The show opened a few weeks ago and I didn't get a chance to catch it until last weekend when a friend offered complimentary tickets to the show. After seeing Les Miz in London, the 10th Year Broadway cast, and the first touring Canadian production some years ago, I was quite excited to see this brand new cast.

The cast is not so much brand new, actually, as it consists of actors whose bios contain some form of participation in other productions or companies of Les Miz. In fact, none other than Colm Wilkinson, who of course created the role of Jean Valjean in the original London cast graces the stage each night with this touring company.

I was quite impressed by Colm Wilkinson's Jean Valjean. This is the first time I've seen Colm as Jean Valjean and his voice and portrayal of the role has not faded one bit since his days in London. Sure he sounds exactly like the CD but it was still quite an experience listening to him live. He put me on the edge of my seat from the beginning of "Bring Him Home" to the very last note, which he popularized at the 10th Year Anniversary Concert in London by holding it as long as his lungs could.

I raised my hands way up high and applauded as loud as I can to show my appreciation for a great performance. Only one thing though about Colm, he has to sing louder. If you weren't sitting up-front, you could barely hear him. Funny actually, the staff told me that one show they tried to increase the volume on his microphone so that people could hear him better, but it only resulted in "feedback" and the patrons were quite upset and wrote letters to the theatre.

Another actor to note is Todd Alan Johnson (Javert). Strong baritone! I can't say enough about this man's vocal capabilities. "Stars" and "Soliloquy" was just as powerful as I remember it from other productions. Certainly, Mr. Johnson will continue in his success in musical theatre.

Les Miserables has become a standard show that anywhere it plays, it becomes a blockbuster success. Its kind of like having a McDonald's - anywhere you go it's the same ol' American taste!

Les Miserables is playing at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto for a limited run. Colm Wilkinson will be leaving the company in early fall and is not guaranteed to perform at each performance.

Colm Wilkinson is the cover star of Issue 13 of our magazine publication, along with Clive Rowe.