ACTORS TRAINING CENTER REPERTORY COMPANY SET TO TACKLE EPIC MUSICAL "LES MISERABLES" AT WILMETTE THEATRE

Discover a nation in the grip of revolution, where convict Jean Valjean is on the run as the Wilmette Theatre transforms into early 19th century France, and audience goers will be in the center of the action with Actors Training Center Repertory Company’s production of Les Misérables. There will be four shows, running May 2 through May 10, 2015; all shows at 7pm. Audience goers will be amazed at the professional level of performances they will see on stage by these highly talented, young performers.

“Our cast truly loves this epic production and their enthusiasm for the show will translate into the passion that ‘Les Mis’ requires on stage in front of an audience,” said Carole Dibo, Director of Actors Training Center. “Believe me when I say that the quality of talent in our cast will send chills down your spine.”

Dibo further added, “This production will showcase all that our students have learned throughout the year, and we are very excited to share their talent with the audience.”

This much-loved and massive musical is based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel about a man who spends his life fleeing the law and seeking redemption in 19th-century France. The musical adaptation of Hugo’s timeless novel has been thrilling and inspiring its audiences—from London to Broadway, from Asia to Australia—for over twenty-five years. Critics have hailed it as “one of the best musicals of all time,” and no less than “a certified phenomenon; a marvel of musical theatre.”

Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean as he is pursued by the implacable Inspector Javert through some of the most tumultuous years in French history.

The musical has won over 50 major theatre awards, including eight Tony Awards and a Grammy. It is the longest running musical in London’s West End, and the third longest running in Broadway history. Winner of over 100 international awards and witnessed by over 65 million people worldwide, this unforgettable blockbuster musical sweeps audiences through an epic tale of broken dreams, passion and redemption, set against the backdrop of a French nation in the throes of revolution. Relentlessly pursued by the policeman Javert for breaking his parole, the unjustly convicted Jean Valjean must leave his past behind and keep his vow to raise the orphaned Cosette. With insurrection in the air and Javert closing in, Valjean has no choice but to fight for his life and sacrifice everything to protect the people he loves – in a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit.

Cast Includes:

Willson Oppedahl will play Jean Valjean, the repentant prisoner; Javert, the relentless police inspector, is played by Connor Carlin (Evanston); the Bishop Of Digne and the Foreman is played by Kevin Parra (Wilmette) and Jacob Simon (Deerfield); Fantine is played by Elizabeth Baker (Evanston) and Colleen Dougherty (Evanston); The Foreman is played by Kevin Parra (Wilmette) and Jacob Simon (Deerfield); Little Cosette is played by Emma Flannery (Wilmette); Little Eponine is played by Pheobe Rudnick (Winnetka); Eponine is played by Julia Mates (Evanston) and Megan Delaney (Western Springs); Cosette is played by Cameron Wise (Wilmette); Cosette Cover w/earned performances is Gracie Nayman (Winnetka); the brave barricade revolutionary, Enjolras, is played by Liam Oh (Wilmette); Marius is played by Logan Scofield (Oak Park); Madame Thenardier is played by Margo Flynn (Wilmette) and Milla Guerra (Chicago); Thenardier, the dishonest innkeeper, is played by guest artist Andrew McCarthy; Gavroche is played Spencer Rosin (Glencoe); Factory Girl is played by Jane Margolis (Lake Forest); Old Woman is Jessica Eudy (Wilmette); Combeferre is played by Kevin Parra (Wilmette); Feuilly is played by Frankie Nayman (Winnetka); Courfeyrac is played by Jacob Simon (Deerfield); Joly is played by Lily Piekos (Wilmette); Jessica Eudy (Wilmette) is Grantaire; Jordyn Pritsker (Glencoe) as Lesegles; Phoebe Rudnick (Winnetka) as Fauchelevant; Kevin Parra (Wilmette) as Brujon; Jacob Simon (Deerfield) as Claquesous; and Elita Ernsteen (Deerfield) as Montparnasse.

Claire Bigley is musical director and Jeff Award winner Janet Louer, Musical Theatre director of ATC’s Repertory Company, directs the production.

All shows at 7pm. Saturday May 2nd, Sunday May 3rd, Saturday May 9th, and Sunday May 10th. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased on-line, at www.wilmettetheatre.com, by phone, at (847) 251-7424 or at the theatre box office located at 1122 Central Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091.

About Actors Training Center (ATC):

ATC provides professional-level, process-driven classes for children from kindergarten through 12th grade and adults. Courses in acting, improve, physical theatre, on-camera and musical theatre are offered at the school. Need-based scholarships are also available. For more information about ATC and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.wilmettetheater.com