McArdle to Star in Ogunquit Playhouse's 'Les Miz' Beginning 9/10

Autumn brings the celebrated musical, Les Misérables, to the Ogunquit Playhouse stage September 10 through October 12th, with a once-in-a-lifetime, all-star cast. Les Misérables is based on the novel by Victor Hugo, detailing the trials of France’s lower class and exemplifying the triumph of human spirit. Its uplifting message of hope, its grand epic tale and glorious music has made it the longest running musical of all time.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to present another star-studded cast for its first-rate production of the beloved musical. Andrea McArdle, who will reprise her Broadway role, first captured the hearts of theatergoers everywhere in 1977 when she originated the title role in the mega-musical Annie, based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie. Since then, she has starred in several Broadway musicals, performed in concert halls from Carnegie Hall to the Las Vegas Hilton to the Hong Kong Philharmonic as well as several remarkable televisions appearances and at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Caberet. 

Also reprising his Broadway role is veteran performer Ivan Rutherford, as Jean Valjean. His many Broadway credits include Les Misérables (Jean Valjean 10th Anniversary Co., 2007 revival) and Titanic. Ivan has performed the role of Jean Valjean over 2000 times on Broadway and across the nation, and received a “Best Actor” nomination from the 1st Annual National Broadway Theatre Awards held at the Supper Club in NYC.  

Returning to The Playhouse are Todd Alan Johnson (Javert) after appearing in last season's The King & I, Mary Callanan (Madame Thenardier) who appeared in Grease (Miss Lynch), RYAN LANDRY (Thenardier), a Playhouse favorite, who most recently portrayed Roger Debris in Mel Brooks’ smash hit, The Producers and Josh Young (Marius) who is thrilled to return to Ogunquit after making his professional theatrical debut here with Evita in 2003. Since then Josh has played in the National Tour of Les Misérables (Marius) and in the International Tour of West Side Story. 

Josh Tower (Enjolras, Chain Gang) is making his Ogunquit Playhouse debut as Enjolras, after a five year run on Broadway in Disney’s The Lion King’s Simba. 

Alexis Kalehoff (Eponine) the daughter of Andrea McArdle and legendary Composer/Producer (Edd Kalehoff) will portray Eponine. Alexis made her Broadway debut in the original production of Les Miserable's as young Cosette/Gavroche at age 8. Alexis has appeared in Annie Get Your Gun (Nellie), Oliver (Fagins Boys), Regional & National Tour Productions. Her television credits include soloist in ABC's “Disney Christmas Spectacular,” ABC's “Soul Man,” “Andrea McArdles on Broadway” PBS Special. She has appeared at Radio City with Bernadette peters. 

Les Miserables is directed by Shaun Kerrison, who just completed My Fair Lady for the Ogunquit Playhouse, after staging the show all over the world with Trevor Nunn. Among Shaun Kerrison’s many achievements are positions as Associate Director of Les Misérables at the Palace Theatre in London and Tour Director for the national company, Associate Director of My Fair Lady at both the National Theatre and Theatre Royal Drury Lane, the Associate Director on J M Barrie's original play of Peter Pan and The Pirates of Penzance, both at The Savoy Theatre, London, the resident director of The Lion King (Lyceum) and last year staged Les Misérables in concert for a special gala performance at Windsor Castle to celebrate 100 years of the Entente Cordiale, for Her Majesty the Queen and President Chirac.

Les Misérables is the longest-running musical in the world, the third longest-running show in Broadway history and has been seen by over 53 million people in 38 countries and 21 languages since its first London performance in October 1985. The original Broadway production opened in 1987, at the Broadway Theatre, winning seven Tony Awards that season, including Best Musical. It has won over 50 major theatre awards. Its Tony® Award-winning score includes the songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," and "On My Own." The Playhouse is delighted to close out the 2008 season with this legendary musical masterpiece.

Come see why this inspirational story resonates with one and all. The timeless power of the show is sure to be an unforgettable experience both for new audiences and “serial Les Miz-ers.” Les Mis runs September 10 through October 12, including matinee performances every weekend. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 207-646-5511 or online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Editors Note, photos are available online at www.ogunquitplayhouse.org

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