Excitement is building as the world’s longest-running musical, Les Misérables, makes a triumphant return to the stage in Bundaberg this Friday night (29th March), 25 years after first being performed by Bundaberg Players.
Bundaberg Players artistic director Rebecca Hutchins said the dedication of everyone involved has been inspiring.
“There has been 84 hours of rehearsal for the cast, with the 21 strong orchestra rehearsing separately to ensure everything is just right” Rebecca said.
“Two of our cast Linda Davis and Tim Holstein are from the Fraser Coast and spend nine hours a week in the car travelling to rehearsals – now that’s dedication!”.
Ages of the cast range from seven to 70. Eight actors from the original production 25 years ago are in the cast. Six Bundaberg Players’ members who worked backstage in 1994 are again part of the production, which is a massive undertaking, with eight tonnes of scenery, 300 costumes and 300 lighting cues.
Bundaberg Players president Nigel Dick said audiences to this new production of Les Miserables will be suitably stunned by the massive sets, with every square inch of stage space at the Moncrieff theatre in use.
“There are a number of rolling sets, an amazing bridge which flies in and out, and a huge barricade which have been being worked on for the past three months” Nigel said.
“Cast members too are excited to now see it all in place on the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre stage”.
Live orchestra comprises 21 musicians
Featuring a live orchestra comprising 21 of the region’s finest musicians and a cast of more than 60 actors and vocalists, this intensely moving and emotionally-charged production is sure to sell out quickly for the six performances opening this Friday night, 29 March.
This new production of Boublil and Schonberg’s Les Miserables is licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia) and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.
Evening performances will be held on March 29 and 30; and April 5 and 6 at 7.30pm, with matinees on Saturday, March 30 and Saturday, April 6 at 2pm.
