Synopsis
Les Misérables, one of the world's greatest literary classics, sold out its first edition the day it went on sale in 1862. Since then, it has never been out of print. It has been filmed countless times and is currently the subject of a smash-hit international pop opera. Our gripping new version has been designed for very simple production (basically a few tables, chairs, and a bench). Under two hours in length, it is the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his relentless pursuit by "law and order" police inspector Javert. Filled with fascinating vignettes of 19th-century France, the script boasts a brilliant cast of characters who weave an exciting tapestry of humankind at its best and worst. Special emphasis has been placed on the many small roles and female characters—the tragic Fantine and her daughter Cosette, the wretched Madame Thenardier, the lovelorn Eponine—among others. Visually exciting, emotionally powerful, this is imaginative theatre with a capital "T." We highly recommend it for all groups—high school, college, amateur and professional.
Notes
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Details
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Status
In stock
- Type of Show Full-length Play
- Product Code L57000
- Cast Size 30
- Min. Royalty Rate $110/perf
- Cost $11.95
- Approx. Run Time 120 min
Categories
- Target Audience High School | College and Adult
- Performing Group High School | College Theatre | Community Theatre | Professional Theatre
- Genre Drama
- ISBN(13) 9780871292872
Customer Reviews
- "This play was a high water mark for our group. It is full of emotions (laughter and many tears). This is a great story that tells of a priest who redeems a criminal and the criminal in turn spends his life redeeming others while running from his own demons. I love the war, the love and the hope it brings to the audience. The play is well written and in some ways the story is better told than the hit Broadway musical."
- Review by Tim Smith, Planet Xtreme Teen Center, Princeton, WV
- "Our school most often does comedy or lighter dramas so this was quite a change. The students involved were very excited to do this classic. Many from the audience commented on how entertaining this drama was. As a director I thought this had a good variety of characters for a drama department with a larger number of students."
- Review by Betty Schreiner, Portland Christian School, Louisville, KY
- "A wonderful play that captures the intent of the novel yet is presented in an audience pleasing manner."
- Review by J. D. Gonzales, Kelloggsville High School, Grand Rapids, Mich.
- "This is an excellent version that works well with limited scenery and staging time. The roles are spread out well, giving many actors a chance to shine. The challenge of the more dramatic roles was appreciated by my cast."
- Review by Todd Kelly, Pottsgrove High School, Pottstown, Pa.
- "This was a very meaningful experience for my students. We focused on the theme of the power of forgiveness and how it can impact a life permanently, as well as the counter theme of vengefulness. The simplicity of our set allowed a stronger focus on the characters, and even our younger audiences were affected by these powerful themes."
- Review by Donna Grabill, Northside Christian School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
- "The stirring, poignant story is deftly brought to the stage. The large/flexible casting makes it perfect for high school."
- Review by Sue Williamson, Ottawa High School, Ottawa, Ill.
Hints, Tips, and Tricks
- "... The script provides solid set diagrams and full props lists. 7 larger named roles, and some good medium sized named roles."
- Tip by Fiona Coupar, Ecole Panorama Ridge Secondary School, Vancouver, B.C.
- "This is a perfect show for a cast ready for some emotional challenges! It is like an actors' showcase, with 22 scenes nicely split up, which makes rehearsal scheduling easy. My students (and the audience) loved the battle between good and evil, the staging of the fights, and the way the characters wrestle with oppression and poverty - and themselves. Romance too! Universal themes, and very applicable to today. "
- Tip by Fiona Coupar, Ecole Panorama Ridge Secondary School, Vancouver, B.C.
- "Ensure lines are learnt early as there are a lot of lines to learn. It was an excellent piece to do for a youth theatre as there were so many roles available and it was so easy to double them up as well as create a simple set."
- Tip by Kim Southey, Mimic Youth Theatre Company, Codicote, United Kingdom
- "This is definitely a black box production. Emphasize the costumes and props. It would be very easy for this play to be dark and dismal in which many have betrayed. I felt that the melancholy nature of the story could be too heavy of a burden for the audience. So we did certain types of lighting to emphasize certain colors in the props and costumes. I believe it created a richer environment to tell the story. "
- Tip by Tim Smith, Planet Xtreme Teen Center, Princeton, WV
- "Put the time and special effects into making the barricade powerful. We surrounded the audience with the sound of explosions and light flashes which gave them the illusion of being in the middle of the fight."
- Tip by Susan Renstrom, Northside Christian Academy, Charlotte, N.C.
- "We produced this as simply as possible. We kept most pieces of furniture on stage most of the time, turning them or covering them to accommodate each scene. Then all the furniture was choreographically used to create the barricade."
- Tip by Donna Grabill, Northside Christian School, St. Petersburg, Fla.
- "We used very few set pieces, as is called for in the script, but used a lot of gobos to set the mood. We spent $0 on set, $139 on gobos, and the audience was amazed at our "set and special effects.""
- Tip by Julianne Aguilar, Atwater High School, Atwater, Calif.
Productions
| Location | City | State | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Bernard School | Uncasville | Connecticut | 12/6/2024 | 12/8/2024 |
Gallery
Pinewood Preparatory School, Summerville, SC
Planet Xtreme Teen Center, Princeton, WV
Seffner Christian Academy Seffner, FL
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