Les Misérables, the world’s longest-running musical, seen by over 60 million people in 42 countries and 21 languages around the globe is coming to Placerville’s Imagination Theater. In what is likely to be an unprecedented worldwide celebration of musical theater in 2013 due to the release of Les Miserables for community theater productions, Imagination Theater, now in its thirteenth year of productions, has been approved by the show’s owners, Music Theater International in New York City, to perform the show in November and December, 2013. Planning for the local production is already underway in earnest.
Due to the success of first-class productions in the West End in London, on Broadway, on tour and around the world, the opportunity to license and produce the full-length version of Les Misérables has not previously been available to professional and amateur groups. Based upon the novel by Victor Hugo, Cameron Mackintosh’s now legendary classic musical story sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France. Les Misérables tells a story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – having become a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.
Ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever. The score features classic songs including, “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear the People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables,” “Master Of The House” and others.
Les Misérables has just been released as a major motion picture and theatrical productions have played in over 300 cities. Les Miserables has played over 47,000 professional performances giving a total audience figure of more than 60 million people worldwide. The show has won over 70 major theatre awards including an Olivier, a Tony and a Grammy.
Imagination Theater producer and co-owner, Lanny Langston plans for the local production to mimic the grand scale of the show itself. Placerville’s Les Miserables production will include a live orchestra, an accompanying choral group, a cast of 30 actors, singers, and dancers, a massive set, and a very experienced team of creative artists and designers. Dr. Jeff Nelson of Placerville is assembling an orchestra of local musicians. Award-winning lighting designer, David Patrick of Placerville, will be lighting the production. Dr. Dale Wallerstein of Placerville will be the vocal director.
Placerville’s Les Miserable will be directed local architect Peter Wolfe who will also provide the scenic design for the production. Wolfe has directed many shows at Imagination Theater including Beauty and the Beast, the Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Little Women, and most recently, The Little Princess.
Imagination Theater is actively seeking corporate sponsors for Les Miserables and for volunteers to assist with the production.
Auditions for the production will be held in April. Additional information about Les Miserables is available at the Imagination Theater Box Office, (530)642-0404.
