Les Misérables Set for Pepperdine's Fall Musical Nov 14-17 and 21-23

The Pepperdine University Fine Arts Division presents its Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical, a new production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISERABLES, at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 14-Saturday, November 16, and Thursday, November 21-Saturday, November 23, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, November 17, at Smothers Theatre on Pepperdine's Malibu campus.

Tickets, priced at $20 for the public, $10 for Pepperdine students, and $16 for Pepperdine faculty and staff, are available now by calling the Pepperdine Center for the Arts box office at (310) 506-4522. Tickets for the general public are also available at: http://arts.pepperdine.edu/

Cathy Thomas-Grant directs the cast of over 30, which includes Pepperdine students, several area children, and Pepperdine artist in residence and alumnus Eric Downs appearing in the role of Javert.

Tony Cason conducts the Pepperdine University Orchestra, with Melanie Emelio serving as vocal director.

"I condemn slavery, I banish poverty, I teach ignorance, I treat disease, I lighten the night, and I hate hatred. That is what I am, and that is why I have written LES MISERABLES," stated French poet, novelist, and dramatist Victor Hugo of his 1862 book on which the musical is based.

Set in 19th-century France,LES MISERABLES tells the story of Jean Valjean, who is released after 19 years of unjust imprisonment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, but finds himself faced with mistrust and mistreatment in his struggle for redemption. Meanwhile, he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that 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 worldview shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long.

"The student revolutionaries in LES MISERABLES are fighting for the rights of those who live on the fringe of society," said Thomas-Grant. "Physical and spiritual hunger and thirst are at the heart of this story. Valjean is a man who seeks to heal his bitterness and find peace by becoming a fountain of compassion. One hundred and fifty years later, Hugo's story is still relevant the world over."

Epic, grand, and uplifting, LES MISERABLES packs an emotional wallop with its powerful affirmation of the human spirit and has thrilled audiences worldwide.

LES MISERABLES is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI) by arrangement with CAMERON MACINTOSH LTD.

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