For those of us with the ability to become completely swept away by the entirely-sung epic tale of cause-driven students, young love and the suffering of a reformed convict, Les Miserables is a beautiful, heartbreaking reminder of those things worth fighting for, and the tremendous cost that some ideals can demand. One shouldn’t go into a national tour expecting a revolutionized take on a treasured production, and the National Theatre’s version is no exception, but it does give Les Mis virgins and obsessed fans alike a seasoned, polished offering of the classic show.

Chief among its gems is Randal Keith as Jean Valjean, the central character who stole a loaf of bread and came to change his ways, but was continously haunted by his past until the end of his life. Keith opens the show truly appearing the world-weary convict enraged by his lot in life (other actors who’ve played the part often seem costumed and unconvincing in these beginning scenes), and every character transition he makes, from proud but compassionate civic leader to haunted old man, is both striking and convincing. When he sings “Bring Him Home”, the tearful ballad which demands an almost impossible range from its singer, the song showcases Keith’s emotional range as well.