A quick look at the Peace Center’s upcoming production: Les Misérables
Hannah Hurst, Staff Writer
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
An 1886 engraving by Émile Bayard illustrating the character of Cosette from Hugo’s novel.
You can be a part of a spectacular presentation of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s musical production, Les Misérables. Check out the Peace Center’s YouTube channel for an awesome preview of the performance.
What is it about?
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
Victor Hugo author of Les Misérables.
The theater production draws inspiration from Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Misérables.” The plot revolves around the relationship between Jean Valjean, an escaped prisoner, and Javert, the man who spends his entire life attempting to capture him. “Les Misérables” takes place after the French Revolution and depicts several unique aspects of French culture.
The play beautifully brings to life Hugo’s original characters and easily keeps the audience’s attention with emotionally gripping songs such as “One Day More,” “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own.”
Where is it taking place?
You can watch the play at the Peace Center located in Downtown Greenville. Click here for directions to the Peace Center from North Greenville University. According to Google Maps, the theater is just a 31-minute drive away from campus.
When will it happen?
The play will remain in Greenville for a total ofsix days. The first showing will take place on Tuesday, October 31 and continue on until Sunday, November 5. Showtimes vary depending on the day. Times range from 1:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
How much will it cost?
Ticket prices start at just $46 for the level five category in the rear balcony section. If you want to sit closer to the orchestra and main stage ticket prices will increase. A level one category located in the front orchestra and front founder’s circle costs $95.50.
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
John Owen-Jones portraying the character of Jean Valjean.
Why should I go?
If you aren’t convinced yet, why don’t you take a look at some of these reviews?
- Elysa Gardner writing for USA Today states, “The faithful will be pleased that producer Cameron Mackintosh’s new staging, which opened Sunday at the Imperial Theatre, offers as much bombast as ever. There are thundering performances of Schönberg’s syrupy, repetitive score (with new orchestrations), a vast, creepy set (by Matt Kinley) inspired by Hugo’s paintings and a company of accomplished troupers who gamely glower and fret under Laurence Connor and James Powell’s heavy-handed direction.”
- NBC New York writer Robert Kahn describes, “I have a number of people in my life otherwise uninterested in musicals, but utterly taken with “Les Miz.” This production reinforces why: among all the well-played roles, it’s inevitable you’ll find someone who speaks to you.”
- Charles Isherwood of The New York Times complements the music within the play, “Scenic tweaking aside, and an orchestra shrunk to 20 from 27, this “Les Miz” will offend none of the musical’s fans with any directorial innovations, and will give them a chance to assess how a new generation of performers meets the challenges of the score.”
- Broadwayworld.com rates Les Misérables a 7.71 out of 10 for average critic rating and an 8.49 out of 10 for average reader rating.
