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Les Miserables

Updated: Wednesday, May 23 2012, 02:54 AM CDT
Les Misérables celebrates a brand new 25th anniversary production with a new presentation of the play and scenery based on the painting of Victory Hugo, who also wrote the French novel in 1862.  It is one of the greatest stories of redemption of ex-convict, Jean Valjean, who cannot escape his terrible past even though he becomes something good for the world.  It comes to Austin for 6 days at Bass Concert Hall.

Andrew Varela plays the police inspector, Javert, who was a guard at the Bagne of Toulon during the main character’s, Valjean, incarceration.  I talked with him about how he prepared for the role.  Varela said this is a dream role and is thrilled to be given the chance to play him.  He says, “From the get-go, I wanted to make certain that he wasn’t just written off as ‘the bad guy’; it was important to me to portray him as a cop, just doing his job.”

What is interesting about Varela is that he has played the main character, Jean Valjean, before as well.  When I asked him how is playing Javert different than Valjean, Varela feels fortunate to have played Valjean, but now to play the OTHER side of the story…to be the pursuer and not the pursued.  He feels, “it delights the 11 year old boy inside me, who always wanted to be Darth Vader and not Luke Skywalker!  The Dark Side is strong with this one.”

Do you ever wonder why this Broadway production is bigger than life.  Well, Andrew’s gives many reasons why that may be.  “First of all, it’s the score; the music itself.  It’s addictive, in the best possible way.  Second, it’s inspirational.  Everyone gets swept up in this story of redemption and second chances.  And, there’s something for everyone: love, gun-battles, humor, life, death and a very attractive man jumping off a bridge.  What’s not to like?”  So now is your time to get swept up.
 

Bass Concert Hall
May 29 –  June 3
Weekdays at 8pm except Mondays, Saturday 2 & 8pm, Sunday at 1pm & 7pm

For tickets, call 471-4454 or click here:
http://www.texasperformingarts.org/season/miserablesLes Miserables