Les Miserables

Grand Rapids Civic Theatre will close its Centennial Season with an epic tale of passion and redemption in the throes of revolution. Les Misérables is one of the world’s longest running musicals — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 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 that 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. His world view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean finally attains the peace that he has sought for so long. With countless awards to its name, Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985.