Les Misérables back in Hamilton after 16 years

Lead performers Kyle Chuen and Julia Booth in the Hamilton production of Les Misérables.

The well-known sounds of I Dreamed a Dream and One Day More will soon resound in Hamilton after a 16-year-long absence.

Come June, Hamilton's Operatic Society will present Les Misérables (Les Mis), arguably the world's most loved musical of all time, at Clarence St Theatre.

Hamilton Operatic Society chairperson Fiona Bradley said, prior to now, Les Mis hasn't been performed in New Zealand for many years due to restricted rights while the movie was in cinemas.

"These have since lifted, and the time has finally come for the Hamilton community and surrounds to see their favourite musical on stage once more," she said.

Bradley said that experienced leadership stands behind Hamilton Operatic's production of the musical, which boasts a total of 54 songs.

"We're privileged to have well-known Hamilton director David Sidwell direct the production.

"He's been involved in music and theatre for over 40 years and is becoming one of the country's most highly acclaimed directors of musical production," said Bradley.

Sidwell directed the show when it was last in Hamilton theatres in 2001. At the time, he coached well-known Kiwi singer and actress Kimbra, to play Young Cosette when she was 11.

"If New Zealanders want to see this internationally acclaimed musical performed by incredible local talent, this is their chance. We're anticipating significant attendance.
"When we did the show in 2001 at the then Founders Theatre we had more than 16,000 people attend," Bradley said.

The cast is made up of an of array New Zealand talent. Kyle Chuen from Auckland will play lead role Jean Valjean, Scot Hall from Cambridge will play Inspector Javert and Canadian-born kiwi Julia Booth will play Fantine.

Les Mis is the world's longest running Broadway musical, has been translated into 22 languages, and has had an estimated viewing of more than 70 million people worldwide.

"The show, set in 19th-century France, relays the story of French peasant, Jean Valjean, and his quest for redemption," Bradley said.

"Valjean is swept into a revolutionary period where the audience finds themselves in the middle of a cacophony of canon fire and clashing cymbals.

"The plot and music combined are bound to strike a chord with everyone in the audience, so even if you've seen it before, seeing it again is a must," Bradley said.

This year's Hamilton Operatic Society rendition will premiere at Clarence Street Theatre on Friday 23 June and run a strictly limited season of 14 shows. Tickets are on sale now through Ticketek.