Saturday 24 October 2015

Vive Les Miserables with Free Exhibition at QPAC

Queenslanders and visitors can explore the story of the world's most popular musical Les Misérables by accessing a free exhibition now open at Queensland Performing Arts Centre's (QPAC's) Tony Gould Gallery.

Les Misérables From Page to Stage exhibition opening coincides with the 30th anniversary of the original London production of Les Misérables which opened on 8 October 1985.

Since opening the production has staged over 12,000 performances in London making it the world's longest running musical.

Les Misérables From Page to Stage exhibition gives a glimpse into the making and global success of this record-breaking musical and features items from Producer Cameron Mackintosh's own collection.

From London Cameron Mackintosh said “I am delighted that the hugely successful Les Misérables From Page to Stage exhibition which my Archivist Rosy Runciman put together with Tim Fisher and Anais Lellouche at the State Library of Victoria is being brought to Brisbane to coincide with the run of my acclaimed new production of Les Misérables.

“I am sure audiences will find it fascinating to see how Victor Hugo inspired Alain Boublil, Claude-Michel Schönberg and Herbert Kretzmer to create this unique musical and how the power of their interpretation of Hugo's dramatic, passionate and moving story has inspired, touched and resonated with people all around the world.”

QPAC Chief Executive John Kotzas said it is significant for the Centre to host this exhibition, especially during a year that marks a 30 year anniversary for both QPAC and Les Misérables.

“Following Melbourne, Brisbane is only the second city in the world to host this exhibition.

“QPAC offers opportunities for all people to meaningfully connect with and through the arts, both on and off the stage. We invite visitors to come and take a closer look at this world renowned production in this unique way,” said Mr Kotzas.

Exhibition highlights include original Les Misérables posters from around the world, the many faces of Cosette, photographs from rehearsals and first performances in London as well as of more recent performances, including the current multi-Helpmann Award winning Australian production, which will arrive in QPAC's Lyric Theatre from 10 November 2015 for a strictly limited season.

From Page to Stage also features a selection of original costumes and other Les Misérables memorabilia allowing the audience to get up close and personal with a musical phenomenon.

Victor Hugo's Les Misérables has been a popular hit around the world since it first appeared in France in 1862. It is now regarded as one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. Since its original publication, Les Misérables has been the subject of a large number of adaptations including films, musicals, plays, graphic novels and games.

The musical adaptation by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg premiered in Paris in 1980. Five years later the English language version opened in London, where it continues to play. A Broadway opening followed in 1987, winning eight Tony® Awards, including Best Musical. Since then this much loved musical has played around the world, and been made into a smash hit film.

Les Misérables has been translated into 22 different languages and the production has played over 48,000 performances worldwide giving a total audience figure of over 70 million people.

Explore the amazing journey of Les Misérables From Page to Stage in QPAC's Tony Gould Gallery now open and running until the end of the Les Misérables season.

The new acclaimed Australian production of Les Misérables opens in QPAC's Lyric Theatre from 10 November 2015. To book go to qpac.com.au or phone 136-246.

QPAC PRESENTS LES MISÉRABLES FROM PAGE TO STAGE

WHEN: Throughout the Les Misérables season at QPAC
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00am to 4.00pm
WHERE: Tony Gould Gallery, QPAC, Cultural Centre, South Bank, Brisbane
The Gallery is located at the entrance to the Cremorne Theatre QPAC
TICKETS: FREE

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