Based on the popular musical, director Tom Hooper’s film centers on Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), an ex-convict who was imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. After he becomes a model citizen and adopts an orphaned child, Jean still must face the wrath of Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe), who vows to put him back in prison for violating his parole. When the child, Cosette (Amanda Seyfried) becomes a woman, she falls one of the leaders of the students fighting to overthrow the monarchy and Jean must tell her about his secret past. The members of the all-star cast would be terrific — if it weren’t for the fact that they have to sing.

This article appears in Dec 26, 2012 – Jan 1, 2013.

Jeff has been covering the Cleveland music scene for more than 25 years now. On a regular basis, he tries to talk to whatever big acts are coming through town. And if you're in a local band that he needs to hear, email him at jniesel@clevescene.com.