April 6th - Heartwood's Les Mis

HEARTWOOD OPENS LES MIS – APRIL 30TH

“Les Miserables,” Heartwood-style, opens April 30^th.  Undeniably one of the world’s most beloved musicals, this production is already generating spine tingling energy, with three weeks of rehearsals still remaining.

The cast - a top notch mix of visiting actors and regional talent - faces new to Heartwood, well known and respected local actors and up and coming students.  Excited, talented and committed, this cast is flourishing under the stage / acting direction of Griff Braley and the vocal / musical direction of Beth Preston.  Braley, Heartwood’s Artistic Director, notes, “This show wouldn’t be happening, without Beth Preston’s talents, skills and commitment.  We’ve worked on musicals together for years.  I count on her.  And she’s incredibly good at what she does.”

Behind the scenes (in the balcony, actually), but essential to the production, are the accompanist and orchestra.  Springtime is a challenging season to find available pianists and musicians, yet Preston has put together a fabulous group, including accompanist (new to Heartwood) Charles Brown, from Portland.  Sean Fleming and John Mulcahey, local accompanists of renowned skill, share their musical expertise during rehearsals, as well.

Set design and construction has been a collaborative process between Braley and Heartwood’s technical director, Letitia Munson, beginning months ago at Heartwood’s studio with white board sketches, progressing to model set pieces in the 1-inch scale model of the Poe Theater, to building in the theater, itself.   

Costuming began many weeks ago, as Braley and costumer, Paulette Carter, reviewed the overall design concept for this show, in this space.  With 30 plus actors playing dozens of roles, costuming is an epic production, all on its own.

“The black box nature of the Poe Theater will yield a Les Mis ‘experience,’ – the music, the passion, and the heart of this story will permeate this space in a tangible way,” notes Heartwood’s Executive Director, Joy Braley.  “It will be a show to remember, and the regional audience is already building from far and wide.”

Great theater requires great sponsors, and this show is no exception:  Bath Savings Institution, Heartwood’s Season Sponsor; Granite Hill Estates, Mainstage Sponsor; Colby & Gale, Student Ticket Sponsor; First Advisors, Intermission Sponsor; and Show Sponsors – Peapod Jewelry, Newcastle Publick House and HM Payson.

Eleven performances will run between April 30 and May 10, in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy.  With four matinees (May 2, 3, 9 & 10) and seven evening performances (April 30, May 1, 2, 6-9), there are numerous opportunities to take in this fabulous production.  Time and ticket prices vary.  For full details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org, email info@heartwoodtheater.org or phone 563.1373.   Sellouts are expected – reservations very strongly recommended.  Presented by special arrangement with Music Theater International (MTI).