John Caird News

Jun Maeda, the Obie Award-winning designer and resident set designer at La MaMa Experimental Theatre Club (ETC) since 1970, died on Monday, April 6 - three days after his 79th birthday - at Mt. Sinai West Hospital in Manhattan.

We also dropped by a rehearsal for Cameron Mackintosh's new production of the landmark musical Les Misérables, directed by John Caird. It starred Alexander Gemignani, Aaron Lazar, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gary Beach and Norm Lewis. Mackintosh told Ridge, 'I'm delighted to have the opportunity. The only thing I never expected or dreamt of was getting such a wonderful cast as this. Everybody we ever dreamt of wanted to be in it. We found some marvelously talented people that we didn't know, and I think it's one of the strongest casts of Les Miz that's ever been anywhere.'

Back in 2019, the former Queen's Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue was temporarily closed down to transform the building into the Sondheim Theatre and give its favourite tenant, Les Misérables, a major revamp.

Stars in The House continues tonight (8pm) with the legendary Chita Rivera.

Les Misérables -The Staged Concert will be available for digital download in the UK and Australia to raise much needed funds for performers, musicians and the NHS. 

Stars in The House continues today (2pm) with a Les Miserables reunion featuring John Caird, Randy Graff, Judy Kuhn, Michael Maguire, Terrence Mann and Frances Ruffelle and tonight (8pm) with the legendary Chita Rivera.

a?oeStars in the Housea??, a daily online show to benefit The Actors Fund, the national human services organization for everyone in performing arts and entertainment, announced next week's lineup of guests:

The Producers Perspective LIVE! begins tonight! Every night at 8 PM EDT, Tony Award-winning Broadway Producer Ken Davenport will have a theater maker join The Producers Perspective for a chat about how they are doing, what they are doing, and what tips they are for you on getting through, and eventually, getting back to making theater.

Many of us are familiar with the story of Genesis, but have you ever seen it performed on stage? Whether or not you have, the perfect opportunity to do so is at Ridgedale Players, where Children of Eden is playing until March 22nd. (Click for further details.)

Beginning March 9th at 9:00 AM, a digital rush lottery will take place for LES MISERABLES. One of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history returns to DPAC from March 10 a?" 15, 2020, as part of WRAL's Greatest Hits of Broadway.

Cameron Mackintosh's production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISERABLES, will perform at San Jose's Center for the Performing Arts (255 S. Almaden Blvd) from Tuesday, April 21 through Sunday, April 26, 2020. Tickets (starting at $48) are on-sale now at broadwaysanjose.com, in-person at the San Jose Civic Box Office (150 W. San Carlos St., San Jose), or by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787). Group orders of 10 or more may be placed by calling 669-242-8559. Ticket prices are subject to change without notice.

Cal State Fullerton's Department of Theatre & Dance kicks off its Spring slate of productions in March when Charlotte Brontë's most famous and beloved literary heroine comes to life in 'Jane Eyre: The Musical.' With a book by John Caird, music and lyrics by Paul Gordon, direction by James R. Taulli, and musical direction by Corey Hirsch, the play runs March 13-29 in the Little Theatre on campus.

Casting for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award®-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISERABLES, has been announced for its much anticipated Sarasota engagement at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, direct from a celebrated two-and-a-half year Broadway engagement.

Musical Theatre of Anthem (MTA) has announced their upcoming production of Children of Eden. From musical theatre greats, Stephen Schwartz and John Caird, comes a joyous and inspirational musical about parents, children and faith... not to mention centuries of unresolved family business!

Broadway In Boston announced today that tickets for Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISERABLES will go on sale this Monday, January 27. Performances at the Citizens Bank Opera House June 2 - 14, 2020 as part of the 2019-2020 Lexus Broadway In Boston Season.

San Francisco Opera General Director Matthew Shilvock today announced the Company's 98th season, which opens on September 11, 2020 with an Opening Night Celebration featuring soprano Albina Shagimuratova and tenor Pene Pati in concert with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra conducted by Music Director Designate Eun Sun Kim. Opening Night festivities include San Francisco Opera Guild's Opera Ball, BRAVO! CLUB's annual Opening Night Gala and two new events: the Opera Supper in the Veterans Building's elegant Green Room and, for the entire audience, a celebratory, post-concert toast to the season.

Houston Grand Opera has announced its 2020a?"21 season, featuring a repertoire of beloved classics, company premieres, and a much-anticipated world premiere. The 66th season opens with audience favorite Carmen. American mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard makes her HGO and role debut as Carmen in the revival of Rob Ashford's acclaimed 2014 production of Bizet's classic. She is joined by tenor Andrea Caré as Don José, bass-baritone Christian Pursell as Escamillo, and Anita Hartig as Micaela, all making their HGO debuts. The production will be conducted by HGO Principal Guest Conductor Eun Sun Kim.

Much of the conversation around the incoming of the revamped Les Misérables production to the West End has revolved around the revolve a?' or lack thereof. But this slicker touring version (first seen in 2009, for the 25th anniversary) is a beautiful fit for Cameron Mackintosh's marvellously refurbished Sondheim Theatre, and the show's indelible score and stirring human drama are, if anything, showcased more strongly than ever.

Cameron Mackintosh's new version of Les Miserables began performances on December 18, at the newly renovated Sondheim Theatre in London. Get a first look at the production, as well as a look at the inside of the theatre!

The newly renovated Sondheim Theatre (formerly the Queen's Theatre) officially re-opened in December 2019. The theatre is home to Les Miserables.