Les Misérables @ The Hanover Theatre in Worcester, MA
Performed by the Assumption College Theatre Department and Directed by Brian Tivnan
April 4 – April 6, 2014
2 Hours 30 Minutes, including a 20 minute intermission
This international smash hit may be the most popular musical in the world, telling a story that is now part of our collective knowledge: In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but is greeted by the outside world with nothing 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. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert is forced to confront his convictions after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace and true freedom he has sought for so long.
Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables, affectionately referred to as “Les Mis,” is an intense emotional journey that has thrilled audiences worldwide. The sung-through pop opera is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are already standards. A spectacle on Broadway and in London with a tremendous budget and massive set, Les Misérables is, as is the mark of a truly exceptional piece of theatre, equally effective with a less grandiose set; the actors’ passion and delivery are what must tell this story. It is its powerful affirmation of the human spirit that has elevated Les Misérables to the status of masterpiece.
Full price tickets are $27, and discounts are available for students and seniors. You can purchase tickets HERE. Please call the box office at 877.571.SHOW (7469) for more information.
About the Production and Director
Director Brian T. Tivnan
This production, considered a huge undertaking for even the most established theatre companies in the world, never mind for a college theatre department with limited resources, features some of Assumption College’s finest student and alumni talent, inspired by Brian Tivnan at different points in their collegiate careers to become involved in the theatre program. For many, Tivnan was their first contact with the world of theatre, and as is evidenced by the excitement leading up to the production (not to mention the outstanding turn-out last semester for auditions) and by the enthusiastic return of former students, both the man and the craft made a significant impact on Assumption students, from football players to those who now aspire to pursue acting as their career. The cast has benefitted, as have all casts in Tivnan’s 13 years as teacher and show director at the School, from superior musical direction, outstanding set and costume design (we would be remiss in not giving special mention to what longtime Assumption theatre department collaborator Jim DiBonaventura has created for this production, turning The Hanover stage into 19th century France with his gift for impeccable construction and keen eye for historical accuracy of costuming and set dressing), rare but invaluable training about the behind-the-scene elements of theatre, and a level of acting direction and professional encouragement that could only come from someone with the expertise and commitment that Tivnan possesses. Too, as he is and has always been dedicated to involving the community in his productions, you will again see actors and non-actors of all ages from the Assumption “family” and beyond in the show, many thrilled at this first opportunity to perform.
You will not leave “Les Miserables” this weekend thinking that you have witnessed a student production; you will leave simply knowing that you have seen a captivating, excellently-directed performance with all the elements that define great work.