The national tour of Les Misérables closes today. It will have its final performance tonight in Boston. By the time the curtain falls, the production will have played 1,417 performances in 98 cities.
I saw this tour twice at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, in 2023 and 2025, and loved it both times.
Nick Cartell, who played Jean Valjean more than 1,800 times, was the heart of this tour. I’ve heard many Valjeans sing “Bring Him Home” over the years, but his rendition was breathtaking.
Christian Mark Gibbs was another standout. He’s a commanding presence with a gorgeous voice that filled the theater. While wtching him, I thought, I’m seeing a future Broadway star. I felt the same way when I saw Sutton Foster play Eponine in 2000. I felt it again watching Gibbs in 2025. His rich, golden voice that could inspire composers to write roles for him. For the record, he now plays the role in the new arena tour.
Christian Mark Gibbs as Enjolras (Photo by Matthew Murphy)
Christine Heesun Hwang was another powerhouse performer as the heartbreaking Eponine when I saw the production in 2023.
Wanna see something fun? Watch Nick Cartell’s quick change at the top of the show as he transforms from Prisoner 24601 into Monsieur Madeleine in a flash.
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