Les Mis in concert at the Arden

The world-conquering Les Mis is coming to St. Albert’s Arden Theatre. But the production on Feb. 26 and 27 is a slightly different incarnation than expected.

Cantilon Choirs is producing Les MisĂ©rables in Concert, a concert originally mounted at Royal Albert Hall to celebrate the production’s 10th anniversary. The best performers were chosen from the London, Broadway and Australian shows.

In the musical concert format, microphoned principals are lined up at the front of the stage with a chorus standing behind. Both soloists and chorus, although fully costumed, stand stationary with minimal choreography for most numbers. This is a production that’s more about the music than razzle-dazzle and theatrics.

“I have always loved Les Mis,” said artistic director Heather Johnson. “It’s very powerful, very well written and the storyline is one of the best written for theatre. It’s a classic piece of literature and it involves several good chorus pieces.”

The former St. Albert resident has seen the London production three times, the first in 2003 when Cantilon competed at a music festival in Wales. While in London, the singers saw a production of Victor Hugo’s tale of everyday folk searching for redemption and justice.

“It was one of the most moving concerts I have ever seen. Most of the chorus and I wept through the show. It was held at the Queen’s Theatre. It was small, intimate and close enough to feel the energy,” Johnson added.

Cantilon’s expertise is primarily vocal. While a full theatrical production was impractical, Les MisĂ©rables in Concert was an ideal vehicle for Cantilon’s Chamber Choir and Belle Canto’s 75 choristers.

Former St. Albert singer Martin Murphy, a staple at Mayfield Dinner Theatre productions, has been tapped for the lead role of Jean Val Jean.

“I have always loved his voice. This is a huge role and it can’t be sung by all. He’s sung it before and I know he’d sing it beautifully.”

Since the choirs are mainly treble voices, Johnson “conscripts all the men in our lives — husbands, dads, brothers and boyfriends” to fill the lower register. And Jim MacDonald, also of St. Albert, has been roped into filling several roles as a convict and work foreman.

Johnson has also double-cast several soloists’ roles to showcase as many voices as possible. St. Albert’s Kirsten Robertson as Cosette is cast in the Saturday evening performance while Lauren Chalaturnyk is playing Eponine during the Sunday performance.

“It is truly a powerful musical. It’s a timeless experience with a moving story and first class singing.