Musical Review

So I’m sitting at the matinee showing of Les Miserables (in Texas that is pronounced Less Miserable…as in “going to the theatre is ‘less miserable’ than getting your teeth pulled) at Fair Park Music Hall this Sunday, taking in the scene. I thought it a good idea to take my wife out somewhere that neither of us has ever been. The destination was not as important as the fact that we were escaping from unit 470 of the Bentson Road lock-up facility. You know the one – guarded at all times by the strong arm tactics of a 1.5 year old and a very canny 3.5 year old.

Anyways, for some reason I thought a famous Broadway musical would be just that unique experience we were looking for. We arrive about 15 minutes early and head for our seats. I was willing to spring for some nice lower level, but they were all sold out. Who would have thought that after playing these last 50 years or so there would still be this many people wanting to see it? Clearly, I underestimated the “performing arts” crowd here in Dallas. So we make our way to the balcony and sit down in the seats – just right of center stage and about 15 rows from the top. Apparently, the Fair Park Music folks purchased these seats from the same maker of the Cotton Bowl seats – talk about tiny! I don’t know what was the more amazing performance - the opening “Soliloquy of Jean Veljian” or the fact that this 350lb guy was able to sit down in a single seat just in front of us.

The first half (that is Act 1 for those keeping track at home) was not bad...a little slow at times but what did I expect – I’m at a MUSICAL for crying out loud! One thing did kind of catch me off-guard, the applause after each stirring performance. I think I even heard a “bravo” coming from the lady behind me - the same lady who was singing along out loud to half the songs. Yeah, lady, we get it. You come here often. You’re a big fan of the arts. You were the lead role in your high school play, etc etc. But I didn’t pay $30 ticket to hear you sing.

In Act II, they all pretty much die, but not before a couple of good action scenes. The cast comes out to a standing ovation – 3 times! They deserved it – they were all pretty dang talented. My favorite was the drunk, thieving tavern owner and his equally inept, yet impressive wife. They were the comedic element and were both very good. Next to the lead role, and the little kid, they got the biggest applause.

We both decided we wanted to come again. We want to try something a little more modern next time (I hear the Producers was good). I would recommend the experience for those wanting to do something different and break out of your comfort zone. The enjoyment factor would probably go up a bit if we had better seats, but oh well. I don’t guess my $5 donation to the Dallas Arts gets me access to “those” seats.

Observations:
- In the concourse area during intermission, next to the $10 liquor, $9 wine, $6 beer was a $4 box of Junior Mints. Nothing says classy upscale quite like Junior Mints.
- The Music Hall is directly across from the African American Museum. We were, unfortunately, unable to locate the White Man Museum.