John D. Smitherman, James Zannelli & More to Star in Media Theatre's LES MISERABLES

During the Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas season "Les Miserables" (November 19, 2014 to January 11, 2015) brings its power to Delaware County's only professional music theatre.

It's based on Victor Hugo's legendary novel focusing on Jean Valjean, the French peasant who steals a loaf of bread and spends almost two decades in prison. He is tracked down obsessively by police inspector Javert after he breaks his parole. The Tony winner has one iconic anthem after another in the Claude-Michel Schonberg score with lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.

While set during the French revolution, the musical reaches beyond the narrative of its story into the hearts of theatre-goers with titles such as "I Dreamed A Dream", "Castle On A Cloud", and "On My Own".

The Media Theatre is the only Philadelphia regional professional theatre with the original version of the show while the revised revival currently plays on Broadway. Les Miserables is produced by Media Music Theatre Company, the professional music theatre company in residence at The Media Theatre. Every aspect of the production, from the set design to lighting and costumes, will be designed specifically for The Media Theatre stage.

The production will be directed by Jesse Cline, winner of Broadway World Philadelphia's 2013 "Best Director of A Musical" honor for his revival of Mame.

James Zannelli will portray Javert. He has toured the country in the 25th Anniversary Production of Les Miserables, as well as performing the show at the Phoenix Theatre. He was previously seen at Media in Peter Pan and Titanic.

John D. Smitherman takes on the role of Jean Valjean. He's currently the Producing Artistic Director for the Broadway Theatre of Pitman, NJ, where he also performed as Emile in South Pacific. He's been in productions of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical and Phantom.

The cast of The Media Theatre's Les Miserables is:

Javert---James Zannelli

Jean Valjean---John D. Smitherman

Fantine---Elisa Matthews

Cosette---Lauren Cupples

Marius---Zach Monroe

Enjrolas---Sean Thompson

Gavroche (double cast)---Sean O' Neill / Tim Woodward

Young Cosette (double cast)---Lexi Gwynn / Jolie Jaffe

Thenardier---Kelly Briggs

Madame Thenardier---Susan Wefel

Eponine----Sarah Moya

Young Eponine---Jill Spaeder

Ensemble:

Aaron Atkinson, Geoff Bruen, Ashley Douglas, Dann Dunn, JP Dunphy, Terrance Hart, Lucas Kappler, Patrick Ludt, Jacqueline Elyse Rosenthal, Pat Shane, Sharon Spaeder, Ashley Sweetman, Anna Rose Upton

Youth Ensemble:

Rhiannon Charney, Katie Davis, Kurt Hartwell, Lauren Henninger, Thomas Lock, Julia Seeley, JD Triolo, Michael Wells

For tickets, call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Group rates are available.There are three 10am performances for schools/ students on Dec. 3, 4, and 10.All evening performances begin at 7pm.

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