'Les Miserables' explodes onto the Athens stage


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  • | 4:00 a.m. April 1, 2014
The Thernardiers, played by Alan Ware and Sara Humbert, scheme against Jean Valjean. COURTESY PHOTOS BY OXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
The Thernardiers, played by Alan Ware and Sara Humbert, scheme against Jean Valjean. COURTESY PHOTOS BY OXLEY PHOTOGRAPHY
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From the time “Les Misérables” opened in London, local theaters have wanted a chance to stage this epic musical, but as the show continued to be either on Broadway or on professional tours, it has taken 29 years for the rights to become available.

Over three years ago, the Athens Theatre went on a waiting list to get these elusive rights. And now, April 4 - 28 this international smash hit will at long last explode onto the Athens stage.

Victor Hugo wrote the novel “Les Misérables” over 150 years ago, but his story and the musical based on it have more than beaten the test of time. Thirty-four years after the musical adaptation by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil opened in Paris, it has won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, and Best Score. It has been translated into 22 languages and performed in 42 countries to over 60 million audience members.

The Athens Theatre production of “Les Misérables” is directed by Donald Rupe. The story follows Jean Valjean, a convict who is finishing a 20 year prison sentence for stealing a loaf of bread. Valjean, played by Gavin Edwards, breaks his parole and spends years hiding from the frighteningly zealous Inspector Javert, played by David Lowe.

Other cast members include: Alexa Baldwin, as Fantine; Eleanor McPherson and Kaitlin Brandt, as a young Cosette; Alan Ware and Sara Humbert, as the Thénardiers; Kayla Kelsay, as a teenage Cosette; and Erik Perafan, as Marius.

“Les Misérables” opens 7:30 p.m. April 4 and runs through April 28.
 

IF YOU GO
What: “Les Misérables”
When” opens 7:30 p.m. April 4 and runs through April 28
Where: Athens Theatre, 124 N. Florida Ave., DeLand
Tickets: $10 to $27; visit athensdeland.com or call 736-1500

 

 

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