DM Playhouse to Present LES MISERABLES, 3/21-4/13

The Des Moines Community Playhouse presents the world's most popular musical, "LES MISERABLES," Mar. 21-Apr. 13. Tickets may be purchased online at dmplayhouse.com, by phone at 515-277-6261, and at the Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St.

Revolution and romance. Good and evil. "LES MISERABLES" is an epic struggle between two idealistic men, set against a backdrop of political unrest.

Jean Valjean (Steve Berry) has been unjustly imprisoned for 19 years. Now free, his only path to an honest life begins by breaking parole. Javert (Maxwell Schaeffer) is the obsessive policeman who dedicates his life to bringing the convict to justice. Revolution is in the air and Cosette (Katy Merriman), the orphan Valjean has vowed to protect, has found love with Marius (Stephen Brandt), a student revolutionary.

Epic and uplifting, "LES MISERABLES" is the most popular musical in the world. It's been more than 25 years since its Broadway debut, but this is the first time the show has been available to community theatres. We are excited to bring the Playhouse's creative imprint to "LES MISERABLES."

The Playhouse cast is directed by John Viars, with music direction by Brenton Brown and choreography by Alison Shafer. The cast of 49, one of the largest in Playhouse history, includes Samantha Arneson, Halen Becker, Chance Bender, Chris Bernard, Jake Biegger, Dani Boal, Kelsey Brown, Brad D. Church, Douglas Cochrane, Peter Erickson, Craig Ferguson, Caroline Fink, Nick Flynn, Jacob Nelson Forney, Rachel Forney, Anne Arthur Frett, Sarah Frett, Hannah Friesen, Jillian Michelle Gabby, Lauren Danielle Gabby, Gina Gedler, Joshua Haldeman, Sarah Hinzman, Michael Howland, Sierra Howland, Jay Jacobson, Melissa M. Kellar, Sanjay Koduvalli, Ann Kramer, Samantha Long, Ken-Matt Martin, Dean Messerly, Grace Ann Mumm, Anna Nalean, Bobby Nalean, Anna Neal, Jack Parisee, David Pulliam, Matt Rowles, Philip Sandager, Megan Schettler Schug, Robin Heldt Spahr, Robert Uy, Alexandra Walsh, and Nicholas Wharff.

The Playhouse will host preshow talks in conjunction with "Les Miserablés." Audiences are encouraged to come to the theatre 30 minutes prior to curtain for a preshow talk with artistic staff.

The Playhouse is Iowa's oldest and largest producing theatre. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information about the Playhouse and "LES MISERABLES," contact the Playhouse ticket office at 515-277-6261.