Cameron Mackintosh's "Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular," now playing at the ICC Sydney Theatre, redefines the beloved musical for a grand scale, presenting a production that, while diverging from traditional musical theatre choreography, still powerfully conveys the heart of Victor Hugo's epic tale through clever staging and exceptional performances. For a Dance Australia audience, the interest lies not in intricate dance sequences, but in the masterful use of a vast, yet physically contained, performance space and the compelling physical storytelling of a talented cast.
The production makes ingenious use of the limited primary performance area within the arena setting. A multi-tiered stage, dominated by the visible, on-stage orchestra, serves as the central hub. This is no mere backing band; the orchestra becomes a dynamic visual element, their presence amplifying the aural landscape and, in a unique way, contributing to the sense of a world much larger than the stage itself, around which the characters' lives unfold. Scene changes are less about elaborate physical shifts and more about the transformative power of Paule Constable's lighting and striking projections, proving that atmosphere and location can be conjured effectively without expansive movement across the breadth of the arena.
While this arena spectacular does not feature the high-energy, traditionally choreographed dance numbers of some musical theatre productions, the cast's ability to convey powerful senses of emotion and narrative through their presence and focused movement within the concert-style staging is noteworthy. They are adept at commanding the large space through vocal power and nuanced physical expression, drawing the audience in despite the distance inherent in an arena. The focus shifts to the emotional truth etched on faces projected onto large screens and the collective energy generated by the sheer number of performers on stage.
As anticipated, Marina Prior and Matt Lucas were clear crowd favourites, their appearances met with enthusiastic reception. Lucas, as Monsieur Thénardier, is a master of comedic timing and physical presence, bringing a darkly humorous energy to the stage that is utterly captivating. Marina Prior, a cherished figure in Australian musical theatre, imbues Madame Thénardier with a memorable blend of grit and theatricality (on opening night, Helen Walsh stepped into the role with aplomb). However, it is crucial to note that while Prior and Lucas were standouts, the strength of this production lies in its entire company. The vocal performances across the board are exceptional, and the ensemble's collective power in key moments is truly stirring, demonstrating that even within a more static physical framework, the human form and voice can create profound theatrical impact.
"Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular" offers a different, yet equally valid, theatrical experience. It’s a testament to the enduring power of the score and story, delivered by a cast who, despite the constraints of the arena format on traditional movement, find compelling ways to inhabit their roles and deliver a spectacle that is both intimate and immense.