FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                        May 2009
Contact: Craig Shafer
publicity@pcpa.org
805-928-7731, 4100

PCPA THEATERFEST
PRESENTS
Les Misérables

Playing the Solvang Festival Theater June 11 - June 12, 2009

PCPA’s blockbuster 45th anniversary season continues with Les Misérables. One of the greatest musicals of all time; it’s based on Victor Hugo’s landmark novel about social change and political revolution in 19th century France. It will play in Solvang’s Festival Theater June 11 through July 12. Boublil and Schonber’s musical is a powerful examination of justice, change and redemption. (Recommended for 12 years and up.)

The cast includes guest artists Sam Zeller and Erik Stein as Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert respectively, along with resident artists Andrew Philpot as Thenardier, Elizabeth Stuart as Madame Thenardier, Michael Jenkinson as Marius, Valerie Rachelle as Fantine and Peter S. Hadres as the Bishop.

Les Misérables is directed by Roger DeLaurier with musical direction by Callum Morris, scenic design by Artistic Director Emeritus Jack Shouse, costume design by Frederick P. Deeben, lighting design by Jennifer “Z” Zornow, sound design by Matt Carpenter, and Christine Collins is the equity production stage manager.

Les Misérables has indisputably become the world's most popular musical, having been seen by over 50 million people worldwide, in 38 countries and translated into 21 languages. From its celebrated opening in London in October 1985, this adaptation immediately captured the imagination and enthusiasm of the theatre-going public.

Synopsis:
In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment and 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. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals 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 he has sought for so long.

Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through pop opera overflows with melodies that are already standards including ‘On My Own,’ ‘One Day More,’ ‘Stars,’ and ‘Do You Hear The People Sing?’ Its music and powerful affirmation of the human spirit have made Les Misérables a sensational addition to the art of musical theatre. With another national tour in the planning, PCPA Theaterfest was one of the last regional theatres in the country licensed to produce this masterpiece in 2009.

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Also coming this season… The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Where else could six young people struggling with puberty stand out and fit in at the same time? The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, of course.  This momentous spelling championship pits the quirkiest collection of heroes against one another in the unlikeliest of hit musicals. In this charming challenge, the contestants learn that winning isn’t everything and that losing doesn’t necessarily make you a loser. It plays June 19 – July 11 in Santa Maria before transferring to Solvang to play July 17 – August 2. (Recommended for 12 years and up.)

 Mid-summer, it’s the popular family musical, 76-trombones strong, celebrating Midwestern American traditions and foibles. Meredith Wilson’s The Music Man features con man Professor Harold Hill who plans on cleaning up the pool halls in River City by replacing them with a wholesome marching band, or so he wants us to believe. Marian Theatre performances are July 17 through August 1, then August 7 – 23 in Solvang.

In a musical story of hope, hearth, and home, The Spitfire Grill is a young woman’s search for redemption. This prize-winning quintessential American musical fuses a poignant story of reawakening with country, bluegrass, and Broadway musical traditions. The music and book by James Valcq and lyrics by Fred Alley were inspired by the 1996 Lee David Zoloff film of the same name. The Spitfire Grill plays August 7 – 23 in the Marian Theatre, then August 28 – September 13 in the Festival Theater.

Distracted by Lisa Loomer is a modern comedy cleverly exploring parenting, analysis, and the struggle to maintain focus in this era of confusion, the Internet, and Ritalin. The story follows a mother’s interactions with teachers, therapists, and neighbors as she and her husband attempt to determine if her son’s problems are rooted in ADD. Distracted plays in the Severson Theatre, Santa Maria, August 28 – September 20. (Mature language and themes.)
           

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