Les Misérables at Toby’s Dinner Theatre is a winner
By now I have seen Les Misérables at least four times. Once at the movies and three times on stage. My latest viewing was at Toby’s Dinner Theatre in Columbia. Believe me when I tell you this is far from being an easy show to mount.
(Photo by Toby’s Dinner Theater)
There’s the large cast, though many actors play multiple roles, the period costumes, the continuous music, which at this theatre is live not recorded. And the sets, especially that infamous barricade that plays such a huge role at the end of the second act.
The two leads are Jean Valjean, played by Daniel Telton, who has performed at Toby’s in previous shows but I can’t seem to remember him. The other lead is Javert, played by Lawrence Munsey, who I clearly remember in the ‘female’ role in Hairspray. These two are extremely integral to the story and the play itself since both are on stage so often and in essence carry the story. Though I must say there isn’t one miscast person in the show. One voice is better than the next.
One question I asked myself was, where does Toby find all these people? Keep in mind she has two theatres and therefore two shows to cast all year. Here’s my answer: contrary to what might be popular opinion, there is a large pool of talent in this area, which extends into the Washington, D.C. suburbs. One merely has to know where to look and talented people can be found everywhere.
(Photo provided by Toby’s Dinner Theater.)
If you are a fan of Les Miz, you will want to make it a point to see this production. You don’t have to rush, Les Misérables is booked into Toby’s through November 10. On the other hand, tickets have been selling extremely well, so you may not want to wait too long.
Performances are Sunday through Saturday night, a Wednesday matinee and a Sunday matinee brunch. Adult prices range from $54.00 to $49.00. Parents of school age children be advised: the show is long. An 8 p.m. curtain gets you out at about 11 p.m.
For more information go to tobysdinnertheatre.com.
Eddie Applefeld is a Baltimore native and a graduate of Towson University. He has been in the broadcasting profession for over 30 years. Currently he is the Promotions Director of WCBM radio. Before that, he was part of the Rouse & Company show on WQSR, host of a cable TV show called Dining Out and adjunct instructor at Towson.
His past accomplishments include being named a finalist in Baltimore Tourism’s Employee of the Year Program and winner of Toastmaster’s Speaker of the Year contest. He was also twice a heartthrob for the American Heart Association’s gala fund raiser.