We went from having chills to our jaws falling open.
Iconic musical ‘Les Miserables’ played Wharton Center for Performing Arts in East Lansing, MI on November 12, 2019. LiquidAE.com was on hand to witness the much-talked-about production that’s become a generational staple.
Following intermission, we were treated to a chilling performance of “On My Own”, a heart-tugging solo from character Eponine who was portrayed by actress Paige Smallwood.
Set in 19th-century France, the story of prisoner-turned-revolutionary Jean Valjean, played by our current “Artist of the Week” Nick Cartell, had built to a pivotal moment.
Valjean and a group of young idealists were ready to take a violent stand against their government. Moments after bringing the audience to tears, Eponine joins her love Valjean and company on the back of an intimidating, jaw-dropping barricade.
The dark, hulking structure slid ominously on stage like a storm cloud approaching over Lake Michigan. The sound of gun and cannon fire was like thunder. When the storm ended no one behind the barricade was left standing.
When we arrived at Wharton earlier in the night, slightly behind schedule, we found ourselves behind a huge barricade of people awaiting their turns to enter Great Cobb Hall. Taking Michigan’s wintery weather into consideration, we assumed everyone waiting found themselves trying to get around the barricades of fallen snow. Like Valjean and company they weren’t going to be deterred.
As the musical raged on, a person sitting next us reacted with shock and tears to what happened on stage. Separated by a single seat stacked with coats, that barricade didn’t block us from feeling what they were feeling.
In life many of us will find ourselves behind a cause or situation worth fighting for or battling our way through. No matter what side we’re on, we’re sure to feel how those opposite of us are also affected. That chilling, jaw-dropping revelation is the reason ‘Les Miserable’ remains such an iconic, much-talked-about musical production. |THIS
[Written by Mr. Joe Walker | Follow THIS on Twitter @THISENT1]
