Dennis Razze has done it again.

He's directed another spectacular musical to open the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) season.

Razze's direction of PSF's "Les Misérables" displays a musical theater master at the top of his form. It's a masterpiece.

If you want to see PSF's production of "Les Misérables," you'd better act fast. As of the day before opening night, June 12 (the performance seen for this review), 97 percent of the run through June 28 in the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts, Center Valley, is sold out.

Razze, PSF Associate Artistic Director and DeSales theater department chairman, directed last summer's PSF opener, "Fiddler On The Roof," as well as many PSF season openers, including "Oklahoma!," "Sweeney Todd" and "South Pacific."

Razze's PSF production of "Les Misérables" not only pulls out all the stops, but under his direction is a spiritual interpretation of the musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on the Victor Hugo novel.

Razze doesn't flinch from the power of the music by Schönberg nor the lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer as, for example, in the "Epilogue" when Eponine (Rachel Potter) and Fantine (Kate Fahrner) sing, "To love another person is to see the face of God."

It's an emotional moment, coming at the conclusion of the compelling nearly 2 hrs. and 40 min. show.

The "Prologue" embraces the theme of looking to a higher power ("Sweet Jesus, hear my prayer"), as well as humans lording it over those less fortunate ("Look down, look down").

The actors are in near constant motion, with the exception of several impressive tableaus. The Choreography and Musical Staging is by Stephen Casey. Scenes flow seamlessly. The production is propulsive, relentless and moves briskly.

At the heart of PSF's "Les Misérables" is memorable singing and acting by an astounding cast. The show is sung-through, with only a few words of spoken dialogue.

Fantine's and the show's big number, "I Dreamed A Dream," becomes a showcase for Kate Fahrner, who sings with extraordinary sensitivity.

The show's comic numbers ("Master of the House," "Beggars at the Feast") are given great gusto and hilarity by Tim Gulan (Thenardier) and Eliza Gilbert (Madame Thenardier).

Jeremiah James (Javert) is startlingly impressive in his vow ("Stars") to apprehend Jean Valjean.

The spotlight number ("A Heart Full of Love") for Brad Greer (Marius) and Delaney Westfall (Cosette) provides outstanding solo and duet work.

Jon Berry (Enjolras) leads an energetic "Building The Barricade."

Rachel Potter (Éponine) steals the show with her heartbreaking interpretation of "On My Own."

Mike Eldred (Jean Valjean) sings an exquisite "Bring Him Home."

Christopher deProphetis (Bishop), Matthew Charles Thompson (Feuilly), Elliot Lane (Courfeyrac) and Grace Anne Field (Old Beggar Woman) round out featured roles.

Opening night included Molly McGorry (Little Cosette) and Marco Porras (Gavroche).

The 15-piece orchestra, conducted by Nathan Diehl, plays almost nonstop. The choral work ("Do You Hear the People Sing?"), with Music Director J. Bennett Durham, by the ensemble cast of 25 is powerful. Sound Designers are Matthew Given and Ian P. Carr.

Set Designer Steve TenEyck emphasizes the production's verticality with tall, narrow backdrops and full use of the stage's height, making the characters seem smaller and even more heroic in their struggle. Bookended walls representing stone are versatile in Act One's 11 scenes (from the Factory at Montreuil, 1823, to the Cafe of the ABC Friends) and Act Two's eight scenes, with The Barricade advancing menacingly and later pivoting 180 degrees and then 360 degrees.

Lighting Designer Eric T. Haugen uses swaths of red light for the Battle scenes, horizontal beams of golden light to evoke times of the day, and a blue spotlight pointing downward when Javert (James) jumps from a bridge over the Seine replicates an underwater scene.

Costume Designer Lisa Zinni has created an incredible number and variety of costumes depicting early 19th century France, from rustic peasant wear to soldiers' red uniforms to magnificent ball gowns.

Wig and Makeup Designer is Martha R. Ruskai. Props Designer is Samina Vieth. Dialect Coach is Jane Ridley. Fight Director is Rick Sordelet.

"Les Misérables" is not only sheer entertainment, but a profound meditation on the human condition.

If you can get a ticket, or know someone who has a ticket for you, PSF's production of "Les Misérables" is a must-see.