Feature: LES MISERABLES Cast Wows During Previews for SG Press at The Esplanade
By: Rocky Christopher Fajardo Jun. 02, 2016
June 2, 2016, The Esplanade, Singapore --- The cast of Cameron Mackintosh's re-imagined LES MISERABLES' 2016 International Tour Production took to the Esplanade theater in full-blooded Victor Hugo passion and indelible Boublil-Schonberg musical grandeur as they performed four musical numbers from the legendary theatrical blockbuster for select members of the press including BroadwayWorld.com.
Paul Wilkins as Marius rests at the barricades while Helpmann Award-winning Actor Simon Gleeson (Jean Valjean) delivers an emotional performance of BRING HIM HOME during the LES MISERABLES Press Preview at The Esplanade
(Photo by Florence Maui Palacol)
"I'm very, very happy to be back here 23 years later, with a new production of LES MISERABLES - the same show, in a different production," says multi-awarded French lyricist Alain Boublil who flew in specially to attend the Gala Night Performance of the longest running musical in the world, tomorrow June 3rd 2016.
LES MISERABLES Gala Night at The Esplanade opens doors to audiences tomorrow June 3, 2016 at The Esplanade Theater
(Photo by Florence Maui Palacol)
"I love the idea that we're gong to play in this beautiful new Theater The Esplanade," continues the Tony and Olivier award-winning lyricist and librettist of LES MISERABLES, whose other high profile musical theater creations include the Broadway-bound, highly -praised re-imagined production of MISS SAIGON (featuring Eva Noblezada as Kim and Jon Briones as The Engineer) this 2017.
"23 years later to my amazement and pride, it has become the world's longest running musical, I tell you why --- because we are getting older, but it looks like the show is never aging! It is kind of getting younger," he says, lightening up the mood before the preview opened with a rousing performance of the LES MISERABLES anthems THE BARRICADE, followed by ON MY OWN, BRING HIM HOME, and ONE DAY MORE.
"I'll tell you why," he continues.
"It's because all the people playing the show now were not even born when Claude Michel and I were writing it!" Boublil says in deadpan humor much to the amusement of the Singaporean press.
Also gamely answering questions from the press after the Media Preview were LES MISERABLES headliners Simon Gleeson (Jean Valjean), Paul Wilkins (Marius) Patrice Tipoki (Fantine), Earl Carpenter (Javert), Emily Langridge (Cosette), Kerrie Ann Greenland (Eponine), and Chris Durling (Enjolras).
"Im so thrilled to be playing Valjean for the Singapore season of LES MISERABLES," says Simon Gleeson who joins the international touring cast of the newly re-imagined Cameron Mackintosh production from a sold-out 8-week season in Manila, Philippines
(Photo by Florence Maui Palacol)
LES MISERABLES is based on the eponymous literary classic by Victor Hugo and is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Alain Boublil andJean-Marc Natel.
Adapted for the stage by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, LES MISERABLES features additional content by James Fenton. The 25th Anniversary Production is directed byLaurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley.
LES MISERABLES is brought to Singapore by Michael Cassel Group.
Tickets are now available through all SISTIC channels.
For further information visit www.lesmis.sg or www.facebook.com/LesMisSG
Special thanks to Ms. Lea Salonga and Ms. Jo Ampil.
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