Prostitutes, pickpockets and penis jokes.

No, it’s not “COPS” — it’s the world of “Les Mis‚rables,” the self-titled “World’s Most Popular Musical,” which ended a run in Des Moines Sunday.

The story of revolutionaries in 19th-century France, “Les Mis” features themes of unreturned love and unfulfilled dreams in the midst of peasants’ dreams of freedom. The most riveting storyline is that of escaped convict Jean Valjean’s desire to turn his life around juxtaposed with police captain Javert’s desire to find Valjean and see justice served.

By far, the most enjoyable performance is that of Valjean, played by Randal Keith. When he first appears on stage, he is short, stout and doesn’t look the part of the hero. But when he opens his mouth, he seems 10 feet tall. His rich voice gives goose bumps (“Who Am I?”) or brings tears (“Bring Him Home”). It is little wonder why Keith was selected to play Valjean in the final Broadway cast of “Les Mis.”

Javert (James Clow) is appropriately stiff and unlovable, but his vocal duel with Valjean and his performance of “Stars” are wonderful. His climactic final scene was less riveting than it could have been.

The thieving Thenardiers, played by Michael Kostroff and Cindy Benson, are a guilty pleasure of note. The innkeepers abuse little Cosette, water down wine, and steal guests’ valuables. They’re designed to be hated, but the audience watches in delight to see what they’ll stuff in their pockets next.

Fantine (Tonya Dixon), Eponine (Ma-Anne Dionsinio) and the miniature revolutionary Gavroche (Branden Steinagle) all turned in enjoyable performances. The performances of Cosette (Amanda Huddleston) and Marius (understudy Daniel Bogart) were not as moving, which could be blamed on the nature of the characters instead of actual singing — the weepy, clingy lovers seemed out of place in the hard world of 1832 Paris.

The main feature of the scenery — the spinning floor — helped make transitions, but at times when the music was low, a distracting squeaking noise could be heard as it spun. The rest of the scenery were effective at conveying time and place, and the stage was appropriately dingy and dirty-looking. The orchestra backing was also very effective, although a little too loud. During some songs, it was difficult to hear the singers above the music.