A night of music, meaning and connection. Les Misérables reminded us why we keep coming back.

April 22nd, 2025

I had the absolute joy of attending the opening night of Les Misérables at the Kravis Center, and I can honestly say—it was unforgettable. The moment the orchestra began playing that iconic overture, I was transported. The singing was nothing short of incredible; every voice on that stage carried so much emotion and power, I had chills more times than I could count.

“Beggars at the Feast” from Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy

What made the night even more special was sharing it with my 12-year-old daughter. Sitting beside her, watching her eyes widen with every dramatic turn and soaring note, I was taken right back to when I first saw Les Mis as a child. It was like seeing it all over again for the first time, only better—because this time, I got to watch it through her eyes.

I’ll admit, it was hard to stay quiet during some of those songs. When “I Dreamed a Dream” started, my lips instinctively wanted to sing along. And “One Day More?” Forget it—my heart was practically singing even if my mouth wasn’t.

“Master of the House” from Les Misérables. Photo: Matthew Murphy & Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.

Beyond the music and the fantastic ensemble, one standout was the stunning vocals of Lindsay Heather Pearce, whose portrayal of Fantine (Wicked, Mean Girls) was both heartbreaking and powerful. The visual storytelling throughout the production was equally breathtaking. The costumes were period-perfect, worn with such conviction you could almost feel the grit of the era. The set design shifted with elegance and purpose, transporting us from the gritty streets of Paris to the heart of the barricades with cinematic precision. And the lighting? Immaculate. Every scene was masterfully lit, enhancing the emotion and drawing the audience even deeper into the world on stage.

Les Misérables at the Kravis Center reminded me why this musical has lasted generations. It’s more than a performance; it’s a shared experience, a legacy of music and storytelling that keeps finding new hearts to touch. And on this night, it touched mine all over again.