The Heart of ‘Les Misérables’ Shines at Detroit’s Fisher Theater
As a lover of classic musical theater, I find it a rare and exhilarating experience to witness a production that not only lives up to the legacy of its source material but also elevates it with such finesse and emotional depth. From the opening notes of the iconic Les Misérables overture at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, the audience was immediately transported to revolutionary France. For the duration of the show, we were enveloped in the heart-wrenching drama and soaring melodies that define this timeless masterpiece.
This production of Les Misérables embodies everything a musical theater lover could hope for: breathtaking performances, a lush and sweeping score, and a story that tugs at the heartstrings while exploring timeless themes of justice, love, and redemption. As the orchestra played, every familiar chord felt fresh and powerful, reinforcing the profound emotional journey that this musical takes its audience on—one that lingers long after the final curtain call.
[Warning: Spoilers from Les Misérables are below!]
A stellar trio of talent makes Les Misérables a must-see
At the heart of this sweeping epic is the stellar cast, who brought Les Misérables to life with passion, precision, and raw emotion. Leading the charge was Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean, whose portrayal of the iconic character was nothing short of magnificent. Cartell’s voice, rich and commanding, was perfectly matched to Valjean’s internal journey of transformation. His rendition of “Who Am I?” was filled with both a sense of moral reckoning and quiet resolve. But it was during “Bring Him Home” that Cartell truly showed the depth of his talent, offering an emotional rendition that left the audience silent with awe before erupting into applause. He embodied Valjean’s journey with every step, making it impossible not to empathize with his struggles, from the weight of injustice to his quiet redemption.
Opposite Cartell’s Valjean, as Inspector Javert, Nick Rehberger brought a commanding presence to the stage. Rehberger’s interpretation of Javert was as intense as it was haunting. From the moment he first appeared, his rigid sense of duty and obsessive pursuit of justice were palpable, adding layers to the character’s moral dilemma. Rehberger’s portrayal was chilling in moments of conflict, yet his voice soared in “Stars,” where he wrestled with his unshakable convictions. The tension between Cartell’s Valjean and Rehberger’s Javert was electric, creating one of the most engaging and emotional duels in musical theater. Their final confrontation was a moment of tragic inevitability, and the audience felt every moment of it.
Lindsay Heather Pierce gave a breathtaking performance as Fantine, capturing the raw desperation of a mother fighting for her child’s survival. Pierce’s performance in “I Dreamed a Dream” was simply heartbreaking, her voice conveying the depth of Fantine’s hopelessness and dreams dashed by circumstance. The intensity with which Pierce sang this iconic number gave it a raw, vulnerable edge, emphasizing Fantine’s pain in a way that was both gut-wrenching and beautiful. Fantine’s downfall was a moment where the full weight of Les Misérables hit home, and Pierce’s performance ensured that the audience felt every ounce of it.
This Broadway in Detroit show is nothing without its diverse and supportive cast
The comic relief in the show, often much-needed given the heavy subject matter, came in the form of Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem as the Thenardiers. Crowle’s portrayal of the conniving, self-serving innkeeper was full of humor and sharp timing. His scenes with Huston-Elem as Madame Thenardier were a highlight of the show, their over-the-top performances giving us moments of laughter amid the tension. Huston-Elem’s voice was a powerful counterpoint to Crowle’s comedic timing, and their interaction in songs like “Master of the House” had the audience in stitches. These two actors brought a lightness to the show without ever undermining its darker moments, adding a dynamic balance to the overall production.
Among the show’s younger performers, Greta Schaefer as Young Eponine and Emerson Mae Chan as Little Cosette were truly standouts. Schaefer captured the fragile, unspoken longing of Eponine, despite her youth, while Chan’s sweet voice as Little Cosette brought an innocence that perfectly contrasted the harsh world around her. Both girls added layers of emotion to the show’s rich tapestry, and their presence on stage reminded the audience of the innocent lives caught in the middle of a revolution and a society in turmoil.
As the revolutionary Enjolras, Christian Mark Gibbs brought intensity and passion to the role. His voice soaring during “Do You Hear the People Sing?” rouses the revolutionaries’ hearts, and his performance reminds us of the show’s deeply political nature. Gibbs’s portrayal of Enjolras feels like a rallying cry for the downtrodden, and his commitment to the cause is clear in every gesture and note.
Mya Rena Hunter, as Eponine, captured the aching depth of unrequited love with grace and power. Her rendition of “On My Own” was one of the most emotionally charged moments of the night. Hunter’s voice rang with the heartbreaking honesty of a woman caught between love and sacrifice. She created a complex, multidimensional Eponine, one who is as selfless as she is broken, and her performance truly resonated in the show’s final, tragic moments.
The chemistry between Jake David Smith as Marius and Delaney Guyer as Cosette was also notable. Their love story, though somewhat overshadowed by the epic drama surrounding them, was tender and believable. Smith’s earnestness as Marius paired beautifully with Guyer’s sweetness as Cosette, and their duet in “A Heart Full of Love” was a moment of pure joy amid the emotional whirlwind.
And of course, Jackson Parker Gill as Gavroche was a force of nature. His cheeky energy and spirited performance gave the character an unexpected vibrance, while his final moments brought a sense of tragedy that hit hard. Gills’ portrayal of Gavroche reminded us of the innocent victims of war—those who have no choice but to fight.
Les Mis is still the powerful show that sparked a theatrical revolution
The production itself of Les Misérables was nothing short of breathtaking. The set design was grand yet intimate, using minimal yet powerful elements to transport the audience to revolutionary Paris. The lighting, particularly during the “One Day More” finale, created a sense of urgency and impending change. The orchestra, under the direction of music director Will Curry, was tight and precise, filling the theater with the powerful and iconic score that we all know and love.
Les Misérables at the Fisher Theater is currently touring North America! Don’t miss out on this production, running December 4th- December 15th. You can see the brightest and the best of Broadway with season tickets from our friends at Broadway in Detroit! Upcoming shows include A Beautiful Noise, Parade, Kimberly Akimbo, and The Wiz! Let us know your thoughts on Les Miserables on social media @mycosmiccircus or @boxseatbabes and now @CosmicCircusBroadway.com on Bluesky!
Exclusive Interview: Matt Crowle of Les Misérables
