On Stage Tonight: "Les Miserables"

   This is almost certainly the biggest show of the year, as the Charleston Light Opera Guild presents the blockbuster Broadway musical  Les Miserables, starting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Clay Center in Charleston.

   The show is a huge undertaking. It requires a large cast loaded with great singers, a huge set, extensive costuming, a full orchestra, a big stage, special effects - all the things that make community theatre expensive.

   It's been reported that this is the most expensive show CLOG has ever tackled, and I believe it - but the organization has established its reputation for top-notch productions, and judging by the cast this looks like their best production yet.

   The lineup includes one of the area's best performers, Ryan Hardiman, training his powerful voice on the iconic role of Jean Valjean.

   Certainly it's one of the most beloved musicals in the world. The sprawling tale covers a lot of ground, largely focusing on Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread for his starving family. When he's finally released from prison, he almost returns to a life of crime - but is saved by an act of kindness, and he rededicates his life to doing the right thing. Even so, he must stay one step ahead of the indefatigable Inspector Javert, who nearly captures him. Valjean rescues the abused child Cosette and raises her as his own, only to become involved with the violent student revolution as he tries to save the life of the man the now grown-up Cosette loves.

    Whew! So it's a big story, loaded with emotional moments, amazing songs, humorous bits and uplifting, spiritual events.

   It's a show I never get tired of seeing, and this is going to be a production that you don't want to miss. It runs over the next two weekends - so make your plans and reserve your tickets now!