“Les Miserables” – The Phoenix Theatre Company
Theater Review – July 18, 2026
SUPERB LOCAL “LES MISERABLES” IS REMARKABLE
“Les Misérables”
The Phoenix Theatre Company, Stephenson Theatre
Phoenix, AZ
By Chris Curcio
Theater Critic
“Les Misérables” is a masterful musical that explains 19th century French societal changes as all citizens wanted equality and a right to succeed. The musical uses Victor Hugo’s all-encompassing 1862 novel to tell the story with the added beauty of Claude-Michel Schonberg’s melodic and richly expressive score.
It is a challenging show to stage because of the complex characters who must sing, dance, and act with flawless expertise. The musical has played in the Valley before in the touring production that duplicated the original Broadway staging.
Now comes the remarkably superb The Phoenix Theatre Company (TPTC) production that is inspired by the original production, has a brilliant cast, gifted staging, and an impressive physical production that brings the now classic musical to an amazingly inspiring and truly magnificent staging.
The story pits rule-obsessed Police Inspector Javert against wrongly accused Jean Valjean who assumes Cosette’s daughter Fantine’s care after her mother’s untimely death. Fantine links with perfect partner Marius, evil Javert gets his due, Valjean passes, and the show concludes with the remaining characters’ content that they better equalize society.
Director/choreographer Brendan Stackhouse brings a long-standing involvement with the show to his intensely moving production. He was the resident director for the show’s North American tour. His stunning staging is enhanced by Douglas Clarke’s ever-changing unit set that brings the story’s locales to shimmering vibrancy. Historically perfect costumes provide telling insights into each character. The production’s spectacular visual look returns audiences to early 19th century France.
It is a complex show but fascinating to watch as the various characters make their points and take down an unfair society ruled by the rich. The show is through-sung with Schonberg’s brilliant score full of touching ballads, lusty comic tunes, and stirring songs that allow society’s multiple facets to be born. A rousing orchestra under the expert musical direction of Kevin Robert White brings the rich score to pulsating life.
This staging’s stunning achievement is a perfect cast of singing performers who bring the multiple characters to winning life. The perfect cast begins with Ethan Rogers’ Valjean with his beautiful voice that brings such songs as “Bring Him Home” and “Who Am I?” to glowing musical perfection. His acting allows audiences to understand his striving for equality. Geoffrey F. Belliston’s evil and sinister Javert is perfect and his singing of “Javert’s Suicide” is touching as he finally understands why he is hated. Tre Moore’s Marius is heartfelt and his part of “Do You Hear the People Sing?” is moving.
The women are also strong with Carmina Monserrat’s Cosette, Hahnna Christianson’s Eponine, Monet Sabel’s Fantine all exquisite. Especially amusing is Terey Summers’ and Toby Yatso’s marvelously wily couple, the Thenardier’s, who’s “care” of Cosette revolves around how much money they can make. The couple’s “Master of the House” gives the serious show a bit of comic relief.
TPTC’s “Les Misérables” is a stunning production that brings the massive musical to throbbingly vital life. “Les Misérables” continues through October 18. To order tickets, call The Phoenix Theatre Company’s box office at 602-254-2151 or order tickets online at www.phoenixtheatre.com.
Grade: A
