Les Miserables Preformed by the South Valley Youth Theater
(I was given complimentary tickets to view this performance to facilitate my review. However, the thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own. You can read my full disclosure here.)
The South Valley Youth Theater is Performing Les Miserables right now in Taylorsville, Utah.
Monday night my husband and I were invited out to experience the South Valley Youth Theater's summer Performance of Les Miserables. They are performing this week at the Salt Lake Community College's Alder (Outdoor) Amphitheater in Taylorsville, Utah. Tickets will be available at the door each night of the show for just $8 The Remaining performances are August 9th, 10th & 11th. Get more details here.
Now before I talk about what I thought of the preference, let me say I love musicals and my favorite musical of all time is Les Miserables. I still remember when I saw it first performed live at the Capital Theater back when I was in my late teens. I own and have read the unabridged novel by Victor Hugo. I also own more than one of the Broadway soundtracks as well as the newer movie musical version and long ago memorized every word and note of every song.
So how did I enjoy the performance the other night?
It wasn't perfect, but I loved it. Yes, not every note was sung perfectly, the acting at times reflected the young age of some of the performers. The costumes and outdoor stage were simple in their design, and there were a few technical difficulties with the sound system. And yet the power of the music and story carried through thanks to the dedicated effort of all who performed.
You could tell the young actors (all the actors in the production were 18 or younger) had worked hard to put their heart and soul into their performances. So much so that at times I was moved almost to tears and other time I couldn't help but laugh.
The night we got to attend the "B" cast was performing. (Apparently, they had enough talented youth wanting to participate they divided the main cast into an "A" Cast and "B" Cast who took turns performing. along with an ensemble who performed every night.)
While I think everyone in the cast did a great job in the performance I totally had favorites who I feel stole the show:
- Jean Val Jean - Preformed by Aathaven Tharmarajah was simply AMAZING. His voice, inflection, and emotion poured into every scene were simply Captivating.
- Fantine- Preformed by Rylan Benson not only had a clear and gorgeous voice but the emotion she poured into each note and action pulled at your heart.
- Gravoche - Preformed by Carter Mann was simply adorable with his clear voice and young energy you couldn't help but cheer each time he came on stage and cry when his character died.
- Thenardier & Mdm. Thenardier - Preformed by Spencer Barfuss & Mindy Braga were both hilariously on point Monday night and had me rolling in my seat with laughter. Not just with their musical script but with their expressions and actions as well.
- Enjolras - Preformed by Jeremiah Sandberg who performed boldly and with passion. At one point the mic went out while he was singing but he projected so clearly you almost couldn't tell. He was the perfect man to lead the revolution.
Like I said I think all the performers (the main characters and ensemble) did a wonderful job. I highly recommend going out to support them this week. Take your family or just go for a fun date night. I am sure you will find it as enjoyable as I did. Even better you will have the satisfaction of knowing you are supporting an organization set up to help our youth develop and share their performing talents.
This is the perfect way to introduce your kids to this powerful classic! Again tickets will be available at the door each night of the show for just $8. They also have a delicious concession stand where you can get treats to enjoy during the show. There is still a chance to go. The Remaining performances are August 9th, 10th & 11th. Get more details here.
