The world-famous musical; Les Misérables; is based on the novel of the same name by French poet and playwright Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with an English-language libretto by Herbert Kretzmer. Set in the early 1800’s France, it is the story of Jean Valjean and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his starving sister's child. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew, but he is relentlessly pursued by a police inspector named Javert. Along the way, they are are swept up by the revolutionary fever in France.
The musical was originally conceived and produced in France, before its English-language adaptation, where the production overcame bad reviews through word of mouth, launching what has turned out to be a world-wide success story.
The recent movie starred Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman winning three coveted Oscars including best-supporting actress for Hathaway.
This is part of our Fundraiser for St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and it’s resident theatre company; Bottle Tree Productions, featuring a spectacular One Night Only! performance of Les Mis Saturday September 28th at 7 pm.
St Andrew’s is an important cultural and historical landmark in down town Kingston. When the Scots came to Kingston they brought their Presbyterian religion with them. Located at the corner of Princess and Clergy Streets it is notable with it’s cross of St andrew’s on irs tower and the canon out front. Many influential Canadians have worshipped at the church in the past, including Canada’s most famous parliamentarian; Sir john A. MacDonald. MacDonald and the rest of the local presbytery put their heads together and put plans in motion for Queen’s university. In 1839 it was recognized that there was a need for an educational facility in Kingston to provide training for Presbyterian ministers. St Andrew’s influence can still be seen in the name Gaels that the sports teams use. The Scots left the persecution and hard times in scotland to gain political and religious independence in Canada. Well, it was Canada after Sir John created it. The church needs financial help in maintaining its architectural and cultural significance as an important Kingston and Canadian landmark
Bottle Tree Productions is the resident theatre company of St Andrew’s. It started as a company that toured Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes with orginal award-winning theatrical productions. Charles Robertson and Anne Marie Mortensen named the company Bottle Tree Productions, because of a suggestion from actor Mackenzie Gruer. The first play they toured; Charles’ Ghost of the Tree was about the ghosts in a family tree that haunt the living. Bottle trees are an African tradition imported to the United States where home-owners would tie bottles to the branches of trees near their dwellings to catch the spirits of the ancestors before they could snatch the souls of the living. Bottle Tree Productions offers drama classes and musical theatre classes at St Andrew’s and produces productions from original Canadian Theatre to Broadway musicals. such as Cats and The Sound of Music. The Sound of Music was presented with great success last December in the sanctuary.
In support of our fundraiser; Bottle Tree productions is producing a one-night only production of Les Mis with local Kingston performers. Tickets are only $30 for adults and $25 for seniors and students. There is a silent auction as well as hors d'oeuvres and mocktails.
Come to St Andrew's Presbyterian Church Saturday September 28th to be transported by song back in time to the dramatic times of the French Revolution.
A night not to be missed!
Buy Tickets to Les Miserables in Kingston, Ontario
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