Less digressive than Victor Hugo’s original 1862 novel, that 1,400-some-page doorstopper, but still a significant investment of time at nearly 3 hours, plus intermission, this sung-through musical is one of the most popular stage productions ever, and for good reason: It’s wildly entertaining stuff. A cat-and-mouse game between ex-con Jean Valjean and a by-the-book policeman driven to send him back to prison plays out against the backdrop of the Paris Uprising of 1832 and a classic love triangle where boy opts for pretty-but-boring over the more interesting choice. (Justice for Éponine!) “Do You Hear the People Sing?” is so stirring it’s no wonder it’s been adopted as a protest anthem. – Kimberley Jones
Feb. 4-9
