Review: Les Misérables Captivates Columbus Audiences

The classic musical's national tour brings its powerful story of rebellion and justice to the Ohio Theatre.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 5:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Les Misérables, the iconic musical that has captivated audiences worldwide for nearly four decades, recently kicked off its national tour in Columbus, Ohio. The production, which ran at the Ohio Theatre from January 27 to February 1, was praised for its stunning visuals, powerful performances, and timeless themes of struggle and class.

Why it matters

As one of the most renowned and beloved musicals of all time, Les Misérables continues to resonate with audiences, tackling timeless themes of social justice, rebellion, and the human condition. The national tour's stop in Columbus allowed local theatergoers to experience the grandeur and emotional impact of this classic story.

The details

The Columbus production featured a talented cast, led by Nick Cartell as the noble Jean Valjean and Hayden Tee as the formidable Javert. The set design and lighting were also standouts, with scene shots that evoked Neoclassical paintings and masterful lighting configurations that heightened the contrast between the show's themes of camaraderie and despair. While the stage fighting choreography and sound effects occasionally pulled the audience out of the moment, many scenes, such as the angelic spotlight on Fantine, Éponine, and Gavroche, and the lingering smell of gunfire after the fall of the barricade, were deeply captivating.

  • The Les Misérables national tour started in late 2022 and is approaching its close in June of this year.
  • The Columbus production ran at the Ohio Theatre from January 27 to February 1, 2026.

The players

Nick Cartell

The actor who portrayed the role of Jean Valjean, embodying the just and reliable man with a smooth, hope-filled voice.

Hayden Tee

The actor who played the role of Javert, bringing a classic villain flair to his tone and providing a formidable contrast to Cartell's tender tenor.

Matt Crowle

The actor who portrayed the character of Thénardier, bringing humor, height, and body language to the role of the sewer rat.

Victoria Huston-Elem

The actress who played the role of Madame Thénardier, portraying the despicably charming wife of Thénardier.

Jaedynn Latter

The actress who embodied the gritty and hollow-hearted Éponine, whose final note echoed from the shadows, overlapping the love duet of Cosette and Marius.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Against the minimalist modern marvel that is Hamilton, Les Miz feels romantically embellished and reminiscent – with scene shots pulled straight out of a Neoclassical painting, with classically beautiful and powerful voices gracing the stage alongside immaculate set pieces and masterful lighting configurations.”

— Jane Dimel, Assistant Editor, CityScene Media Group (cityscenecolumbus.com)

“The vision of lighting offers opposition to itself, evoking contrast between the embrace of camaraderie and despair and the excess of wealth and war. From the grime hanging in the air in the factory and streets to sharp flashes of light in battle scenes to warm light in moments of camaraderie, scenemaking happens in the details.”

— Jane Dimel, Assistant Editor, CityScene Media Group (cityscenecolumbus.com)

What’s next

The Les Misérables national tour is scheduled to conclude in June 2026, marking the end of this acclaimed production's latest run.

The takeaway

Les Misérables continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of social justice, rebellion, and the human condition. The Columbus production's stunning visuals, powerful performances, and emotional resonance proved that this classic musical remains a must-see for theater lovers.