The 25th anniversary production of the Victor Hugo-inspired musical features scenic elements drawing on Hugo's paintings, and offers freshly conceived moments. For example, the show's opening work song is set on a hard-labor ship, with prisoners rowing. The Alain Boublil-Claude Michel Schönberg-Herbert Kretzmer score remains the same — the show's songlist, illustrating hardship and hope in early 19th-century France, includes "Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream," "Stars, "One Day More," "Master of the House," "On My Own" and more.
An all-Canadian cast will be employed. Performances will begin July 20, 2012. A search for the cast for the new Canadian production will begin immediately.
The original Canadian production of Les Misérables opened on March 15, 1989, at the Royal Alexandra Theatre and ran for 63 weeks. Subsequent Toronto engagements in 1991, 1992, 1998 and 2005 were sold-out successes, according to the producers.
Mackintosh said in a statement, "The success of my new production has surpassed all my expectations having been embraced by Les Miz fans and new audiences everywhere, with sell out productions in the U.K., Spain and across the U.S. so I am really thrilled to come back to one of my favorite theatres in the world, the beautiful Royal Alex, with this exciting production and look forward to finding a new generation of Canadian stars to shine over Toronto in 2012."
Mirvish said, "I am excited to be launching this new production of Les Misérables at the Royal Alexandra Theatre, where the original production enjoyed its Canadian premiere 22 years ago. I am delighted that Toronto audiences will have a chance to rediscover this beloved musical. This new 25th anniversary production is sure to thrill both fans and new theatre audiences alike." Les Misérables is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo with costumes by Andreane Neofitou and additional costumes by Christine Rowlands, lighting by Paule Constable and sound by Mick Potter.
The 25th anniversary production's newly commissioned orchestrations are by Chris Jahnke, Stephen Metcalfe and Steve Brooker.
Les Misérables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on Oct. 8, 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on Dec. 4, 1985, and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on April 3, 2004.
Les Misérables is the West End's longest-running musical, surpassing the record previously held by Cats.
For more information on the production, visit www.lesmis.com.
