Love, redemption, revolution!Griffith’s musical theatre students are gearing up for their mainstage show – a blockbuster production of Les Misérables.
The show will feature a cast of 80 students, two orchestras and more than 300 costumes over 12 epic performances.
Les Misérables premiered in Paris in 1980, and is one of the longest running musical theatre productions in history, playing sell-out seasons around the world.
Hailed as ‘the greatest musical of all time’, Boublil and Schönberg’s epic version of Victor Hugo’s novel includes hits like I Dreamed a Dream, Castles in the Air and Master of the House.
The Queensland Conservatorium production will feature a triple cast, comprising the entire musical theatre cohort, accompanied by the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra. The production will be helmed by Melbourne-based theatre director Alistair Smith.
Queensland Conservatorium Director Professor Scott Harrison said the show explored universal themes that still resonated with contemporary audiences.
“Many of Hugo’s writings, including Les Misérables, explored politics, poverty, justice and moral philosophy. He used his status for push for social change and as a politician, led the call for universal suffrage, free education for all, and an end to poverty,” he said.
“Productions like Les Misérables are part of our broader commitment at the Queensland Conservatorium to address the issues of our time through performance.
“The arts have the potential to bridge different perspectives and encourage people to think about the challenges facing our society – from human rights to gender equity and climate change.”
Final year Bachelor of Musical Theatre student Jordan Twigg is one of three students playing the lead role of Fantine.
“It is a dream role,” she said.
“My Mum and I saw the show a couple of years ago at QPAC and it was phenomenal – I was blown away.
“This show is going to be a real spectacle – we have a massive ensemble, the songs are amazing and the story is heartbreaking and timeless.”
Queensland Conservatorium Head of Performing Arts Associate Professor Paul Sabey said audiences were in for a treat.
“We have an incredibly talented group of young performers who are tackling one of the most iconic shows in the musical theatre canon,” he said.
Associate Professor Sabey said a mainstage production was one of many opportunities provided to students throughout their degree at the Queensland Conservatorium.
“It’s vital they leave us with the skill set that will enable them to tackle any role, on any stage,” he said.
Les Miserable runs at the Queensland Conservatorium Theatre, South Bank from 8 – 17 August.
Tickets are available at the Queensland Conservatorium website.
Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s new production of Boubil and Schonberg’s Les Misérables is licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia) and Cameron Mackintosh. All performance materials are supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
