Historic Folsom theater brings acclaimed musical to local stage for monthlong weekend run
One of musical theater’s most enduring productions is coming to Historic Folsom as Sutter Street Theatre prepares to open “Les Misérables: School Edition” for a monthlong run beginning Aug. 28.
The production will be presented Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. through Sept. 27 at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. The show is rated PG-13.
Based on Victor Hugo’s celebrated novel, “Les Misérables” has become one of the most recognizable musicals in the world since premiering in London in 1985. The Sutter Street Theatre production brings the School Edition of the musical to the local stage, featuring an abridged version of the original production that maintains the story, characters and celebrated score while running just over two hours.
Set in 19th-century France, the story follows Jean Valjean after he is released from years of imprisonment and encounters mistrust and mistreatment as he attempts to rebuild his life. After breaking parole in hopes of making a new beginning, Valjean begins a lifelong pursuit of redemption while being relentlessly pursued by police Inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that Valjean can change.
Their paths eventually converge amid the Paris student uprising of 1832, where Javert is forced to confront his own deeply held ideals after Valjean spares his life. At the same time, Valjean becomes caught up in the uprising while trying to save Marius, the young revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter, Cosette.
The musical features a book by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, music by Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. Its score has become one of musical theater’s most recognizable, helping “Les Misérables” earn numerous honors and maintain its place as the world’s longest-running musical.
The original London production premiered in 1985 and became a theatrical phenomenon, with subsequent productions introducing the story and music to audiences around the world.
The School Edition being staged in Folsom is an author-approved adaptation of the musical. It has been abridged to a running time of just over two hours while preserving the central storyline and dramatic themes of the full production. The edition also features updated orchestrations based on the Tony-nominated 2014 Broadway revival.
Sutter Street Theatre’s production is directed by Mike Jimena and Kenny Brian Gagni, with vocal direction by Heather Clark and choreography by Rosie Beal.
The production continues Sutter Street Theatre’s tradition of bringing established Broadway musicals and theatrical classics to its intimate stage in the heart of Historic Folsom.
Because of the nature of the story, the theater has issued a content advisory for the production. “Les Misérables: School Edition” is rated PG-13 and includes themes involving abandonment, abuse, prostitution and death.
“Les Misérables: School Edition” opens Aug. 28 and continues through Sept. 27, with performances Saturdays and Sundays at 1 p.m. at Sutter Street Theatre, 717 Sutter St. in Historic Folsom. Additional information and tickets are available at SutterStreetTheatre.com or by calling 916-353-1001.
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