Les Misérables Opens at Ocean State Theatre on October 2

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC), has announced the opening of their first full season in their new state-of-the-Art Theatre in Warwick. The company's 2013-14 season begins with the Rhode Island Regional Theatre Premiere of "the world's most popular musical," LES MISERABLES, which opens on October 2.

Sponsored by Charland, Marciano & Company, CPAs, LLP, LES MISERABLES takes place in 19th century France as 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 life-long 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. His world-view shattered, Javert is unable to reconcile Valjean's merciful act. Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long. Epic, grand and uplifting, LES MISERABLES has thrilled audiences throughout the world. Contains adult content.

Directed and staged by Producing Artistic Director Amiee Turner, with musical direction by John Jay Espino, who music directed last spring's production of The King and I, the cast includes Rhode Island's own Fredric S. Scheff, who toured the country in Phantom of the Opera, and whose local appearances include the South County Chamber Singers, Opera Providence, Operatunity, Operartisti, University of Rhode Island, Ocean State Light and Lyric Opera Companies, Ocean State Chamber Orchestra, Theatre-by-the-Sea, Beavertail Productions, and Trinity Repertory Company. Mr. Scheff will be making his OSTC debut in the role of Valjean. Valjean's nemesis, Javert, will be portrayed by Medford, Mass. native and Boston Conservatory graduate, Kevin B McGlynn. The roles of Cosette and Marius will be played by East Providence native, Meagan McNulty and Coventry resident, Tommy Labanaris, who are both making their OSTC debuts. Alyssa Gorgone, who won rave reviews in OSTC's summer production of Legally Blonde, returns as Eponine and New Yorkactress, Lindsie VanWinkle makes her OSTC debut as Fantine, while her husband,Scott Guthrie, who audiences will remember from OSTC productions of The Full Monty and 9 to 5 will portray Enjolras. The Thenardiers will be portrayed by real-life newlywed couple JP Sarro, who appeared in OSTC productions of The King and I, Hairspray and Man of La Mancha and Nicole Paloma Sarro, who recently appeared as Paulette in OSTC's Legally Blonde. The role of Gavroche will be shared betweenCranston resident Bobby Miller III and Iain Yarbrough of Wrentham, Mass., withWarwick residents Laurel McMahon and Grace Truslow alternating in the roles of Young Cosette and Young Eponine. Other local performers include Brandon Albertoof New Bedford, Caroline Bateson of East Greenwich, Derek Capobianco ofCranston, Josh Christensen of Warwick, Matt DaSilva of North Providence, Melanie Gendreau of Seekonk, Desirée Justin of Fall River, Kevin PatRick Martin ofCumberland, Staci Morin of Somerset, Mass., and Matthew Eamon Ryan of Hanson,Mass.

LES MISERABLES will be presented at Ocean State Theatre from October 2 - 27. Previews are scheduled for Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 pm and Thursday, October 3 at 2:00 and 7:30 pm. All other performances will be held Wednesday (except October 9 & 23) through Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Thursdays (except October 17 & 24), Saturdays at 2:00 pm (except October 19 & 26) and Sundays at 2:00 pm.Conducting Conversations Live!, a free post-show discussion hosted by WCRI's Mike Maino, will follow the 2pm performance on Sunday, October 6. The new post show Piano Bar Series, will kick off with "Do You Hear the People SingUptempos!" and will be held following Friday and Saturday evening performances in the theatre's lobby on October 11, 12, 18 and 19.

The theatre is located at 1245 Jefferson Boulevard, Warwick, RI. Tickets are $39 for preview performances and $39-$54 for all other performances. Discount rates for groups of 20 or more are available by calling (401) 921-1777 x112. $30 "Rush" tickets are available on a limited basis one hour prior to curtain on the day of the performance. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Friday from 12 noon - 6:00 pm, Saturdays from 12 noon - 4:00 pm, and from 12 noon until curtain time on performance days. Tickets are also available online 24 hours a day at www.OceanStateTheatre.organd via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 921-6800.

Ocean State Theatre Company (OSTC) is a professional not-for-profit regional theatre whose mission is to preserve and pass on the tradition of live, professional theatre - including the American musical - and to pursue avenues of enrichment and education for the benefit of the state of Rhode Island and the surrounding region through the theatre arts. OSTC, which re-opened and ran the historic Theatre By The Sea in Matunuck, RI from 2007-2012 and began producing shows in Warwick, RI in 2012, is an IRS designated not-for-profit 501(c)(3) corporation.

AT A GLANCE

PRODUCTION: LES MISERABLES

DATES: October 2 - October 27

WHERE: Ocean State Theatre

1245 Jefferson Boulevard

Warwick, RI

PERFORMANCE TIMES: Wednesday, October 2 at 7:30 pm (preview)

Thursday, October 3 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm (previews)

Friday, October 4 at 7:30 pm (opening)

Saturday, October 5 at 2:00 pm & 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 6 at 2:00 pm

Thursday, October 10 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm

Friday, October 11 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 12 at 2:00 & 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 13 at 2:00 pm

Wednesday, October 16 at 7:30 pm

Thursday, October 17 at 7:30 pm

Friday, October 18 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 19 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 20 at 2:00 pm

Thursday, October 24 at 7:30 pm

Friday, October 25 at 7:30 pm

Saturday, October 26 at 7:30 pm

Sunday, October 27 at 2:00 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS: Conducting Conversations Live!

WCRI's Mike Maino leads cast and crew in lively discussion

following the 2pm performance on Sunday, October 6

Free

TICKET PRICES: Previews - $39

All other performances - $39/$49/$54

Rush (as available, one hour prior to curtain) - $30

Group Discounts Available (401) 921-1777 x112

RESERVATIONS: (401) 921-6800

www.oceanstatetheatre.org