Stephen Metcalf News

In their on-going focus on new works by local artists, Scripps Ranch Theatre presents two staged readings of VARIATIONS ON A THEME by award-winning San Diego playwright, James Caputo.  The performances take place at Scripps Ranch Theatre on the Campus of Alliant International University on April 14th and 17th at 7pm. Stephen Metcalfe, acclaimed author, playwright and screen-writer will direct.

The original London production of Claude-Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil's musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which was Messrs Schonberg and Boublil's first collaboration with theater producer Cameron Mackintosh, opened to very mixed reviews from the critics in 1985. But 'LES MIS has always been big for criticism,' says Meghan Lewit for The Atlantic. 'Bombast? Bathos? That's the point. The original production [which remains intact and continues to play at the Queen's Theatre in London until today] has endured because it gave audiences exactly what they wanted.'

Yesterday, select members of the press, including BroadwayWorld.com, were invited to a 'vocals only' rehearsal of Cameron Mackintosh's reimagined production of popular musical LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which is embarking on its first Asian Tour (Manila: March 11 to April 17 at The Theatre at Solaire; Singapore: May 31 to July 17 at Esplanade Theatre).

Earlier today, select members of the press, including BroadwayWorld.com, were invited to a 'vocals only' rehearsal of Cameron Mackintosh's reimagined production of popular musical LES MISERABLES (LES MIS), which is embarking on its first Asian Tour (Manila: March 11 to April 17 at The Theatre at Solaire; Singapore: May 31 to July 17 at Esplanade Theatre).

Metcalf is joined by MISERY cast-mate Leon Addison Brown, director Will Frears, Music/Sound Designer Michael Friedman and producer Mark Kaufman.

There has been an increased interest for tickets to behemoth, long-running musical LES MISERABLES (LES MIS) since its major producer Cameron Mackintosh and Philippine partner Concertus Manila announced last September that the acclaimed Australian touring production of the the revamped 25th anniversary production of LES MIS, which must close this Sunday, January 17, at the Lyric Theatre, Queensland Performing Arts Centre in Brisbane will transfer to The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino in Manila starting Friday, March 11. Due to the high demand for tickets, which can be purchased at TicketWorld.com.ph, Mr. Mackintosh and Concertus Manila have released a new set of tickets that will extend performances in Manila until Sunday, April 17, thus far.

BroadwayWorld has just learned that Cameron Mackintosh's current Broadway revival of  Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's legendary musical LES MISERABLES will end its acclaimed run on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the Imperial Theater (239 West 45th Street).  The current Broadway version of LES MISERABLES is the only production of the musical currently playing in North America and stars Alfie Boe, the acclaimed star of the London 25th Anniversary Concert, as Jean Valjean through February 28.  John Owen-Jones, who is currently starring as The Phantom in Mackintosh's London production of The Phantom of the Opera, and has played Valjean both on Broadway (in 2007) and in London, will succeed Boe in the role beginning March 1 for the duration of the show's Broadway run.  This new production of the musical will have given 1,026 performances over two-and-a-half years.  In total, since the 1987 opening of the original production, LES MISERABLESwill have played 8,202 performances on Broadway. 

Below, three-year-old toddler Koen gives a passionate performance of the anthem, 'Do You Hear The People Sing?' from LES MISERABLES. Les Miserables. Do you think he's ready for Broadway?

A brand-new promo for Broadway's LES MISERABLES just hit YouTube (watch it below!), and it looks like Alfie Boe isn't long for the part of 'Jean Valjean'. The video announces the actor's departure date as February 28th, 2016. No word yet on who will replace him in the lead role, but BWW will keep our ears to the ground!

'If you don't have a camera zooming straight into the eyes or catching a close-up of a hand touching another hand, it doesn't work,' said Claude-Michel Schonberg, the French composer of now 30-year-old musical 'Les Miserables' (Les Mis), when asked about the possibility of adding the Oscar-nominated song 'Suddenly,' especially written for the 2012 movie adaptation, to 'Les Mis' onstage.

New Zealand native Hayden Tee will assume the role of Javert beginning Friday, January 29 in Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new Broadway production of Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES, now in its second year at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Tee comes directly to Broadway from the new Australian production ofLES MISERABLES, for which he has received wide acclaim. Earl Carpenter will give his final performance as Javert at the matinee on Sunday, January 24 before departing to star in the upcoming Manila engagement of LES MISERABLES.

Australian actors Kerrie Anne Greenland (Eponine), Chris Durling (Enjolras), and Emily Langridge (Cosette) will join previously announced cast members Simon Gleeson (Jean Valjean), Earl Carpenter (Javert), and Rachelle Ann Go (Fantine) when the new Asian Tour of the newly reimagined LES MISERABLES (LES MIS) kicks off at The Theatre at Solaire (1 Aseana Ave. Entertainment City, Paranaque City) in March 2016. Visit TicketWorld.com.ph to buy tickets.

The legendary production of Les Miserables is celebrating its 30th birthday this week and as part of the celebrations, check out the interview video below of Peter Lockyer, who plays Jean Valjean, and Rachelle Ann Go who plays Fantine.

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES will celebrate the upcoming 30th Anniversary of the show's original and still going strong London production with a special Fan Day on Broadway on Tuesday, October 6 at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street).   For that one day only, fans can purchase two tickets (select mezzanine seats) for $60.01 at the box-office only.  Fan Day will also include a photo booth in the lobby, special contest offers, and promotional item give-aways.

Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schonberg's legendary musical LES MISERABLES will tour across Asia, starting in Manila in March 2016. Tickets go on sale today, September 29. Check out lesmis.com/manila (SMART Infinity mobile subscribers and Visa cardholders will get the first pick on seats during the presale from September 29 to October 29).

Once billed as the first French rock opera, LA REVOLUTION FRANCAISE will receive a one-night workshop staging.

Just last night, Tony Award-nominee Montego Glover and Alex Finke and Alfie Boe joined the company of  Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's Les Miserables on Broadway. Glover succeeds Erika Henningsen as Fantine, while Finke (making her Broadway debut) replaces original cast member Samantha Hill. Boe takes over for Tony Award nominee Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean. BroadwayWorld was there for the special night, and brings you photos from the curtain call and after party below. Plus check out the beautiful tribute to late castmember Kyle Jean-Baptiste on the Imperial marquee.

Internationally-renowned performer Alfie Boe returns to Broadway to star as 'Jean Valjean' in Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new Broadway production of Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's Les Miserables, now in its second year at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Boe begins performances in Les Miserables tonight, September 1.

As reported yesterday, Tony Award-nominee Montego Glover and Alex Finke will join Alfie Boe, the internationally-acclaimed performer who takes over the role of Jean Valjean in Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's Les Miserables, on Sept 1. Glover succeeds Erika Henningsen as Fantine, while Finke (making her Broadway debut) replaces original cast member Samantha Hill. In honor of the trio boarding of one Broadway's most beloved hits, BWW brings you a brief look at their past performances!

Tony Award-nominee Montego Glover (Memphis) will assume the role of Fantine beginning Tuesday, September 1 in Cameron Mackintosh's acclaimed new Broadway production of Claude-Michel Schonberg & Alain Boublil's LES MISERABLES, now in its second year at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). She succeeds Erika Henningsen in the role.  Glover, who also received the Drama Desk and Outer Critics' Circle Awards for her acclaimed performance in Memphis, most recently co-starred on Broadway in the musical It Shoulda Been You.   Also on September 1, Alex Finke makes her Broadway debut in the role of Cosette, succeeding Samantha Hill.