Following last spring’s sold-out production of “The Phantom of the Opera,” the talented Thespians of the Shorecrest Upper School performing arts program will present the Broadway classic “Les Misérables,” April 20, 21, and 22 in the Janet Root Theatre. “Les Misérables” has won more than 100 international awards and has stirred the 65 million people who have seen this epic and uplifting production.
In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter.
The production is directed by St. Petersburg’s own Bill Leavengood, a two-time O’Neill playwright and an alumnus of Circle Repertory.
Critically acclaimed actor Michael McCarthy serves as guest musical director of the Shorecrest production. McCarthy has played the role of Javert all over the world, from London’s West End to Broadway, Shanghai, Sydney, Melbourne, Dublin, and more. He has also performed concert versions of “Les Misérables” at Windsor Castle for HRH Queen Elizabeth II, at the Royal Albert Hall, and in various stadium and arena concerts throughout Europe with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
“Les Misérables” School Edition, by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg is presented through special arrangement with Musical Theatre International, with Music by Claude-Michel Schonbert, and Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. The story is based upon a novel by Victor Hugo. The original London production was directed and and adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, and produced by Cameron Mackintosh and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
“Les Misérables” is a musical drama that depicts battle scenes and characters’ struggles for personal and political freedom. It contains mature language and themes.
“Les Misérables” premieres on Thursday, April 20 with additional performances on April 21 and 22 in the Janet Root Theatre at Shorecrest. All showtimes are 7pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and are available for purchase at the Theatre Box Office the week of April 17th through April 21st, including 75 minutes before each show. Box Office Information is available at 727-522-2111 x141. The Janet Root Theatre is located on the Shorecrest campus at 5101 First Street NE in St. Petersburg.
Join the Shorecrest Thespians for a sneak peek of featured musical numbers from “Les Misérables” at SunDial St. Pete, 153 2nd Avenue North, St.Petersburg, Florida, Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 4:00pm.
About Shorecrest:
Founded in 1923, Shorecrest is a coed, nonsectarian, PK-12 independent school in St. Petersburg,FL. In a safe, student-centered environment, Shorecrest educates a diverse community of students to become lifelong learners in the pursuit of personal and academic excellence, physical well-being, creative achievement and the development of a commitment to social responsibility. Shorecrest graduates empathetic, independent thinkers who succeed at the university level, pursue their passions, and lead purposeful lives. Learn more at www.shorecrest.org.
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Shorecrest Preparatory School
5101 1st St. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Contact: Rachel Barrett, Director of Marketing & Communications
Office: (727) 522-2111 ext. 223 or (727) 456-7509
Cell: (912) 667-2016
Email: rbarrett@shorecrest.org