Now playing at the Majestic Theatre is the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, ‘Les Misérables.’ The musical based on Victor Hugo’s classic is set in 19th-century France and follows the lives of different characters as they search for redemption and revolution and is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. It runs through Sunday September 22 and tickets, which are going fast, start $49.50 through Ticketmaster online, by phone at 1-800-982-2787 or by visiting the Majestic Box Office. Performance times are 7:30p.m. through Thursday; 8p.m. on Friday; 2p.m. and 8p.m. Saturday and 2p.m and 7:30p.m. on Sunday.

‘Les Misérables’ begins with a Prologue set in 1815 Digne where, after 19 years on the chain gang, Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell), known as prisoner number 24601, finds that because he must openly identify himself as an ex-con, he will always be an outcast. “Soliloquy” The only one who shows Valjean any kindness is the Bishop of Digne (Andrew Maughan) and he repays him by stealing some silver. He is caught but the Bishop lies to the police to save him and he uses this chance to start his life over. Eight years pass and Valjean, after he broke parole and changed his name, is now a factory owner and Mayor. When one of this workers, Fantine (Mary Kate Moore), who was unjustly fired, “At The End of the Day” ends up on the streets and badly injured, he demands that instead of being arrested, she be taken to the hospital. On her deathbed, Valjean promises to take care of her young daughter Cosette. “Fantine’s Death”

Nine years later in Paris, Javert (Josh Davis) saves Valjean and Cosette (Jillian Butler) from a street gang but does not recognize Valjean until he is gone. There is unrest in the city because the popular leader General Lamarque, who is sympathetic to the poor, is near death. Upon his death, a group of politically-minded students stir up a revolution on the streets. “The People’s Song” One of those students is Marius (Joshua Grosso) who is smitten with Cosette. The students build a barricade but they are all killed during the ensuing fighting, except Marius, who is saved by Valjean. Him and Cosette get married “Wedding Chorale” and she learns the truth about her past from an old Valjean before he dies.

The night started off promising with the powerful voices of the opening numbers by the Company and Valjean’s “Soliloquy.” Given that most of the performances are serious numbers, “Master of the House” was well received and the audience visibly relaxed during the comedy relief of Thénardier (Jimmy Smagula) and his wife (Allison Guinn). Most impressive was the scenery, which is inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo and this includes a realistic looking fall when Javert commits suicide by throwing himself into the Seine. From the inspiring moments of “One Day More” to the heartbreaking death of Valjean, the opening night of ‘Les Misérables’ was a good start of its run at the Majestic Theatre. It is breath taking and inspirational and a must-see production for fans and newbies alike. Be advised that the show begins promptly at 7:30p.m. Late comers will be allowed but will have to wait until end of the Prologue, approximately 14 minutes into the show.