The Cameron Mackintosh-produced production, which became a favorite in markets from Canada to Texas, ends July 23. The show's physical elements — the famed turntable and barricades, among other iconic scenic pieces — will be shipped to Manhattan to be the foundation for the new Broadway company that begins at the Broadhurst Theatre in October.
A private closing night cast party will be enjoyed by cast and crew (the troupe is known as the Marius Company) at the Chase Park Plaza. All patrons to the final week of performances in St. Louis will receive a limited edition "Farewell" Les Miz playbill and a commemorative pin celebrating the occasion.
Tickets are still available through Metrotix by calling (314) 534-1111 or online at metrotix.com.
The tour opened in Tampa, FL, Nov. 28, 1988, and has since played 521 engagements throughout North America (a hiatus or two happened in between).
Les Miz closed on Broadway in 2003. "We've had an incredible run on the road with Les Miz, and I thought it a splendid idea to end the show at The Fox where it has been so extraordinarily loved," Mackintosh stated earlier this year.
Fox Theatre vice-president Mike Isaacson stated, "Les Miz has held a special place in the hearts of our audiences since it first played in March 1989."
The show has been seen at the Fox by more than 270,000 people and has grossed more than $10.3 million in nine previous engagements.
Isaacson continued, "We are so honored that Cameron has given the Fox this opportunity. This is a great testament to the Fox's audiences that we were selected over the dozens of cities who wanted to host this historic engagement. Given the devotion of Les Miz fans throughout the country, we can expect there will be quite a few visitors to St. Louis to say 'au revoir' to this beloved production."
The musical drawn from the Victor Hugo novel opened in London in 1985 and recently celebrated its 20th Anniversary on Oct. 8, 2005. The show had its American premiere at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC in December 1986 and opened on Broadway March 12, 1987 where it played over 16 years, ending May 18, 2003. It is currently the third longest running show in Broadway history with 6,680 performances.
The final Marius company cast is Joan Almedilla (Fantine), Trent Blanton, Daniel Bogart (Marius), Pierce Peter Brandt, Eric Briarley, Suzanna Neeley Bridges, Jennifer Butt (Madame Thenardier), Lisa Capps, Matt Clemens, Kip Driver, Karen Elliott, Ali Ewoldt (Cosette), Meg Guzulescu (Young Cosette/Eponine), Charles Hagerty, John Haggerty, Robert Hunt (Javert), Carrie A. Johnson, Gabriel Kalomas, Randal Keith (Valjean), Jason Kraack, Norman Large (Thenardier), James Chip Leonard, Melissa Lyons (Eponine), Michelle Mallardi, Marissa McGowan, Austyn Myers (Gavroche), Cathy Newman, Candice Nicole, Marnie Nicolella, Rachel Schier (Young Cosette/Eponine), Roger Seyer, Anthony Skillman (Gavroche), Kevin David Thomas, Victor Wallace (Enjolras), Ryan Williams, Dawn Younker.
For more information, visit the official web site at www.lesmis.com.
Visit www.fabulousfox.com.
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The national tour of Les Misérables played its 7,000th performance on June 1 during its Seattle engagement at the 5th Avenue Theatre.
Les Miz, the musical, was written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, who were inspired by the sprawling Victor Hugo novel. Direction and adaptation are by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. English lyrics are by Herbert Kretzmer.
