On 24 May, 1998, the first Belgian version of the Alain Boublil / Claude-Michel Schonberg musical Les Miserables will open in Antwerp, Belgium.

Ken Caswell, who performed in the original London cast production of Les Miserables and has subsequently directed many productions around the world, will direct the Belgium production. Paul Berkenman will rework the original Dutch translation by Seth Gaaikema.

Hans Peter Janssens, who recently played the title role in the European premiere production of Jekyll & Hyde, will perform the role of Jean Valjean. Other roles will be played by Jan Danckaert as Javert, Deborah Dutcher as Cosette, Hilde Norga as Fantine, Chadia Cambie as Eponine, Rein Kolpa as Marius, Addo Kruizinga as Enjolras, Marc Lauwrys as Mr. Thinadier and Daisy Thys as Mme. Thinadier.

The Belgium production of Les Miserables will be the second Dutch language production of this musical, after the original Dutch language version opened in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, February 24th. Les Miserables can currently be seen in London, New York, Duisburg (Germany), Pittsburgh (U.S. National Tour 3), Southhampton (U.K. National Tour), Nagoya (Japan) and Sydney (Australia).

Performances will be at the Antwerp's Stadsschouwburg from Tuesday - Sunday at 20.00, with a matinee on Sunday at 15.00 hours. Tickets are available in Belgium through the Ticket Club 0900 - 00991, in The Netherlands through De Reserveerlijn: 0900 300.5000. Both numbers cannot be reached from other countries. International ticket request can be made by fax to fax number +.32.2.203.1084.