‘Les Miz’ by any name is theater magic!

In 2015, the historical setting for the current musically magnificent revival of “Les Miserables”— based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel — will have a 200th birthday. But the celebration should be for the musical’s 2014 revival, modernly titled “Les Miz.” If the trappings are less spectacular, Claude-Michel Schonberg’s music, Herbert Krezmer’s lyrics, Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel’s original French text and Trevor Nunn and John Caird’s adaptation remain the foundation for arguably the most potently moving musical theater masterpiece ever written.

While the thrilling new magically performed production may not give us the soaring turntable set of the barricades where the idealistic French students fighting for change in a fomenting revolution were slaughtered for their idealism — the current pared down scenery has its own blessing.

I remember, decades ago, listening to the CD of “Les Miserables” in my car and having to pull over because my eyes were too wet with tears to drive. The emotional pull of Cameron Mackintosh’s new production — with kudos to director’s Laurence Connor and James Powell for allowing an incredibly gifted troupe of singer/actors to blissfully show off their talents didn’t, I believe, leave a dry eye at the Imperial Theater.
No matter how many times and productions of “Les Mis” (and now “Les Miz”) have mesmerized you, this telling of Hugo’s tale may well be the most musically satisfying of all.

Jean Valjean, long imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s starving child, on being sheltered by a kind cleric decides to momentarily forgo his anger for revenge. Instead, choosing the higher road his eventual financial success becomes a path to selflessly helping others. Played by the majestic Ramin Karimloo this Valjean is the essence of the triumph of righteousness over vengeful fury, with a godly voice to match.