Broadway Center for the Arts presents Les Misérables, School Edition

BROADWAY CENTER FOR THE ARTS STUDENTS TO STORM  MUSICAL BARRICADE
WITH LES MISÉRABLES SCHOOL EDITION’  ON JULY 29TH AND 30TH

East Tennessee to See Adaptation Performed Entirely by Students of the
Legendary Musical
That Has Thrilled Over 47 Million People Worldwide

Students from Broadway Center for the Arts inMaryville are studying the history of France in a unique way with a production of Les Misérables School Edition, an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon which is performed by students only.  The students present the musical July 29th and 30th.
“The future of the theatre is all about developing and nurturing a passion for musicals and plays among the young.  This is where new audiences will come from, and I believe Les Misérables, which tells a story of so many passionate and committed young people, is proving to be a thrilling theatrical learning experience for teenagers, as well as a wonderful communal experience for their teachers.” says theatrical producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh.

“Les Misérables is one of the most popular musicals in the world and features one of the most memorable scores of all time. Through their production, these students are playing their own part in an epic piece of musical theatre history while offering their own take on themes like revolution, free speech, conviction and redemption. We hope you’ll join us in giving them a standing ovation!” says Drew Cohen, president of Music Theatre International.

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Les Misérables School Edition is a version of the classic musical by Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schöneberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo.  The music is by Claude-Michel Schöneberg, with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.  The show features original French text by Alain Boubil and Jean-Marc Natel, with additional material by James Fenton.  It is
adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, with original orchestrations by John Cameron, new orchestrations by Christopher Janke, Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker.  Les Misérables was originally produced by Cameron Mackintosh.  The School Edition is specially adapted and licensed by Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh (Overseas) Ltd.

International theatre producer Sir Cameron Mackintosh supervised the creation of a school edition of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s epic musical in order to nurture a passion for the theater among youth.  The show was made available to schools, children’s theatres, children’s camps and other organizations with programs foryoung performers (all performers must be under 19 years of age) nationwide in 2002, to honor the 200th anniversary of Victor Hugo’s birth.  Les Misérables School Edition has a running time of just over two and a half hours (including intermission).

This epic story of Les Misérables recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes and honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father – violating his parole in the process. The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed.