Abbey Players will present ‘Les Miserables’ in August

Abbey Players is set to present “Les Miserables” in August.
“Les Miserables,” based on Victor Hugo’s long novel, often has people wondering whether it is based on true events and people.
The whole tale is actually based on real figures and events in France from the revolution to its depiction of poverty and Jean Valjean’s struggle.
Jean Valjean is thought to have been based on Eugene Francois Vidoco, a reformed ex-convict who became the first director of French surety Nationale crime agency.

Here are a few facts:
• The prison sentences and punishments were realistic for that time period in France.
• The horrors of poor women forced into prostitution were based on the stark reality of 19th-Century France.
• Jean Valjean’s attempt to steal a priest’s silverware was drawn from the real life of Vidoco.
• Barricades have been a symbol of French riots since the 17th century.
• When Valjean saves someone trapped under a cart in “Les Miserables,” it is based on a real event. Vidocq did the same thing for one of his workers and he was also a factory owner.
• Victor Hugo actually saw a man get arrested for stealing a loaf of bread.
• Fantine was partly inspired by a woman Hugo freed from the police.
• General Lamarque was a real person and his death did kick start the rising up of the students. He was a critic of the monarchy and showed sympathy for those in poverty. When he died of cholera in 1832, the funeral procession was overrun by protesting students. In real life, like in the musical, the group was crushed by the troops after two days.
Are you ready to be entertained while experiencing a bit of history? Then join the talented cast of “Les Miserables” at Abbey Players this August! Tickets are available at abbeyplayers.com!

Meet the Cast of
“Les Miserables”

Knox Villemarette (Jean Valjean), Niles Comeaux (Javert), Cayden Menard (Bishop, Bamatabois), Analyse David (Fantine), Hilaree Guidry (Young Cosette), Kallie Romero (Madame Thenardier), Andrew Courville (Thenardier), Elijah Lantz (Gavroche) Peyton Lebouef (Marius), William Davis (Enjolras), Kinsey Waits (Eponine), and Emily Lantz (Cosette)

Ensemble: Faith Baudoin, Gabbie Best, Gracie Best, Morgane Campbell, Ezra Carriere, Chloe Davis, Grace Delahoussaye, Addison Falgout, Ainsley Hartman, Shya Hebert, Calla Hughes, Valerie Lantz, Evy Lecky, Kaden Leger, Bryan Mayeux, Alexys Miller, Skahrlette Miller, Aida Prater, Carter Richard, Emily Robson, Alyssa Romero, Amiley Romero, Evie Romero, Ella Roy, Camille Swilley, Jasmine Thomas, and Claudia Wright.

Co-Directors: Manique, Nicholas, and Steven LeBlanc

Musical Director:
Lanie Marcantel

Production Designer:
Gage Pacetti

Choreographer:
Malani Hoffpauir

Stage Manager:
Jenny Best