The Lexington Theatre Company’s season opener marks the first time Lexington audiences will see the Tony Award winning classic performed professionally in their hometown. The Lex co-founder and Director of Les Mis, Lyndy Franklin-Smith says this show has been on the company’s bucket list.
"We love the show. It is timeless. It is epic. There is always a great time to do Les Mis. We've been waiting for awhile to get the rights to do it. This is the professional premiere of this production here in Central Kentucky and we could not be more delighted," Franklin-Smith said. "We can't wait to share it with the community."
The Lexington Theatre Company’s mission is to pair Broadway talent with local performers while providing arts education and outreach throughout Central Kentucky.
Among the Broadway performers is Jeremy Landon Hayes, who appeared in the Broadway production of Les Misérables. This summer with The Lex, Hayes is co-directing the show with Franklin-Smith while starring as Jean Valjean, and he is no stranger to Central Kentucky audiences.
"This is my third show with The Lex, fourth if you count 'Concert With the Stars.' I did 'Sondheim on Sondheim' here. I did 'Sound of Music,' said Hayes.
Hayes has played multiple roles in Les Mis over the years and is tackling the lead for the first time, something he says he’s been waiting to grow into.
"Everyone resonates with Jean Valjean. He gets a chance at redemption and I think that's something that we all wish that we had," Hayes said. "Offering ourselves, offering on another a chance to start over."
After a record-setting 10th season, Franklin-Smith says the production highlights the organization’s growth and commitment to bringing Broadway-caliber theater to Central Kentucky. The cast blends Broadway veterans, rising national performers, local actors, and Central Kentucky youth, a signature of the company’s productions.
"Our mission is so much about the passing of the craft and watching the tradition and the story of this show being passed, stories be shared with the people who brought it to Broadway in the first place. It's really, really special to get to watch the traditions and the craft being passed in this lovely way," Franklin-Smith said.
Les Misérables opens at the Lexington Opera House Thursday, July 9th and runs through Sunday July 12th.
For show times and ticket information CLICK HERE.