It’s been five years since the national tour of “Les Misérables” visited San Diego, so public anticipation among local musical theater devotees has been high.

That’s why the audience exploded in cheers when the familiar eight opening notes of the overture were played on Wednesday night at the San Diego Civic Theatre, where “Les Mis” has opened a two-week run on Tuesday.

For many of the showgoers attending the San Diego run, this will be their first time seeing the 1985 show. For others, it’s the return of an old friend. And that experience level with the musical may help determine how much audiences members fall in love with this touring production.

For superfans like me, nothing can top the epic scope of the story, the sweepingly beautiful score, the heartbreaking ballads, the huge cast, orchestra and physical production, and the show’s many iconic moments (the waving red flag in the “One Day More” ensemble piece, the young Cosette alone on the stage with her stick broom singing “Castle on a Cloud” and Jean Valjean’s show-stopping falsetto prayer song “Bring Him Home”).

For first-timers — and I spoke to several at Wednesday night’s performance — they had a hard time figuring out the passage of time and locations in the story. They couldn’t always understand the sung lyrics, either because of how some singers chose to belt their numbers or the volume on their head mikes was too low. Some even told me they found the story too dark. I can understand the first two complaints. But the last? Come on, it’s literally named “Les Misérables.”

“Les Misérables” returns to the San Diego Civic Theatre Oct. 3-15.

(Evan Zimmerman)

Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, the musical tells the story of Jean Valjean, who is released from jail after serving a 19-year sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. Over the course of 17 years, he skips parole, assumes a new identity, becomes a successful factory owner, adopts an orphaned girl named Cosette and they arrive in Paris on the eve of the bloody June Rebellion of 1832. And all that is just in the first act of the three-hour show. It’s a story of hope, redemption and heroism that plays out during a period of human suffering and great disparity of wealth.

This production features the 2014 revival’s massive sets, telescoping projections and stunning fly-away special effects that give the show a magical, three-dimensional feel — particularly in the show’s transition from the rebels’ barricades to the sewers of Paris and police inspector Javert’s “Soliloquy” song.

Nick Cartell leads the 32-member cast as Jean Valjean. He’s a sensitive song interpreter and passionate actor, and he has an angelic singing voice that’s perfect for the role. Preston Truman Boyd impresses with his vocal power and sheer menace as Javert, the policeman who doggedly pursues Valjean for decades due to his parole violation.

Randy Jeter has a brief but memorable vocal moment a the Bishop of Digne. Phoenix Best has a pure and rich voice as the street waif Éponine. David Young Fernandez impresses with his heroic baritenor voice as student leader Enjolras. And Addie Morales and Gregory Lee Rodriguez make sweet music together as the grown-up Cosette and rebel student Marius. Adding much-appreciated comedy to the dark show are Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem as the Thénardiers, an enterprising criminal couple.

“Les Mis” is the grand dame of touring musicals in America today, and every time I see it, I appreciate it more. For first-timers, a bit of advance prep should enhance the experience. The 2012 film version starring Hugh Jackman is available on Prime Video, and there are umpteen free informational, concert and soundtrack videos on YouTube.

‘Les Misérables’

When: 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m. Fridays; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays. Through Oct. 15

Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., San Diego

Tickets: $39 and up

Online: broadwaysd.com

Nick Cartell as Jean Valjean sings “Bring Him Home” in the national touring production of “Les Miserables,” which plays in San Diego Oct. 3 through 15.

(Courtesy of Matthew Murphy)