BROADWAY AT THE PARAMOUNT Les Miserables April 7 through April 19, 2026 Opening Night Review!
LES MISERABLES
Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell
Premera Blue Cross Presents Broadway At The Paramount
Paramount Theatre
Seattle, WA
April 7, 2026 - Opening/Media Night
The fan favorite musical “Les Miserables” opened up last night at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA. The house was packed which meant the lines were long to get in so for any locals attending a performance (and I know that’s many of you based on the ticket sales), do yourself a favor and arrive early.
I always love attending any live event where there’s a distinct buzz in the air and last night was no exception. From outside in line, to the lobby, to the basement, to the main theatre room, the anticipation was intense for this show.
I had heard from others that this particular US Tour has been killing it for the last six months, if not longer. I now know why others were saying that.
The cast was incredible. And this show has a huge cast to begin with. So, for all of them, from the leads to the ensemble and everyone in between, that's saying a lot. Sometimes folks are in the ensemble for instance because they’re still developing their skillset. Absolutely nothing wrong with that as everyone starts somewhere. But this ensemble just nailed their parts. When I say there was no weak link I truly mean that. They were the foundation of the show.
The leads and supporting characters were also jaw droppingly good. I’m used to hearing at least one performer on stage that is a little weaker than the others. Not with this cast. When they sang their songs, they belted them out like their lives depended on it. I was just stunned by their vocal prowess and acting abilities. And we all know that when the "signature" songs come up, you want to hear the performers just go for it on each song and that's exactly what they did last night. My goodness - so much talent!
Nick Cartell (as Jean Valjean) owned the role and the stage last night. While I can’t compare his performance to others that have played the role (other than the one I reviewed in 2018), his bio states he’s done more than 1500 performances with the show. I one hundred percent believe that now after watching him perform. His voice was superb and his acting matched his singing. He was amazing last night!
The staging was massive and the included use of screens actually enhanced the show instead of taking away from it. The tunnels and such were a nice touch and I’m usually someone that’s critical of video screens. But, when used correctly like last night, they are an additional tool to make a show even better.
My only minor quibble is that if you’re not already a fan of the show, I personally still find the book (or at least this version) a bit hard to follow. There’s just so much story presented to the audience in fast succession. Parts of information seem to be missing that would help the story flow better. Again, if you’re already a fan, you know every scene that’s coming up as well as every song. But, I feel with the popularity of this show there will also be a good number of first timers that attend a performance that may be just a little lost.
The overall impact of the show last night cannot be overstated. The entire production was on fire last night and the show was highly entertaining. This is what musical theatre can achieve when it’s done to perfection.
Highest recommendation!
“Les Miserables” plays through April 19, 2026. Purchase tickets: HERE! (opens in a new window)
Best,
Mark D. Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect With Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
%20Alexa%20Lopez%20as%20Cosette,%20Jaedynn%20Latter%20as%20%C3%89ponine,%20Peter%20Neureuther%20as%20Marius%20and%20Nick%20Cartell%20as%20Jean%20Valjean_Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy.jpg)
Music by Claude-Michel Schonberg
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell
Premera Blue Cross Presents Broadway At The Paramount
Paramount Theatre
Seattle, WA
April 7, 2026 - Opening/Media Night
(“The Barricade”- Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras and company in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
The fan favorite musical “Les Miserables” opened up last night at the Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA. The house was packed which meant the lines were long to get in so for any locals attending a performance (and I know that’s many of you based on the ticket sales), do yourself a favor and arrive early.
I always love attending any live event where there’s a distinct buzz in the air and last night was no exception. From outside in line, to the lobby, to the basement, to the main theatre room, the anticipation was intense for this show.
I had heard from others that this particular US Tour has been killing it for the last six months, if not longer. I now know why others were saying that.
The cast was incredible. And this show has a huge cast to begin with. So, for all of them, from the leads to the ensemble and everyone in between, that's saying a lot. Sometimes folks are in the ensemble for instance because they’re still developing their skillset. Absolutely nothing wrong with that as everyone starts somewhere. But this ensemble just nailed their parts. When I say there was no weak link I truly mean that. They were the foundation of the show.
The leads and supporting characters were also jaw droppingly good. I’m used to hearing at least one performer on stage that is a little weaker than the others. Not with this cast. When they sang their songs, they belted them out like their lives depended on it. I was just stunned by their vocal prowess and acting abilities. And we all know that when the "signature" songs come up, you want to hear the performers just go for it on each song and that's exactly what they did last night. My goodness - so much talent!
(“Prologue”- Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.)
Nick Cartell (as Jean Valjean) owned the role and the stage last night. While I can’t compare his performance to others that have played the role (other than the one I reviewed in 2018), his bio states he’s done more than 1500 performances with the show. I one hundred percent believe that now after watching him perform. His voice was superb and his acting matched his singing. He was amazing last night!
The staging was massive and the included use of screens actually enhanced the show instead of taking away from it. The tunnels and such were a nice touch and I’m usually someone that’s critical of video screens. But, when used correctly like last night, they are an additional tool to make a show even better.
My only minor quibble is that if you’re not already a fan of the show, I personally still find the book (or at least this version) a bit hard to follow. There’s just so much story presented to the audience in fast succession. Parts of information seem to be missing that would help the story flow better. Again, if you’re already a fan, you know every scene that’s coming up as well as every song. But, I feel with the popularity of this show there will also be a good number of first timers that attend a performance that may be just a little lost.
("One Day More" from Les Misérables (Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras). Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
The overall impact of the show last night cannot be overstated. The entire production was on fire last night and the show was highly entertaining. This is what musical theatre can achieve when it’s done to perfection.
Highest recommendation!
“Les Miserables” plays through April 19, 2026. Purchase tickets: HERE! (opens in a new window)
Best,
Mark D. Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect With Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(“Beggars at the Feast”-(From L) Matt Crowle as Thénardier and Victoria Huston-Elem as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
%20Alexa%20Lopez%20as%20Cosette,%20Jaedynn%20Latter%20as%20%C3%89ponine,%20Peter%20Neureuther%20as%20Marius%20and%20Nick%20Cartell%20as%20Jean%20Valjean_Photo%20by%20Matthew%20Murphy.jpg)
(“Beggars at the Feast”- (From L) Matt Crowle as Thénardier and Victoria Huston-Elem as Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
(Jaedynn Latter as Éponine in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
("I Dreamed A Dream”– Lindsay Heather Pearce as Fantine in Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy.)
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