The North Coast Repertory Theatre continues its 30th Season with the North Coast premiere of the musical Les Misérables, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and book by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. The production opens at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 with an opening night gala that includes a champagne reception after the show.

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables sweeps its audience through an epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption, against the backdrop of France in the grip of revolution in the 19th century. Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.

The production is directed by Calder Johnson who has been involved in theatre in Humboldt County for over a decade. Johnson is the Technical Director of NCRT. Some of his more recent scenic design credits include M. Butterfly at HSU, and The Tempest, Anything Goes and Oedipus The King at NCRT. He appeared as Iago in our production of Othello and most recently directed Much Ado About Nothing. Johnson describes Les Misérables as “a very special musical with an incredibly rich, strong score, full of sweeping, heart-wrenching emotion. But beyond that, this is a remarkably faithful adaptation of the source material, sharing the concern Victor Hugo had with the quality of mercy and social justice. One of the last lyrics of this show sums up the entire thesis of the production: ‘To love another person is to see the face of God.’”

The talented cast includes Dan Stockwell as Valjean, Craig Benson as Inspector Javert, Nanette Voss-Herlihy as Cosette, Jo Kuzelka as Eponine and Greta Stockwell as Fantine. Scenery design is by Calder Johnson, lighting design by Telfer Reynolds and costume design by Rae Robison. Music direction is by Elisabeth Harrington and Nannette Voss-Herlihy. Kira Gallaway will stage-manage the production.

Les Misérables, winner of three Tony Awards including Best Musical, opens at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 22 with an opening night gala that includes a champagne reception after the show. This performance will also serve as a benefit for the cast and crew. All seats for opening night are $18.00. The performance on Friday, May 23 will be a benefit performance for the First Congregational Church and the First Christian Church; tickets are $20.00. The performance on Saturday, May 24 will be a benefit for Eureka High School Players Go To New York; tickets are $20.00. Regular ticket price of $18.00 for all seats will begin on Friday, May 30. The run will continue Fridays and Saturdays through June 21. There will be one additional regular Thursday performance on June 19. All evening performances begin at 8 p.m. There will be three matinee performances at 2 p.m. on Sundays June 1, 8 and 15. NCRT is located at 300 Fifth Street, Eureka. For reservations, group rates, or more information, please call 442-NCRT (6278)