Lamb’s Players Theatre characterized its current production of Les Misérables by the intimacy with which it was shared with the audience. The set extended to merely a foot away from its viewers, allowing members in the front row to literally feel the action as actors whizzed on and off the stage.

The musical is built upon Victor Hugo’s tale of France, covering themes such as atonement, love, and the reality of those who live in different social classes. Cast members included several very young actors, as well as more seasoned individuals. Regardless of age, the performers displayed a developing command of their craft; solo pieces included soaring vibrato, energy, and a range of dynamics. Brandon Joel Maier, playing ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, and Randall Dodge, playing officer Javert, both seemed to captivate the audience with their expressive and refined vocal ability.

The production also proved to be an impressive display of how a set can be utilized both creatively and efficiently. The backdrop remained fairly consistent throughout the duration of the musical; rustic and weathered chairs, tables, and doors were stacked nearly to the ceiling in a haphazard manner behind the actors in one of the initial factory scenes. The production staff optimized its use of space by having cast members shift beams and pieces of furniture in between scenes in a synchronized fashion. Performers also utilized hidden openings on the floor of the stage to exit scene creatively as the plot required. The constancy of the set had the potential to create a steady ambience for the audience, though the limited space on stage seemed to create boundaries for how encompassing the production could present itself to the viewers.

The orchestra interacted closely with the set as well. Players were nestled behind the furniture, visible through narrow openings across the stage. In an interesting arrangement, the conductor was tucked in the center of the backdrop, feet above the actors. The musicians faced the conductor on either side; the closer they were to the periphery of the stage, the higher above the ground they were precariously positioned. Despite this untraditional arrangement, the musicians were able to maintain unity and organization in their playing relatively well. Ultimately, the effort Lamb’s Players Theatre placed into its production of Les Misérables was evident, and made for a stimulating rendition of the Broadway musical.