Bring her home: Les Mis bound for Her Majesty’s in Melbourne

The barricades will arise once more in Australia when the acclaimed new production of Les Miserables opens in June 2014 at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh confirmed that the new production of Les Mis, which has been breaking box office records in London and internationally for the last three years, will be staged with an Australian company next year after the show opens on Broadway.

“These are very exciting times for Les Miserables, having inspired such a hugely successful film – with amazing Australian cast – to now confirming the 25th Anniversary Production going to Broadway and Melbourne in 2014, as well as playing in Canada, Korea, Japan, Spain and continuing its record-breaking run on tour in the United States” Cameron Mackintosh said.

The 25th Anniversary Production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley with original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting design by Paule Constable and sound design by Mick Potter.

“I first produced Les Miserables in Australia in 1987 immediately after the musical opened on Broadway, making household names of many amazing performers that featured in this and the 10th anniversary production.  So it seems serendipitous that this new Australian production, 25 years later, will again follow the Broadway season, featuring Australian performers that will also, hopefully, become Australian stars of the future,” said Mackintosh.

Michael Cassel will be the executive producer for the Australian production and Casting Director Serena Hill will commence the search for the new Australian cast next month.

“Michael is an Australian producer who worked at Disney Theatrical Group for almost ten years, most recently based in New York, before returning home with his family in 2011”, Mackintosh said.

Tickets for the Melbourne season will go on sale in October this year. Other cities and dates are yet to be announced.

Les Miserables the musical, based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel, has been translated into 22 languages in 42 countries world wide, winning over 97 major international awards with 47 cast recordings.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France the musical tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. Ex-prisoner Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Who will be joining the ranks of the Les Miserables cast this time around?

Facts and Figures:

Original Australian Production Dates:

Sydney, Theatre Royal                20-11-87 to 15-07-89

Melbourne, Princess Theatre     07-12-89 to 29-09-90

Perth, His Majesty’s Theatre      11-10-90 to 22-11-90

Adelaide, Festival Theatre          01-01-91 to 03-03-91

Brisbane, Lyric Theatre              08-03-91 – 18-05-91

10th Anniversary Tour

Sydney, Theatre Royal               18-11-97 to 13-06-98

Melbourne, Princess Theatre     20-06-98  to 19-12-98

Perth, Entertainment Centre      27-03-99 to 23-05-99

Brisbane, Lyric Theatre              05-06-99 to 08-08-99