Fuhrmann Performing Arts is proud to premiere their 2013-14 season, August 30 – September 15, with Alan Boublil, Claude-Michel Scönberg and Herbert Kretmer’s revolutionary operetta, LES MISÉRABLES. The winner of nine Tony awards (including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score), this international sensation – seen in 42 countries by more than 65 million people – is the longest-running musical in the world.
Furhmann Performing Arts is mounting an all-new production of this exciting classic with direction by Randy and Lynn Perkins and Dione Yager. Acclaimed Broadway tenor Ivan Rutherford, who has performed the role of Jean Valjean more than 2000 times on Broadway and on tour, stars at the Columbia Theatre in Hammond on Labor Day Weekend. Veteran local actor, Joel Rainey, sensitively plays Jean Valjean in the performances at the Fuhrmann Auditorium in Covington on September 6-15. Also in the cast are acclaimed local actors, Chris Carey as “Javert”, Steve Abram as “Bishop of Digne”, Amanda Yager as “Éponine”, Evan Melancon as “Enjolras”, Jarred Frey as “Marius”, Bethany Putnam as “Cosette”, Mallory Bogle as “Cosette” Understudy, Amanda Fraisse as “Fantine”, Ed Morvant as “M. Thénardier”, Jan Gardner as “Mme. Thénardier”, Simon Rucker as “Gavroche” and Elise Falkenstein and Elizabeth Burris alternating as “Little Cosette”.
Duane Blake is Music Director, Dr. David Bernard is Vocal Director, Mel Rogers is Conductor, Ron Yager is producer, Melanie Aymami and Jeanne Marquez are costumers, Randy Perkins is Set Designer, Pete Pfeil and Derek Thrush are Technical Directors.
Based on the epic novel by Victor Hugo and set against events leading up to the June Revolution in early 19th century France, LES MISÉRABLES presents, in a beautiful sung-through score, the story of Jean Valjean’s unjust imprisonment and life-long struggle for redemption despite being pursued relentlessly by the obsessed police inspector, Javert. Songs include the magnificent, “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “One Day More” and “Bring Him Home”. Recently made into a record-breaking movie musical nominated for eight Academy Awards including best motion picture, LES MISÉRABLES has endured as perhaps the most popular musical of all time.
“It has been our dream to bring this spectacular musical to our audiences for many years,” says Randy Perkins, founder of Fuhrmann Performing Arts and co-director of LES MISÉRABLES. “My wife, Lynn, and I love the message of hope, redemption and God’s love. We are so privileged to have the honor to work with Broadway veteran, Ivan Rutherford. He is an outstanding and heart-breaking Valjean. Local actor, Joel Rainey, plays Valjean with sensitivity and strength, in his performances at the Fuhrmann Auditorium. We are especially excited to bring LES MIS to our audiences at the beautiful Columbia Theatre. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that our audiences will never forget.”
Also in the cast of 42, in alphabetical order, are Ben Aversa, Thomas Braud, Michelle Burris, Trevor Colbert, Aaryn Crews, Gwen Culotta, Stephen Demouy, Kelsey Desmond, Sharon Ducree, Cecilia Falkenstein, Gabriella Falkenstein, Jeff Falkenstein, Scott Gardner, Calla Harper, Austin Hummel, Deborah Marcelle, Brandon Marquez, Kiley McDonnel, Kim McDonnel, Keegan McGuire, Becky McLain, Tyler Meyer, Grace Pierson, Caroline Russo, Chloe Russo and Elizabeth Williams.
Performances of LES MISÉRABLES starring Ivan Rutherford as Jean Valjean are August 30 and 31 at 7:30 PM and September 1 at 2PM at the Columbia Theatre, 220 East Thomas St. in Hammond. Tickets are $32 for adults and $15 for students with a current student ID. Tickets are available by calling the Columbia Theatre Box Office at 985-543-4371. Performances of LES MISÉRABLES starring Joel Rainey as Jean Valjean are September 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 8 PM and September 8 and 15 at 2PM at the Fuhrmann Auditorium, 317 N. Jefferson Ave. in Covington. Mallory Bogle performing as “Cosette” is September 14 at 8PM. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students with a current student ID. Tickets are available by calling the Fuhrmann Performing Arts Box Office at 985-276-0465 or online at www.FPA-Theater.com. A new dynamic ticketing system is available for the Covington shows online. Patrons may now choose their own seats using an interactive seating chart.
For more information, visit Fuhrmann Performing Arts on the web at www.FPA-Theater.com.
