The 2019/20 Mirvish Theatre Seasonis one of the company’s biggest, with 24 different shows in six downtown Toronto venues.

The Main Subscription Season has already begun with the Canadian premiere of the 10-time Tony Award-winning THE BAND’S VISIT, starring Canadian Broadway star Chilina Kennedy and Israeli film favourite Sasson Gabay. 

The Main season also includes the Toronto premiere of PIAF/DIETRICH, starring Louise Pitre and Jayne Lewis; the Canadian premiere of the Olivier Award-winning GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY, byConor McPherson and Bob Dylan; the Canadian premiere of ANASTASIA from the multi-Tony Award-winning writer Terence McNally and composers Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens; the ground-breaking Broadway blockbuster HAMILTON; and the Tony-winning new revival of HELLO, DOLLY! directed by Jerry Zaks.

The Off-Mirvish Season, an edgier, challenging and eclectic series at the CAA Theatre, hasthree shows: the Canadian premiere of US/THEM, a celebrated production from Belgium; ROOM, a daring and different adaptation of the best-selling novel - created by novelist and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Emma Donoghue and director Cora Bissett, co-produced with the Grand Theatre, London, ON; and the Toronto premiere of the highly acclaimed drama with music, INDECENT, the newest work from Pulitzer prize-winner Paula Vogel, in a new local production from Studio 180 Theatre.

There are 14 shows off subscription, including Mandy Patinkin’s newest music theatre work, DIARIES; the Canadian premiere of the reimagined, new Broadway production of CATS; THE ILLUSIONISTS in their new show, MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS; the return of the new spectacular production of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA;SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICALfrom Canadian director Des McAnuff and choreographer Sergio Trujillo; new productions of two seminal Boublil and Schönberg musicals, MISS SAIGON andLES MISÉRABLES; and a special benefit concert of  MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING, which ten years ago launched the careers of Irene Sankoff and David Hein, the creators, writers and composers of COME FROM AWAY.

And speaking about COME FROM AWAY, it continues to play to sold-out houses at the Elgin Theatre, where it will stay until December 1. It will then “come back home” to the Royal Alexandra Theatre, beginning December 13.

Subscribing is still the best way to make theatre part of your life. Subscribers enjoy exclusive benefits, including flexible ticket exchanges and priority booking on all shows.

For more information and to subscribe, visit mirvish.com, or call 416-593-4225 or 1-800-771-3933. For single tickets call 416-872-1212 or 1-800-461-3333. 

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The 2019-20 Mirvish Main Subscription Season

Canadian Premiere

THE BAND’S VISIT

Music and lyrics by DAVID YAZBEK
Book by ITAMAR MOSES
Based on the screenplay by ERAN KOLIRIN
Directed by DAVID CROMER

Now on Stage at the Ed Mirvish Theatre

September 17 - October 20, 2019 • The Ed Mirvish Theatre

WINNER OF 10 (2018) TONY AWARDS
INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL, BEST SCORE, BEST BOOK, and BEST DIRECTION

Canadian Premiere - The cast of world-class performers is led by award-winning Israeli actor Sasson Gabay, star of the original film and the Broadway production, and Chilina Kennedy, known best for her historic run as Carole King in Broadway’s Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

In an Israeli desert town where every day feels the same, something different is suddenly in the air. Dina, the local café owner, had long resigned her desires for romance to daydreaming about exotic films and music from her youth. When a band of Egyptian musicians shows up lost at her café, she and her fellow locals take them in for the night. Under the spell of the night sky, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, and this once sleepy town begins to wake up.

THE BAND’S VISIT beautifully and poignantly explores the unspoken longing and connection we strive to share with each other, even as we reach across the cultural and national divides that may separates us.

 “It’s time to fall in love again!” - The New York Times (Critic’s Pick)

“One of my favourite musicals of all time!” - Rolling Stone

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Toronto Premiere

LOUISE PITRE & JAYNE LEWIS in
PIAF/DIETRICH

By DANIEL GROßE BOYMANN and THOMAS KAHRY
Adapted by ERIN SHIELDS from a translation by SAM MADWAR
Directed by GORDON GREENBERG

Now on Stage at the CAA Theatre

September 17 - December 8, 2019 • CAA Theatre
Edith Piaf and Marlene Dietrich were two of the greatest names in international show business during the early 20th century. The first of them enchanted the world with her singing, her moving life story, and unostentatious appearance, while the other did the same with her beauty, elegance, and bewitching stare, being one of the first European actresses to become popular in Hollywood.

Based on a true story, PIAF/DIETRICH is a musical drama that explores the intimate and entertaining portrait of a fascinating friendship between show business legends that began under the most unlikely of circumstances and lasted their entire lives.

Featuring 20 of their unforgettable hits including “La Vie En Rose”, “Milord”, and “Where Have All The Flowers Gone”, and starring two of Canada’s leading musical theatre actors, this will be an unforgettable theatrical experience.

“A musical celebration. Electrifying!” - Montreal Gazette

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Canadian Premiere

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY

Written & Directed by CONOR MCPHERSON
Music & Lyrics by BOB DYLAN           

September 28 – November 24, 2019 • The Princess of Wales Theatre
Duluth, Minnesota. 1934. A community living on a knife-edge huddle together in the local guesthouse.

The owner, Nick, owes more money than he can ever repay, his wife Elizabeth is losing her mind, and their daughter Marianne is carrying a child no-one will account for. When a preacher selling bibles and a boxer looking for a comeback show up in the middle of the night, things start to spiral beyond the point of no return…

Award-winning playwright Conor McPherson beautifully weaves the iconic songbook of Bob Dylan into this powerful new show full of hope, heartbreak, and soul.

GIRL FROM THE NORTH COUNTRY is a “magnificent” (Evening Standard), and “piercingly beautiful” (The Independent) production brought vividly to life by an extraordinary company of actors and musicians.

"BOB DYLAN'S songs have never sounded so HEARTBREAKINGLY PERSONAL & UNIVERSAL. AS CLOSE AS MORTALS COME TO HEAVEN ON EARTH." -  The New York Times (Critic’s Pick)

“Pure stage magic. Dylan fans will find it fascinating and ingenious.” - The Times (London)

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Canadian Premiere

ANASTASIA

Book by TERENCE MCNALLY
Music by STEPHEN FLAHERTY
Lyrics by LYNN AHRENS
Directed by DARKO TRESNJAK

December 3, 2019 – January 12 2020 • The Ed Mirvish Theatre
Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical ANASTASIA is on a journey to Toronto at last!

From the Tony Award-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

“One of the most gorgeous shows in years! Luscious, lavish, and a joy that leaves you cheering.” - The New York Observer

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Canadian Premiere

HAMILTON

February 11 – May 17, 2020 • The Ed Mirvish Theatre
HAMILTON is the story of America's Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who became George Washington's right-hand man during the Revolutionary War and was the new nation’s first Treasury Secretary.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON is the story of America then, as told by America now.

With book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and music supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire,HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s biography of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton.


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Canadian Premiere of the 2018 Tony® Award-winning Revival

HELLO, DOLLY!

Music & Lyrics by JERRY HERMAN
Book by MICHAEL STEWART
Based on the play The Matchmaker by THORTON WILDER
Directed by JERRY ZAKS

March 24 – May 3, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre
Winner of four 2018 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival, HELLO, DOLLY! is the universally acclaimed smash that NPR calls “the best show of the year!” and the Los Angeles Times says “distills the mood-elevating properties of the Broadway musical at its giddy best.” Director Jerry Zaks’ “gorgeous” new production (Vogue) is “making people crazy happy!” (The Washington Post).

After breaking box office records week after week and receiving unanimous raves on Broadway, this HELLO, DOLLY! is now coming to Toronto, paying tribute to the original work of legendary director/choreographer Gower Champion – hailed both then and now as one of the greatest stagings in musical theatre history.

“A must-see event. A musical comedy dream. If you’re lucky enough to score a ticket, you’ll be seeing something historic. Wow, wow, wow, indeed!” - Rolling Stone

“It is, in a word, perfection.” - Time Out New York

“It’s impossible to avoid getting swept up in the excitement.” - Entertainment Weekly


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The 2019-20 Off-Mirvish Subscription Season

Canadian Premiere

US/THEM

Written & Directed by CARLY WIJS

February 27 – March 15, 2020 • CAA Theatre
The brilliant, utterly compelling hit play US/THEM – a sell-out at the Edinburgh Fringe and London’s National Theatre – tackles the Beslan school siege from the perspective of two wise, indomitable youngsters caught up in the tragedy.

In 2004 a group of terrorists stormed a school in Beslan, Russia, taking hundreds of children hostage. Three days later, many were left dead. By capturing this terrible event from the unfiltered point of view of children, playwright Carly Wijs has created something unexpected and revelatory: a wryly humorous, poignantly matter-of-fact piece of theatre about how the young deal with trauma, and what leads people to do the unthinkable.

“An innovative piece of theatrical storytelling.” - The Times, London

“Playful as it is heart-breaking and thought-provoking.” - The Guardian

“A remarkable feat of theatre.” - The Independent

Produced by BRONKS and Richard Jordan Productions with Theatre Royal Plymouth and Big in Belgium in association with Summerhall.


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Canadian Premiere

ROOM

By EMMA DONOGHUE, based on her novel
Music & Lyrics by KATHRYN JOSEPH & CORA BISSETT
Directed by CORA BISSETT

April 4 – 26, 2020 • CAA Theatre
Emma Donoghue’s bestselling novel ROOM has now been adapted as a new play with songs by Scottish songwriters Kathryn Josephand Cora Bissett. Previously adapted by Donoghue for the screen, the film won Academy Awards®, Golden Globes, and BAFTAs.

Kidnapped as a teenage girl, Ma has been locked inside a purpose built room in her captor’s garden for seven years. Her five year old son, Jack, has no concept of the world outside and happily exists inside ROOM with the help of Ma’s games and his vivid imagination where objects like Rug, Lamp, and TV are his only friends. But for Ma the time has come to escape and face their biggest challenge to date: the world outside ROOM.

You will not want to miss this “story that is in some ways a harrowing one, that brings many in the audience to tears. Yet is also a tremendously beautiful, vivid and uplifting show about the power of a mother’s love.” (The Scotsman)

A co-production with Covent Garden Productions and the Grand Theatre, London, Canada.


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Toronto Premiere

INDECENT

By PAULA VOGEL
Directed by JOEL GREENBERG

May 5 – 24, 2020 • CAA Theatre
In 1923, after celebrated European productions, the Broadway debut of Sholem Asch’s drama God of Vengeanceset the stage for an explosive moment in theatrical history. The evocative work of Jewish culture was praised and criticized for taboo themes of censorship, immigration, and anti-Semitism.

Inspired by these true events and the controversy, Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogeltells the behind-the-scenes story of the courageous artists who risked their careers and lives to perform a work deemed “indecent.”

A play filled with music and dance, Indecent combines the high entertainment of theatre with the heartbreak of the loss of art and culture for an entire people. An ensemble of actors and musicians portray more than 40 roles in this riveting and richly theatrical backstage drama.

“Brimming with good faith” (The New York Times), this enchanting Tony Award®-winning play is a testament to the transformative power of theatre that is timelier than ever before.

“Reminds us of the power of art to tell us truths long before we are able to recognize them as such.” - Los Angeles Times

“So much rich emotion about history and the theater. A gripping and entertaining show with laughter and tears!” - Newsday

A Studio 180 Theatre Production


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Bonus Shows Not-On-Subscription


COME FROM AWAY

Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein

Directed by Christopher Ashley

Now in its Second Year!

Multi-Award-Winning Best Musical Returns to the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto on December 13, 2019COME FROM AWAY will conclude its engagement at the Elgin Theatre on December 1, 2019. It will then take a very short hiatus while the set is transported a few blocks west, and will reopen at the Royal Alexandra Theatre on December 13, 2019.

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MOZART’S DON GIOVANNI

October 31 to November 9, 2019 • The Ed Mirvish Theatre

Don’t miss this outrageous comedy of an incorrigible young playboy who blazes a path to his own destruction in a single day. Firmly grounded in the tradition of the Italian Commedia dell’arte, this glittering new production took Toronto by storm in 2011.

Join Opera Atelier — Canada’s premier period opera/ballet company — for this stunning revival, featuring Douglas Williams as Don Giovanni. Starring: Colin Ainsworth, Gustav Andreassen, Mireille Asselin, Stephen Hegedus, Carla Huhtanen, Olivier Laquerre, Meghan Lindsay, Douglas Williams. With Artists of Atelier Ballet and Tafelmusik Baroque Orchestra.

Performed in Italian with English Surtitles.

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MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: DIARIES

With Adam Ben David on Piano

Two performances: November 12 & 14, 2019 • Ed Mirvish Theatre
MANDY PATINKIN IN CONCERT: DIARIES, presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that’s exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. 

DIARIES is a marriage of many of Mandy’s favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, along with selections from his newest recordings on Nonesuch Records, Mandy Patinkin Diary January 2018 and Mandy Patinkin Diary April/May 2018.  

From Randy Newman to Stephen Sondheim, from Harry Chapin to Rufus Wainwright, Mandy Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey you’ll never forget.

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CATS

November 27, 2019 to January 5, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre
CATS, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webberthat has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre — “Memory.”

Winner of 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber(The Phantom of the Opera, School of Rock, Sunset Boulevard), original scenic and costume design by John Napier(Les Misérables), all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz(Aladdin), all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler(Hamilton) based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne(Phantom), and direction by Trevor Nunn(Les Misérables) make this production a new CATS for a new generation!

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THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS

January 1 - 5, 2020 • Meridian Hall (formerly Sony Centre)

Some of the most mind-blowing illusionists on earth are bringing their magic touch to Toronto this winter.  THE ILLUSIONISTS – MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAYS. 

Featuring acts from America’s Got Talent and beyond, this year’s all-new show is perfect for the whole family. Dazzling performers from around the world come together at Toronto’s can’t-miss holiday event for one week only. 

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THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

January 8 to February 2, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre
Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will make a triumphant return to Toronto as part of its North American Tour. Critics are raving that this breathtaking production is “bigger and better than ever before” and features a brilliant new scenic design by Paul Brown, Tony Award-winning original costume design by Maria Björnson, lighting design by Tony Award-winner Paule Constable, new choreography by Scott Ambler, and new staging by director Laurence Connor.

The beloved story and thrilling score will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this Phantom one of the largest productions now on tour.

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MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDING
A benefit concert

By David Hein and Irene Sankoff

Songs & Musical Direction by David Hein

January 19, 2020 • The Royal Alexandra Theatre

In July 2009, in the backroom of a narrow Kensington Market shop, a group of enthusiastic actors and musicians premiered a show at the Toronto Fringe. The show had a quirky title that immediately got it attention. When the first audiences saw it, they knew they were witnessing something unique from writers who had a very promising future. The show became a Fringe sensation. Four months later David Mirvish presented a longer vision of the show at the 700-seat Panasonic Theatre (now the CAA Theatre), where it ran for 11, sold-out weeks.

MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDINGis the musical memoir of a son whose mother has a major life change. After Saskatchewan residents Claire and Garth divorce, she is offered a new job in Ottawa, forcing her to leave her young son behind until she settles down in her new life. Little did she know of the seismic changes that would soon follow. She discovers her Judaic, and she falls in love with a woman who turns out to be a Wiccan.

It’s the sort of story that is too good to be fiction, as it examines the 1990s and the major societal shifts that happened.

Filled with irresistible songs, warm humour, unusual characters and situations, MY MOTHER’S LESBIAN JEWISH WICCAN WEDDINGis that rare musical that comes from left field yet finds its way into everyone’s heart.

Among its provocatively titled songs are "Don't Take Your Lesbian Moms to Hooters", "You Don't Need a Penis", "Hot Lesbian Action" and "A Short History of Gay Marriage in Canada".

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The Second City

SHE THE PEOPLE

February 4 – 9, 2020 • CAA Theatre

The future is here and it’s female! The ladies of Second City!return with a new version of SHE THE PEOPLE – a sketch show entirely created, designed, and performed by the fearlessly funny women of The Second City! This mimosa-and-madness-fueled foray roasts the patriarchy, taking on everything from having it all…to having that sick feeling your government is trying to send you back to the Middle Ages. 

Get ready to laugh Toronto as the resistance continues!

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RIVERDANCE: THE 25^thANNIVERSARY SHOW

Directed by John McColgan

Music by Bill Whelan

February 25 – March 1, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre

RIVERDANCE, as you’ve never seen it before! A powerful and stirring reinvention of this beloved favorite, celebrated the world over for its Grammy award-winning score and the thrilling energy and passion of its Irish and international dance. Twenty-five years on, composer Bill Whelanhas rerecorded his mesmerizing soundtrack while producer Moya Dohertyand director John McColganhave completely reimagined the ground-breaking show with innovative and spectacular lighting, projection, stage and costume designs. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary power and grace of its music and dance–beloved by fans of all ages. Fall in love with the magic of RIVERDANCE all over again.

For over 25 years, nothing has carried the energy, the sensuality and the spectacle of RIVERDANCE.

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SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL

Directed by Des McAnuff

Choreographed by Sergio Trujillo

March 10 – 22, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre

She was a girl from Boston with a voice from heaven, who shot through the stars from gospel choir to dance floor diva. But what the world didn’t know was how Donna Summer risked it all to break through barriers, becoming the icon of an era and the inspiration for every music diva who followed.

SUMMER: THE DONNA SUMMER MUSICAL takes us through Donna Summer’s tumultuous life, tempestuous loves and mega-watt musical hits. Spend the night in her electrifying universe.

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6 GUITARS

Performed by Chase Padgett

March 24 – 29, 2020 • CAA Theatre

6 GUITARS is a pitch perfect blend of music, comedy and characters. A single performer portrays 6 different guitar playing characters each sharing their own style of music. As the show unfolds, audiences are treated to great songs from each genre that showcase breathtaking musicianship. This sonic feat is done not merely with just one performer but just one guitar as well.    
 
There are plenty of laughs too! Each character, from the young rock prodigy to the weary blues picker, shares hilarious anecdotes that only a life playing music can give you.  These balance out the moving stories each deliver about how music has touched their lives and made them a better person along the way. You don’t need to play music to love this show. You just need to love music.

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THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY

Directed by Dean Elliott

Musical direction by Alec Hamilton

May 26 – June 14, 2020 • CAA Theatre

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY uses huge projection photos and original film footage, featuring a full live band performing all the hits including “Mrs. Robinson”, ‘Cecilia’, “Bridge Over Troubled Water”, “Homeward Bound” and many more. 

The immersive concert-style theatre show chronicles the amazing journey shared by the folk-rock duo, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel. It tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60’s to their dramatic split in 1970. It culminates with the famous “The Concert in Central Park” reunion in 1981 with more than half a million fans in attendance. 

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Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of 

MISS SAIGON

Book and Lyrics by Alain Boublil  

Concept, Book & Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg

May 5 – June 24, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre

Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical MISS SAIGON, from the creators of Les Misérables.

This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he's fathered a son. 

Featuring stunning spectacle and a sensational cast of 42 performing the soaring score, including Broadway hits like “The Heat is On in Saigon,” “The Movie in My Mind,” “Last Night of the World” and “American Dream,” this is a theatrical event you will never forget. 

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Cameron Mackintosh presents the new production of 

LES MISÉRABLES

Author/Dramatist Alain Boublil 

Book & Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg

June – August, 2020 • The Princess of Wales Theatre

THE TIMELESS MUSICAL ABOUT LOVE, COURAGE & HOPE

Cameron Mackintoshpresents the new production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables, direct from an acclaimed two-and-a-half-year return to Broadway.

Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. “Les Miz is born again!” (NY1). 

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