It’s a must see and tickets are going fast. Don’t miss this wonderful production as it takes the stage from February 28 – March 30 at Grand Rapids Civic Theater.
Les Misérables opened at the Barbican Theatre in 1985, to immediate success; so much success Community Theatres around the world have never been granted the rights to produce. That all changed in 2012, when Music Theatre International (MTI) made a call to the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre and School of Theatre Arts. “The licensing company was interested in knowing if (community) theatres would want to produce this piece. Their first call was to our very own Civic Theatre,” beamed Executive and Artistic Director, Bruce E. Tinker. “Let me be clear, there was no hesitation in our saying YES.”
Accepting the challenge to produce a theatrical masterpiece is no small undertaking. The Theatre had a narrow window to produce (June 2013 – March 2014, due to a return to Broadway in March) and selected March 2014 as the treasured Spring Musical of an outstanding 2013/2014 season line-up.
“This play brings responsibility,” Tinker notes. “The community’s high expectations of such a well-known show will be met by the music and talent of our West Michigan singers.” More than 360 people auditioned for the 47 roles available. “We are so blessed to have so many talented West Michigan performers,” stated Tinker, “we could have cast this show with nearly everyone who auditioned.”
Based on the Victor Hugo 1862 French Novel, Les Misérables is a testament to the human spirit. The story follows accused hero Jean Valjean and his loving daughter Cosette through 1815-1832 France. Tinker states, “This play is a clarification of the story, rather than a reinterpretation, and we do this through the beauty of song”
The show opens on February 28th and runs through March 30th.
Ticket Prices $18 – $35
See events calendar for specific days and times: http://grct.org/eventschedule.html
For information on the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre or to purchase tickets, call 616-222-6650 or visit www.GRCT.org.
