Phoenix Theater Opens LES MISERABLES On 2/18, Runs Thru 3/22

Phoenix Theatre will open an all new production of the epic, musical masterpiece Les Misérables on February 18, bringing the audience closer to the searing story, and to the barricade, than ever before. It will run through March 22, 2009.

Phoenix Theatre is one of only a few professional regional theatres in the country to have been chosen to produce this powerful musical. Phoenix Theatre's production has been produced in collaboration with Arkansas Repertory Theatre.

"I cannot express how blessed and privileged we are to have been offered the ability to produce Les Misérables ," Michael Barnard, producing artistic director, said. "It is a production we have requested for years and to have been selected as one of the lucky regional theatres to be producing this amazing epic is quite the honor."

Not only is Les Misérables the largest production Phoenix Theatre has ever undertaken but it is already the highest grossing show in the theatre's 88 year history. Over 10,000 seats have been sold prior to its opening, bucking the trend of slow ticket sales that have hit arts venues hard across the country.

"The presale on this show is unlike anything we've ever seen at Phoenix Theatre," Brian Kunnari, marketing director, said. "The fact that the five week run will be sold out by opening night in this economy is incredible. It's surpassing all of our already high expectations."

Based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, Les Misérables is a multiple Tony Award-winning musical and the third longest running musical ever to run on Broadway. Hugo's book of romance, passion, suspense and humanity was founded largely on historical facts, incidents lifted from his life, and characters he met. Les Miserables is set in 19th century France when character Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing on the outside but mistrust, mistreatment and an obsessed police inspector, Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.

"Les Misérables is a phenomenon unlike any I've seen in my 30 years in the professional theatre," Dan Schay, managing director, concluded. "The audience's knowledge of and enthusiasm for this show is absolutely unprecedented!"

The musical score is by Claude-Michael Schonberg, with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and additional material by James Fenton.

The musical showcases a Tony Award-winning score including the songs "I Dreamed A Dream," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "A Little Fall of Rain," "Master of the House," and "On My Own."

This is one of the largest casts to ever fill the PT stage. Arkansas Repertory Theatre Artistic Director Director Robert Hupp takes command with creative support from Robert Kolby Harper, choreographer and Alan Ruch, musical director who will be conducting the 14 piece orchestra.

The cast includes Douglas Webster (Jean Valjean), Rick Ashcroft (Jean Valjean Understudy), Paul Betz, (Enjolras), Christopher B. Carl (Javert), Nick Cartell (Marius), E.J. Dohring (Gavroche), Lisa Fogel (Fantine), Gina Handy, (Madame Thenardier Understudy), Beau Heckman (Thenardier), Jenny Hintze (Eponine), Jeanine Pacheco (Cosette), and Terey Summers (Madame Thenardier).

Child actors include Rachel Brown (Young Eponine/Cosette), Torrey Pine (Young Eponine/Cosette), Kate Shein (Young Eponine/Cosette) and Tiana Martin, ensemble

The ensemble cast includes Damon J. Bolling, Daniel Cardenas, Wade Crossman, Sterling Liska, Travis Modesitt, Scott Schmelder, Jeff Skiba , Bryan Stewart, Brian Sweis, Evan Wilson, Emily Baker, Maris Fernandes, Molly Lajoie and Jacqueline Rez.

Phoenix Theatre creative team includes Robert Kovach, scenic designer, Michael Eddy, lighting designer, Katie McNamara, props/dressing designer, Rafael Castanera, costume designer, Dave Temby, sound designer, and Mark Reynolds, technical director.

The intimate setting of Phoenix Theatre makes this a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical experience as no seat is more than 50 feet from the stage.

Tickets vary in price from $38 - $67 and are available at the Phoenix Theatre box office at 602/254-2151 or on-line at www.PhoenixTheatre.com .

Phoenix Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation that offers a full range of theatrical programming currently in its 88th consecutive, producing year: Mainstage subscription series of musicals, comedies and dramas; the 28-year-old Cookie Company Theatre for young audiences and families; the annual New Works Festival; and PT Connections, supporting curricular and extra-curricular educational programs for all ages. It is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of professional theatres, employs members of the Actor's Equity Association, and is supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and hundreds of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Phoenix Theatre is located at 100 East McDowell Road, just east of The Phoenix Art Museum at Central and McDowell.

 

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