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| Photograph by Mark Duffus |
Where?The Iona Performing Arts Centre, North Road, Lindum, Qld.
When?23 June – 7 July, 2018
Brisbane’s oldest continuously running musical theatre company, Savoyards, present the epic and uplifting musical theatre classic Les Misérables at the Iona Performing Arts Centre this June-July.
Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables became even more recognisable in 2012 when the movie adaptation was released starring Hollywood heavyweights including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Helena Bonham Carter. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the musical opened on Broadway in 1987, winning 12 Tony Awards, and since then numerous international tours have been staged and albums recorded.
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| Christopher Thomas as Javert and Shannon Foley as Jean Valjean, photographed by Matt Duffus. |
In nineteenth century France, 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 lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert. Set against the backdrop of the bloody Paris student uprising of 1832, Les Misérables’ powerfully emotional affirmation of the human spirit has made it a popular masterpiece that moves and thrills audiences in equal measure.
The Savoyards productions features a cast of 52 talented Brisbane performers and a live orchestra. Company President David Longton explained that over 220 auditions were registered in 10 days, and that the final cast blends Brisbane community theatre performers alongside actors with performance credits including the Australian Opera.
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| Giselle Roe as Young Cosette, with Sarah Copley as Fantine, photographed by Mark Duffus. |
Savoyards is a community based organisation governed and managed completely by volunteers and enjoys the generosity of many professionals who offer their services at little or no cost simply to encourage theatre in Brisbane. From their first performance of The Mikado in November, 1961, in the local library hall, to recent productions in the luxurious Iona Performing Arts Centre, Savoyards has produced at least two major musical theatre shows every year.
Tickets range from $28 – $50 and are available to book now.
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| Matthew Geaney as Marius and Belinda Burton as Cosette, photographed by Mark Duffus. |
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