Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. 

The epic story, written by the famous French novelist Victor Hugo in 1862, has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history and has been seen by more than 130 million people in 53 countries in more than 20 languages. .

This year, Philadelphia audiences will be able to see Cameron Mackintosh's production written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's at the Kimmel Cultural Campus through Nov. 13.

“The phenomenon of Les Misérables never fails to astound me. No show in history has been able to continually reinvent itself and remain a contemporary musical attracting new generations of brilliant new talent. No show in the world has ever demonstrated the survival of the human spirit better than Les Miz," Mackintosh said. 

A talented cast

Boublil & Schönberg’s magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear The People Sing?,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House,” and many more.

The cast of the musical incluides Nick Cartell and Preston Truman Boyd will return to the barricades to portray the fugitive Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert, respectively. They are joined by Matt Crowle as Thénardier, Christina Rose Hall as Madame Thénardier, Haley Dortch as Fantine, Devin Archer as Enjolras, Christine Heesun Hwang as Éponine, and Addie Morales as Cosette. Cora Jane Messer and Hazel Vogel alternate in the role of Little Cosette/Young Éponine. Harrison Fox and Gabriel Lafazan alternate in the role of Gavroche.

They are joined by Puerto Rican-Dominican Gregory Lee Rodriguez, who plays the role of Marius.

“There are a lot of things I love about playing Marius, but technically speaking it's definitely been a huge learning experience in terms of my craft as an actor. It's by far the most demanding role I've had the privilege of playing in terms of accurately depicting their emotional and physical journey to the best of my ability throughout the course of the piece,” Lee Rodriguez told AL DÍA. 

A story of survival

Inspired by the years after the French Revolution, the story of Les Misérables is about generosity, love and forgiveness in the midst of chaos.

For any reader, the pages of Victor Hugo that have inspired this great show convey emotions and call for moral reflection on good and evil. This also happens with the artists who have been cast in the acclaimed musical.

“Meeting Cosette during Rue Plumet/ Heart Full of Love and being a convict for the top of the show (Prologue/ Look Down). I adore the contrast of each section and the versatility needed to depict each genuinely. One is full of hope/curiosity/wit and excitement while the other is the complete antithesis. An individual who has a history unbeknownst to the audience but that ultimately led them to the horrific conditions of the prison system. It's the heart of what Les Mis has to offer story wise,” Lee Rodriguez said about his favorite moments in the show. 

Tickets for Les Mis 

Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org.  In-person ticket sales happen daily from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. at the Academy of Music Box Office, located at 240 S. Broad Street.

“Be prepared to be dazzled/intrigued/disturbed/enlightened by the ferocity of this musical. It has remained a pillar within the artistic community for a reason, and at any point if you feel that a bit more context would help in grasping the density of the piece, the playbill as a wonderfully written synopsis of each act,” Lee Rodriguez.