Franklin Performing Arts Company to Present LES MISERABLES, 10/18-20

Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) opens its 23rd season with the Broadway and worldwide phenomenon, LES MISERABLES. FPAC's production will be staged at the New England Chapel, 40 Kenwood Circle in Franklin, with performances on Friday and Saturday, October 18 and 19, at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20, at 3:00 p.m.

A record-breaking sensation, LES MISERABLES has enjoyed a storied presence on the world stage for 28 years. With music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and book by Alain Boublil, the show's enduring appeal may be attributed to its Tony Award-winning score, memorable characters and epic storyline. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the tale follows Jean Valjean as he is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment in 19th-century France. Finding only continued hardship and mistreatment, he breaks his parole in the hopes of starting anew. Valjean seeks redemption, but is relentlessly pursued by his nemesis, police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Set against a backdrop of the 1832 Paris uprising and reflecting a nation in the grip of a revolution, LES MISERABLES is a timeless - and timely - tale of idealism, passion and resiliency. The acclaimed tale is a moving tribute to the human spirit.

LES MISERABLES is entirely sung-through and the breathtaking harmonies and emotionally charged melodies are in turn haunting, humorous, devastating and uplifting. FPAC's creative team cast a large ensemble of area talent - 85 voices strong - to add considerable depth and drama to the delivery of the musical's unforgettable score. Audiences will be moved by such beloved classics as "Bring Him Home," "On My Own," "I Dreamed a Dream," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" and "One Day More." FPAC's production will feature a professional orchestra, underscoring FPAC's ongoing commitment to live music and providing another rewarding dimension to the Company's presentation of this monumental work.

Following LES MISERABLES, FPAC's 2013-2014 season continues with a festive double bill of holiday entertainment, featuring the Company's annual presentation of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker on December 14 and 15 and a new original musical, Carol's Christmas, on December 21 and 22. A popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years, FPAC's production of the timeless classic The Nutcracker features more than 100 area dancers, professional orchestra and special guest artists (historically from such prestigious companies as American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet and New York City Ballet), bringing the magic up close for suburban audiences. The joyous and uplifting Carol's Christmas debuts this holiday season, following one family's triumphs and travails as they wrestle with the question: What do we really want (need!) for Christmas this year? FPAC also presents the comedy rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors, in March.

FPAC's annual season also features the popular Family Concert Series and Whatever Theater Festival, with all events offered free to the public. A trio of Family Concert Series performances, presented in the winter months, provides audiences of all ages with a fun and interactive introduction to the world of live music and theater. The summertime Whatever Theater Festival showcases an exciting range of dramatic and comedic works, including a series of one-act plays and a production of Shakespeare staged on Franklin Town Common.

A distinctive suburban non-profit arts organization founded in 1991, FPAC brings together professional artists, community performers and students of the arts in a collaborative and creative environment. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, productions draw performers and audiences from more than 50 communities throughout the region. Company performers and alumni are making their mark in top college and conservatory arts programs, national Broadway tours, European concert tours, the American Idol finals, cruise line casts, film, television and regional theater, reflecting the performance quality and entertainment value found in FPAC productions.

Tickets for LES MISERABLES are $30 for adults and $28 for students and seniors. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-8668.

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