Oscar-Nominated 'Suddenly' May be Added to LES MIS on Stage

Claude-Michel Schönberg, co-composer of LES MISERABLES, has confirmed that 'Suddenly,' the new, Oscar-nominated song written specifically for the movie, may be added to the stage show at some point.

According to What's On Stage, Schönberg confirmed the rumors at a recent BAFTA Masterclass on Jan. 18. Also in attendance was director Tom Hooper, sound mixer Simon Hayes, and orchestrator Anne Dudley.

"It's possible," Schönberg said when asked. "It is something we are looking at, although changing stage musicals is like causing earthquakes. So while I'm not saying no, it is a work in progress."

But the changes inspired by Hooper's film adaptation don't stop there. Schönberg also confirmed that he and lyricist Alain Boublil have discussed bumping 'I Dreamed a Dream' later into the stage show.

LES MISERABLES originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on October 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on December 4, 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on April 3, 2004 where it continues to play to packed houses. When LES MISERABLES celebrated its 21st London birthday on October 8, 2006, it became the World's Longest-Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by Cats in London's West End.

Cameron Mackintosh's new production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISERABLES has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer from the original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton. The production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and additional costumes by Christine Rowlands, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter.

The film adaptation, helmed by The King's Speech's Academy Award-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, LES MISERABLES tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, Sacrifice and redemption-a timeless Testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for Decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

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