"Les Miserables," was, in a word, excellent. Although not the Broadway production, "Les Mis" at the Wang Center was worth seeing. All the elements of the play came together in such a way that it enticed the whole audience. First of all, no one doubts the compassion of "Les Mis" as written by Victor Hugo. It is a novel which appeals to all. Set throughout France during the French Revolution the play offers courageous heroes, humorous thugs, and an exciting cat and mouse chase between the main character, Jean Valjean, and his antagonist, the parole officer Javert.

It opens with Valjean paying his debt to the law after stealing some bread for his starving family. Released on parole, Valjean realizes that he is treated inhumanely as long as he is thought of as a criminal, therefore he breaks parole. Valjean works to become a wealthy mayor and a factory owner. He allows a poor woman to be fired, who, he later finds out has a child. Feeling guilty, Valjean cares for her daughter, during which time Javert is after him. It ends with Valjean joining the rebel forces fighting for the revolution, Cosette (Valjean's step-daughter) marrying a hero of the war, and a happy-ever-after attitude. Of course, there is much more more from such a large novel.

The direction of the play was stupendous, the scenery magnificent. Going into the theater I had no idea what "Les Mis" was about. When I left, I not only knew what it was about, I felt I had experienced the time period. "Les Mis" is definitely a one-of-a-kind theater experience that will leave everyone, even a critic, respectful of the hard work and achievements of the play. n