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Les Miserables 1987

Ages: 8+
Opened: March 12, 1987
Closing: May 18, 2003

Les Miserables - 1987 Broadway History , Info & More

Les Misérables, a towering figure in the world of musicals, is an epic tale of redemption, revolution, and the enduring human spirit. Adapted from Victor Hugo's classic novel, the story unfolds in 19th century France, following Jean Valjean, a man relentlessly pursued by the law after serving time for stealing a loaf of bread.



Valjean's journey is one of transformation. Paroled but forever branded an ex-convict, he struggles to find acceptance and a chance to start anew. The narrative interweaves with the fates of others caught in the social and political turmoil of the time, including the idealistic student revolutionary Marius Pontmercy and the fallen factory worker Fantine, who sacrifices everything for her daughter Cosette.



Les Misérables is a powerful musical experience. Soaring operatic scores like "I Dreamed a Dream," "One Day More," and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" capture the characters' emotions and the revolutionary fervor. The intricate plot, woven with themes of justice, love, and the fight for a better life, leaves a lasting impression on audiences.


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Video: Watch the 35 Best Broadway Performances from the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
by Sidney Paterra - Nov 22, 2023


The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, one of the nation's most cherished holiday traditions is also responsible for helping to bring some of our favorite Broadway shows and performances to the small screen. Our team has rounded up 35 of the very best performances from Broadway in year's past.

The 30 Best Broadway Performances at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
by Team BWW - Nov 23, 2022


While we countdown the big day, take a trip down memory lane with some of our favorite parade performances of years gone by!

BWW Feature: Cabaret Today
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 15, 2020


What is it about the art form of cabaret these days that is different from the art form of cabaret from yesterday? Sometimes nothing; but sometimes every damn thing.

BWW Blog: Broadway's Top 5 Dad-Ballads
by Student Blogger: Izzi Diaz - Jun 1, 2020


With Father's Day approaching, June is the month to recognize the dads of Broadway. More specifically, highlight their songs that tug at our heartstrings and might cause for an occasional silent wipe of a tear or extra call to dad after the show.

Box Office for Broadway's WOLF HALL Now Open at Winter Garden Theatre
by Tyler Peterson - Feb 16, 2015


The box office of the Winter Garden Theatre (1634 Broadway, between 50th and 51st Streets), home of the anticipated Broadway transfer of the Royal Shakespeare Company's critically acclaimed theatrical event Wolf Hall: Parts 1 & 2 is now open for business.

STAGE TUBE: Farewell Speech at Hugh Panaro's Last PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
by Courtnie Mele - May 4, 2014


Hugh Panaro is ending his run as the Phantom in Broadway's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. Before playing the phantom, Panaro played the role of Raoul, which he played for 900 performances. As the the Phantom, Panaro played 2227 performances. His fellow cast members did the math and found that he has appeared in THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA for over 3000 performances.

THE FIREBRAND OF FLORENCE Begins 3/12
by BWW News Desk - Mar 12, 2009


On March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., The Collegiate Chorale appears with The New York City Opera Orchestra at the newly renovated Alice Tully Hall in a performance of Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin's 1945 Broadway operetta The Firebrand of Florence. The performance, led by guest conductor Ted Sperling, stars baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Anna Christy, baritone Terrence Mann, and soprano Victoria Clark. Krysty Swann, David Pittu and Patrick Goss complete the cast, and narration will be provided by Stage Director Roger Rees. Boasting a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and a book by playwright and screenwriter Edwin Justus Mayer, The Firebrand of Florence had a short run on Broadway in 1945. The work was subsequently not heard for over a half-century until three presentations - Ohio Light Opera (1999), the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London (2000) and the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Vienna (2000) - shed new light on the relatively obscure work. The performances were not only accepted, but widely acclaimed, thus giving hope for a new life in a new century. Variety's theater critic Steven Suskin says 'I have long believed that Firebrand in concert should be a dazzling delight.' Benvenuto Cellini, the great Florentine artist, is sentenced to hang, but he is pardoned when the duke realizes that he has not completed a previously commissioned sculpture. Freed, he is able to turn his attention to his favorite model (and object of his affections), Angela. The Duke also is interested in Angela. In a typical operetta plot, Cellini swashbuckles around the stage, keeping the Duke away from Angela, keeping himself away from the Duchess, and escaping yet another death sentence by fleeing to Paris, as the end of the show recapitulates the beginning.

THE FIREBRAND OF FLORENCE Begins 3/12
by Gabrielle Sierra - Jan 26, 2009


On March 12, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., The Collegiate Chorale appears with The New York City Opera Orchestra at the newly renovated Alice Tully Hall in a performance of Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin's 1945 Broadway operetta The Firebrand of Florence. The performance, led by guest conductor Ted Sperling, stars baritone Nathan Gunn, soprano Anna Christy, baritone Terrence Mann, and soprano Victoria Clark. Krysty Swann, David Pittu and Patrick Goss complete the cast, and narration will be provided by Stage Director Roger Rees. Boasting a score by Kurt Weill, lyrics by Ira Gershwin, and a book by playwright and screenwriter Edwin Justus Mayer, The Firebrand of Florence had a short run on Broadway in 1945. The work was subsequently not heard for over a half-century until three presentations - Ohio Light Opera (1999), the BBC Symphony Orchestra in London (2000) and the Radio Symphony Orchestra in Vienna (2000) - shed new light on the relatively obscure work. The performances were not only accepted, but widely acclaimed, thus giving hope for a new life in a new century. Variety's theater critic Steven Suskin says 'I have long believed that Firebrand in concert should be a dazzling delight.' Benvenuto Cellini, the great Florentine artist, is sentenced to hang, but he is pardoned when the duke realizes that he has not completed a previously commissioned sculpture. Freed, he is able to turn his attention to his favorite model (and object of his affections), Angela. The Duke also is interested in Angela. In a typical operetta plot, Cellini swashbuckles around the stage, keeping the Duke away from Angela, keeping himself away from the Duchess, and escaping yet another death sentence by fleeing to Paris, as the end of the show recapitulates the beginning.

Les Miserables History

Other Productions of Les Miserables

1985   West End Original London Production
West End
1987   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway
1987   US Tour 1st National Tour
US Tour
1988   US Tour 2nd National Tour
US Tour
2006   Broadway Return Engagement [Broadway]
Broadway
2010   US Tour 25th Anniversary Production
US Tour
2014   Broadway Broadway Revival
Broadway
2017   US Tour Revival National Tour
US Tour
2021   West End West End Staged Concert Revival
West End
2021   West End West End Revival
West End

Les Miserables - 1987 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Broadway Musical 0
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Debut Performance Frances Ruffelle
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Debut Performance Colm Wilkinson
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Director Trevor Nunn
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Director John Caird
1987 Outer Critics Circle Awards Best Set Design John Napier
1987 Theatre World Awards Performance Michael Maguire
1987 Theatre World Awards Performance Frances Ruffelle
1987 Theatre World Awards Performance Colm Wilkinson
1987 Tony Awards Best Book of a Musical Alain Boublil

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