4 out of 5 stars

The masterstroke of stagecraft in Hudson Valley Shakespeare's "Les Misérables" isn't one of the many elegant gestures to its new open-air theater's scenic mountain setting. It's when the natural backdrop is blocked completely by an enormous French flag for scenes at the revolutionary barricade. Suddenly the audience feels closed in, even claustrophobic, alongside the characters being shot at in the dark. That's just one of director Jenn Thompson's many rousing moments. Quite a few owe thanks to sensitive performances from Denis Lambert (Javert), Haley Rose Ciaramella (Eponine), Josh Young (Jean Valjean) -- and a surprisingly robust 14-piece orchestra. — Adam Z. Horvath

At Hudson Valley Shakespeare, in repertory through Sept. 27, 2026; hvshakespeare.org. (Review date: Aug. 30, 2026)