Les Miserables comes to the Renaissance stage in August
As part of the Graham Automall 2013-2014 Renaissance Season, The Renaissance Performing Arts Association presents the world’s most beloved musical Les Misérables, onstage at the Renaissance Theatre, August 2, 3, 9, 10 and 11. Nominated for 13 Tony Awards – and winner of 9 – it’s an unforgettable theatrical experience you won’t want to miss! All performances are at 8pm except for August 11th which is at 3pm. Tickets are $26, $29 and $32 and may be purchased at the Renaissance Box Office, by calling 419-522-2726 and online all the time at mansfieldtickets.com. A discount is available for children and seniors through the box office only and the Renaissance Theatre’s $15 ticket offer is available for this event. These seats, located in the back row of the balcony and limited to 50 seats, must be purchased in person only, beginning two hours prior to the performance at the Renaissance Box Office, cash preferred. Les Misérables is part of the Richland Bank Broadway Series.
First staged in Paris, Les Misérables gained international renown before it even opened on the London and New York stage. It is the third longest-running musical in Broadway history – racking up a total of over 7,000 performances between 1987 and 2006. It has been performed in 42 countries around the world and translated into 21 different languages. The summer musical production marks the first time it has appeared at the Renaissance.
Les Misérables is set in 19th century France, and tells the story of Jean Valjean who is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long.
The Renaissance production will be directed by Renaissance Artistic Director Michael Thomas – with musical direction by Deborah Logan, costumes by Dauphne Maloney, lighting design by Chad Eaton, set design by Stephen Joshua Thompson, props by Robbie Keplar, stage manager Pat Colombo and sound design by Jerry Calhoun.
Derek Jackenheimer leads the cast as Jean Valjaen, with Michael Miller as Inspector Javert, Laura Schupbach as Cosette, Stephen Joshua Thompson as Marius and Bianca Jamotte LaRoux as Fantine. The talented ensemble also includes: Colton Ackerman, Blake Barnes, Brianna Barnes, Jeff Barnes, Jordan Black, Tucker Boggs, Benji Cates, Maggie Chandler, Kristina Currans, Beverly Dowdell, Patrick Clinage, Danny Fain, Leah Gesouras, Amanda Gillespie, Emilie Grey, Samuel Hall, Eugene Gurary, Megan Hayes, Andrew Heininger, Samuel Heininger, Matthew Kenneth, Cassandra Kurek, Daniel Kurek, Thomas Kurek, Louie Kurtzman, Jennifer Lawhorn, Maggie Leatherman, Amanda Likes, Julia Maxwell, Erin McEldowney, Jessica Miller, Caleb Naugle, Daniel Jeffrey O’Brien, Clara Pearch, Pam Phillips, Daurie Rothhaar, Nick Seemann, Scott Schag, Aaron Shaffer, Kim Snyder, Renee Statham, , McKenna Stoffer, Anne-Marie Trohanovsky, and Connie Zhu.
Les Misérables is presented by Alumni Roofing Co., Inc and CenturyLink and sponsored by Modern Woodmen – Fraternal Financial, Therm-O-Disc, My Town Partners, Miller’s Diamond Jewelry, Warren Rupp, Inc. and Duane Getz, Inc. The production is also supported by the Ohio Arts Council.