‘Les Miz’ kicks off West Coast run in San Diego

West End legend Cameron Mackintosh’s production of Les Misérables is back in San Diego to kick off a West Coast run of the Broadway tour. The musical based on Victor Hugo’s novel was last in San Diego in late 2023.

It will be here for a shorter time – it opened Tuesday and continues through this weekend only. Plus, much of the cast has changed – with a few exceptions.

The major returning tour alum is Nick Cartell, who continues his role as fugitive Jean Valjean opposite a new Inspector Javert, Nick Rehberger. Cartell still delivers stunning vocals and a moving performance as a vengeful man changed into a merciful one through the kindness of the Bishop of Digne, again played by Randy Jeter, who has some of the best pipes among a stacked cast of singers.

Of the newcomers, a fiery Fantine (Paige McNamara) and humorously knee-knocking Thénardier (David Thomas Walker) stood out.

The impressive sets, props, projections and animations seamlessly moved are the same as two years ago. For some in the audience, this may be the highest production value theater performance they have ever seen.

Les Misérables purports to be the world’s most popular musical, despite its obscure French history subject matter. More than the failed June Rebellion of 1832, the novel-turned-musical remains relevant for its characters revealing their moral fortitude throughout reversals in fate, all amid tumultuous class struggles and an unjust legal system.

San Diegans will be able to see another version of “Les Miz” next summer when Junior Theatre performs the school edition of the musical as their senior show from July 24 through Aug. 9, 2026. Actors in the show will need to meet minimum age requirements due to the mature content.

To see the Broadway tour while it is playing at the Civic Theatre through Sunday, visit broadwaysd.com.