The Naples Players is currently staging a production of Les Misérables, the world-renowned musical based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. The performance focuses on the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption amidst the social upheaval of 19th-century France, and is available for viewing at the theater’s Naples, Florida venue.
Production Details at The Naples Players
The Naples Players, a community theater organization in Florida, has added Les Misérables to its current rotation. The production follows the narrative of Jean Valjean, who breaks parole and attempts to build a new life while being relentlessly pursued by the police inspector Javert. According to the Naples Players official schedule, the show emphasizes themes of resilience, justice, and the human spirit.
The musical is a sung-through production, meaning it lacks traditional spoken dialogue between songs. This format heightens the emotional stakes of the French Revolution’s aftermath, specifically the June Rebellion of 1832, which serves as the story’s climax.
The Legacy of Les Misérables
Originally debuting in Paris in 1980 and later moving to London’s West End in 1985, Les Misérables is one of the longest-running musicals in history. According to the official Les Misérables production site, the show has been translated into 22 languages and performed in 53 countries.
The plot centers on several key historical and social pillars:
- The Struggle of the Poor: The “miserable ones” (les misérables) are depicted through characters like Fantine and the street urchin Gavroche.
- The Conflict of Law vs. Mercy: The tension between Javert’s rigid adherence to the law and Valjean’s spiritual transformation.
- Political Unrest: The student-led uprising in Paris, which highlights the gap between the ruling class and the citizenry.
Comparing the Novel and the Stage
While the musical remains faithful to the core emotional arc of Victor Hugo’s novel, it streamlines the plot for the stage. The original 1862 book is noted for its extensive digressions on the Battle of Waterloo and the sewer systems of Paris. The stage version, as seen in productions like the one at The Naples Players, condenses these elements into a cohesive narrative focused on the primary characters’ interpersonal journeys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy tickets for Les Misérables at Naples Players?
Tickets are available directly through the Naples Players box office and official website.
What is the runtime of the show?
While runtimes can vary by production, the standard professional version of Les Misérables typically lasts approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes, including an intermission.
Is the show appropriate for children?
The story contains mature themes, including poverty, death, and political violence, though it is generally considered suitable for families and students due to its historical and literary significance.
Looking Ahead
The staging of such a large-scale production by a community theater highlights a growing trend in local arts to tackle “Broadway-scale” musicals. As the run at The Naples Players concludes, the organization typically transitions into its next seasonal production, continuing its mission to provide professional-quality theater to the Southwest Florida community.
Related reading