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Beloved musical 'Les Miserables' performed Nov. 6-9

Janel Shoun-Smith | 

Annelise Kitching and Tyler Russell as Cosette and Marius.

Lipscomb University’s Departments of Theatre and Music will present the international smash hit musical “Les Misérables,” Nov. 6-9, at 7:30 p.m. in the Collins Alumni Auditorium. Lipscomb University’s production, its largest production in years, will feature Broadway star Chuck Wagner, a Middle Tennessee native, as Jean Valjean, in all performances except for the Wednesday, Nov. 6, production.

A spectacle on Broadway and in London, “Les Misérables” is a powerful affirmation of the human spirit that has become a popular masterpiece. In 19th-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 even as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Epic, grand and uplifting, "Les Misérables" packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world.

Lipscomb Theatre Chair Mike Fernandez is director of the production and Justin Boccitto, co-founder of the Group Theatre Too in New York, is serving as assistant director.

Tickets cost $15 for individuals, $10 for university faculty and $5 for students of any age. Tickets can be purchased through the Lipscomb Box office at 615.966.7077 or by logging onto www.lipscomb.edu/theatre.

 

Chuck Wagner as Jean Valjean

About Chuck Wagner

Chuck Wagner is a professional actor, singer, director and historian with a passion for Broadway musicals. He was born in Nashville, raised in Hartsville and graduated from Gallatin High School. Wagner went on to star in many Broadway shows including “Beauty and the Beast,” “Into the Woods,” “Dracula the Musical” and “Les Misérables,” in which he played Javert. He has also performed in national touring productions of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” “Into the Woods,” “Les Misérables” and most recently “Anything Goes.”

Locally, he was seen as Horace Vandergelder in Studio Tenn’s 2010 production of “Hello Dolly!” He has also served as ringmaster for two national tours of the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus; has appeared on “As the World Turns” and “All My Children;” and in his youth was known for his sci-fi TV character “Automan.”

Wagner will also serve as master of ceremonies and hold a master class for local high schoolers this spring at Lipscomb’s Nashville High School Musical Awards concluding workshop and banquet.

 

Special Showings and Opportunities

Church group discounts: Lipscomb’s Department of Theatre and Office of Church Services is offering a discount on tickets for church groups both young and old: $5 for students and church ministers and their family, and $10 for the general church population. On Wednesday, Nov. 6, $1 of every ticket sold for that performance will be donated to Youth Encouragement Services, an after-school enrichment program for inner-city youth in Nashville. Lipscomb will have discussion questions available for youth or small groups to later discuss this tale of grace and triumph over judgment.

Special school matinees: There will be 9:30 a.m. performances on Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8. Contact Mindy Fernandez at 615.966.7075 to register a school group for these performances.

Post-show talk-backs: Post-show talk-backs with the cast and crew will take place after each performance with a special focus on local high school students participating in Lipscomb’s Nashville High School Musical Awards program, church groups and students. A short “making of” video by Lipscomb’s film and creative media graduate program will precede the show.