I know the kids are probably just coming out of those chocolate bunny-induced food comas that came courtesy of Grandma and Grandpa's Easter baskets last weekend, but why not give them the opportunity to plunge into more of that um, serious quality time with the grandparents again this weekend, so you, your hub or some friends can head up to Lincolnshire for a parents-only playdate to see legendary Tony Award-winning musical (it's gotten like a gazillion of them), Les Miserables, at The Marriott Theatre.
Having established a national reputation for launching Broadway musicals into the regional market, The Mariott Theatre was just one of five theaters chosen to produce the epic production after the conclusion of its Broadway run, and after sitting through a 2.5 hour show myself, I can definitely see why.
The actors were superb from the semi-oldish - specifically the lead, John Cudia, who also played the lead role of Jean Valjean in the Broadway production - down to the youngest - watch out for the wispy, blonde 7-year-old with a hauntingly beautiful voice.
Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Mis travels through three turbulent decades in 19th century France, and though it sounds long and confusing, it's not.
The Mariott does a really cool yet efficient job of keeping the audience immersed in the action with intimate, up-close-and-personal seating (we could see spit flying during powerful musical numbers, and I can say will all confidence, that the actors definitely enunciate and floss after every meal) and unobtrusive, slightly haunting projections to remind you of the place and year.
Les Mis also covers all the bases - romance, passion, sex, suspense, violence and humanity, which is basically everything you need to make for one show better than any HBO special.
That being said, it's definitely not for the kiddies, no matter how far gone into that sugar high they are.
The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and runs through May 11, 2008.
Tickets cost $45 (not counting tax and handling fees), and there's a $5 discount available for students and seniors - valid only for Wednesday matinee performances and both Sunday performances.
With the purchase of a $55 ticket on Wednesdays or Thursdays, dinner is included at the King's Wharf Restaurant or the Fairfield Inn (based on availability). Dinners on Friday, Saturday and Sunday range from $32-$43 per person with tax.
At least the parking's free!
