Chicago Tribune - Highly Recommended
"...But Corti, a maximalist who now does shows bigger than Robert Falls, and whose ideas just keep spinning here, also finds ways to focus on the theatrics of the individual ballad - now a crucial part of the "Les Miz" appeal, in an era where everyone has already heard the songs on "Glee." Corti has two stellar performers in his Fantine, Hannah Corneau, and his Eponine, Lillie Cummings, who just gets scrappier and better in every show out here. (Cummings may well be on the Jessie Mueller track). With the help of Jesse Klug's lights, Corti picks out Corneau and Cummings' faces for their twin show-stopping ballads, and the performers don't disappoint."
Chicago Sun Times - Highly Recommended
"...Just call it “the ongoing miracle on Galena Boulevard.” Once again, Aurora’s Paramount Theatre has pulled out all the stops for one of its Broadway Series shows— this time with a production of “Les Miserables” so lavish in its vocal and orchestral power, in the sweep of its storytelling and in its grand-scale design that it could easily hold its own in any major opera house."
ChicagoCritic - Highly Recommended
"...Les Miserables is an epic story of oppression that finds one good man, one zealot and a group of idealistic students each trying to make a difference in a harsh and cruel world. We see how eventually, goodness and humanity contained in resilient folks wins for a bright future. This is a richly emotional show filled with big anthems, rousing marches and tender love songs and sad laments that will leave you in tears. The power of the live stage and haunting music rings so true. See Les Miserables once again and rekindle your spirits. I was able to hear and understand every lyric due to the fine enunciation and articulation of the cast. The voices are pure, the action passionate and the sheer intensity with the wonderful music from Tom Vzndafredda's full orchestra was overwhelming and thrilling. Paramount Theatre once more presents a worthy show."
Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended
"...There are not enough words to thoroughly explain how phenomenal of a musical Les Miserables truly is. In fact, this is one of those shows where you have to observe it for yourself in order to fully treasure it. Although it's still early in the year, Paramount Theatre's production of this timeless classic is undoubtedly one of the best productions of 2015, and is not to be missed."
Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended
"...The orchestra under the direction of Musical Director Tom Vendafreddo is never overpowering allowing the audience, no matter where seated to hear every word that is sung. As I have said from the start- the Paramount Theatre has truly become one of our leading companies. One can see from the growth in their subscription base just how important this venue has become to our theater community."
Chicago Theatre Review - Highly Recommended
"...This is the production Chicago will be talking about for years to come. It’s the quintessential version of this classic musical that gives credence to Paramount’s claim that it’s producing Broadway caliber musicals for Chicagoland. Staged by outstanding directors, cast with exciting, talented performers, supported by Chicago’s finest artists, technicians and musicians and enjoyed by thousands of smart theatre fans, this claim can’t be denied. Victor Hugo’s story of revenge, repentance and forgiveness is honestly told, beautifully sung and exceptionally staged, making this production the must-see show for this Spring."
Chicagoland Theater Reviews - Highly Recommended
"...There is little to say about ”Les Miz” that hasn’t been said since its Broadway premiere in 1987. It’s an event more than a production. I’ve seen a half dozen versions and they have all have been successful. There is something about the show that brings out the best in a theater. Nits can be picked in the Paramount revival but overall the staging and performance are a triumph. A company doesn’t select this vehicle lightly. Its technical demands are enormous, its budget daunting, and its demands on the featured singer/actors prodigious. But the Paramount has pulled it off, and with distinction. The theater has presented one critically acclaimed musical after another in the past few seasons since Jim Corti took over as artistic director and the presentation of “Les Miserables” adds another gold star to the theater’s estimable resume."
