[Review] Singapore’s Nathania Ong and Theatre Legend Lea Salonga Shine in Les Misérables Arena Tour

Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece has returned to Singapore, but not quite as you might remember it. Marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary musical, Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular World Tour has taken over the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands.

Running until 10 May, this production scales back the traditional elaborate sets and signature revolving stages in favour of a breathtaking, concert style format.

With a 26 piece orchestra seated directly on the stage and 41 ensemble cast members positioned on tiered risers, the show strips away visual distractions. What remains is a sheer showcase of vocal prowess, raw emotion, and a magnificent score that has captivated global audiences for decades.

The arena format breathes fresh life into the familiar tale of redemption and revolution. Massive projection screens flank the stage to capture every tear and subtle facial expression, turning massive arena numbers into intimate moments.

When Dutch Korean actress Jeon Na-young steps up as the tragic Fantine, the screens magnify her anguish during a beautiful rendition of I Dreamed A Dream.

The lack of a conventional set places the entire burden of storytelling on the performers, and the cast rises to the occasion brilliantly, supported by Mick Potter’s crisp sound design.

Leading the stellar cast is Argentine actor Gerónimo Rauch, who anchors the show with a soulful performance as the ex convict Jean Valjean. His emotional depth is notable, particularly during the delivery of Bring Him Home.

He is relentlessly pursued by Australian actor Jeremy Secomb as Inspector Javert, Valjean’s nemesis. Secomb commands the stage with vocal authority and piercing intensity in numbers like Stars.

While you might notice their vocal ranges blending a bit too closely during the fast paced back and forth of The Confrontation, Secomb truly shines in Javert’s Soliloquy. Without a physical bridge to jump from, the production cleverly uses dramatic lighting to simulate his tragic plunge to great effect.

For local audiences, the arrival of Nathania Ong is a major highlight.

Reprising the breakout role of Éponine that she conquered in London’s West End, the Singaporean actress brings immense strength and clear diction to the lovelorn street urchin. Her soaring crescendo in On My Own reliably draws proud, roaring applause from the hometown crowd.

Similarly heartbreaking is Will Callan as Marius, whose grief stricken expressions during Empty Chairs at Empty Tables provide one of the emotional peaks of the evening.

Providing much needed levity amidst the tragedy are Filipino stars Lea Salonga and Red Concepción as the conniving Thénardiers.

Fans eagerly anticipating Salonga’s appearance are rewarded with her razor sharp comic timing with her partner-in-crime. The duo’s sizzling chemistry and flamboyant energy turn Master of the House into a joyful, show stealing spectacle that visibly delights the audience.

Note that as this production moves swiftly and lacks traditional scene exposition, newcomers might find themselves occasionally lost during complex sequences like the student revolution.

It is highly recommended that first timers read a quick plot summary before taking your seats, or just watch the movie version of the musical. I am glad I did a quick refresher during the intermission, even though I am not unfamiliar with the source material.

You can catch Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular World Tour at the Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands from now until 10 May.

Whether you are a lifelong fan who grew up listening to the cast recordings or a newcomer looking for a memorable date night, this reimagined classic proves exactly why the music of Les Misérables will echo for another 40 years. The crowd-rousing anthems are best heard live, belted out by a team of professionals. You cannot enjoy the same experience anywhere else.

Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular World Tour

Venue: 
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue

Date and Time: 
24 March to 10 May 2026
8pm (Tuesdays to Fridays)
2pm and 8pm (Saturdays)
1pm and 630pm (Sundays)

Get Tickets: 
Buy Tickets at Marina Bay Sands, SISTIC or Klook