Davis Gaines Set for Orlando Shakespeare Theater's LES MISERABLES, Beginning Tonight

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has announced that Broadway star Davis Gaines will be featured in its Fall 2014 production of LES MISERABLES. Best known for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera more than 2,000 times in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Gaines will join the Orlando Shakes cast as Police Inspector Javert. LES MISERABLES runs from tonight, September 10 - October 12, 2014 in the Margeson Theater. Single tickets go on sale June 10. Season subscriptions are available now by calling (407) 447-1700 or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

An Orlando native and graduate of Edgewater High School, Davis Gaines remains Los Angeles' longest-running Phantom. "Davis Gaines may be the closest thing on Broadway nowadays to a vocal Superman. With an instrument that soars through the normal baritone and tenor ranges, with pitch-perfect control and an acute, mechanized vibrato, he appears to have a voice of steel." -- The New York Times

Other Broadway and National Tour credits include Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera, Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly! (with Carol Channing), Camelot (with Richard Burton), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Gaines' voice can be heard in over 30 cast recordings and compilation albums, as well as two solo CDs, Against the Tide and All My Tomorrows: Songs of Sammy Cahn. For additional credits visit http://davisgaines.com/.

"We are thrilled to have Davis joining the cast," said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. "We want this production to be incredible, and having his awesome vocal power and Broadway following is a great way to kick it off!"

Previously announced in February, the monumental musical LES MISERABLES will headline the Theater's upcoming 26th Season. Complete with live orchestra and a cast of 27 actors, the production will be the largest in Orlando Shakes' history. Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, LES MISERABLES is a magnificent and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit in 19th century France. Winner of three Tony Awards© and a Grammy Award© for Best Musical Cast Show Album, "Les Mis" shines as the world's longest-running musical.

Mr. Gaines' performance is sponsored through the generosity of Mrs. Kathryn Chicone Ustler. LES MISERABLES is presented through the support of the Bryce L. West Foundation. Additional supporters include John & Rita Lowndes, Ken & Trisha Margeson, Albert & Lisa Prast, David & Lyn Berelsman, Suzanne Gilbert, Harriett Lake, and Frank Santos & Dan Dantin. Corporate supporters include Massey Services, UCF College of Arts & Humanities, and UCF Office of the President.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.

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