“Les Miserables” Soars at Community Center

New Vision Players delivers a magnificent production of “Les Miserables”- the world-famous popular Tony Award-winning musical based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It is playing at the Fair Lawn Community Center August 17, 22, 23, 24 at 8 PM; August 17, 18, 25 at 2 PM. 

Director Michael Haber and Musical Director Anthony Bevilacqua receive passionate and vocally astounding performances from each and every member of its talented cast. Tenor Frank Hughes gives a masterful performance in the lead role of Jean Valjean, showcasing strong, commanding vocals, especially in “Who Am I?” and “Bring Him Home.” Matthew Tricarico provides a powerful “Stars” and his performance of “Soliloquy (Javert’s Suicide)” is spine-tingling. Julie Galorenzo provides a heart-wrenching ‘I Dreamed a Dream.” Kate Pentek delivers an emotional and crowd-pleasing rendition of “On My Own,” and Justin Luciano’s “Empty Chairs and Empty Tables” is filled with regret and sadness.

The ensemble includes Fair Lawn residents Samuel Eitan Cohen, Sean Dabney and Jamie Goldberg. The ensemble’s voices and harmonies are flawless and take center stage during “One Day More,” which closes the first act. The ensemble works together seamlessly and their singing is stupendous. Much-needed comedic relief is provided by Scott Baird and Jenna Sachs as the blumbering innkeepers – The Thénardiers - who attempt to claw their way up the social ladder, and their rendition of “Master of the House” was a hilarious crowd-pleaser with brilliant choreography by Amy Shera.

The Set Design is minimalist with large set pieces rolled on and offstage throughout the show, like bar tables, an elegant front gate, and most ambitiously, a large barricade constructed out of discarded furniture and other materials. Technical Director Jerry Moses and Lighting Designer Michael Haber provide a solid framework for the actors to work with, consisting of emotional colors streaking through a hazy mist, poignant spotlights, and manipulative shadow work.

This is a show not to miss. 

Running Time: Approximately two and a half hours, including one 15-minute intermission.