade, an interpretation that surely would have intrigued Hugo himself. The staging is equally compelling during Javert’s “Soliloquy.”
The national tour is a beautiful, emotional, and heart-wrenching production that is truly impressive start to finish. Les Misérables is at the Fox Theater through November 23.
Photo credit: Matthew Murphy