Orlando Shakespeare Theater Marches Into Its 26th Season With Les Miserables

ORLANDO, Fla. - June 18, 2014 - PRLog -- Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is pleased to present Les Misérables from September 10 - October 12, 2014 in the Margeson Theater. Directed by DJ Salisbury and Musical Director Ken Clifton, the production will headline Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s upcoming 26th Season. Single tickets to Les Misérables are available now by calling (407) 447-1700, visiting www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center (812 East Rollins Street).

Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is a magnificent and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit in 19th century France. Winner of three Tony Awards© and a Grammy Award© for Best Musical Cast Show Album, “Les Mis” shines as the world’s longest-running musical. Complete with a live 10-piece orchestra and a cast of 27 actors, the production will be the largest musical in Orlando Shakespeare Theater’s history.

“We are really excited to be presenting Les Misérables,” said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. “After the success of last season’s The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, Parts I & II, we knew that both our audiences and our creative teams were ready to embrace another huge endeavor."

Davis Gaines, an Orlando native and graduate of Edgewater High School, joins the cast as Police Inspector Javert. Best known for playing the title role in The Phantom of the Opera more than 2,000 times in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, Gaines remains Los Angeles’ longest-running Phantom. Other Broadway and National Tour credits include Hello, Dolly! (with Carol Channing), Camelot (with Richard Burton), and The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Gaines’ voice can be heard in over 30 cast recordings and compilation albums, as well as two solo CDs, Against the Tide and All My Tomorrows: Songs of Sammy Cahn. For additional credits visit http://davisgaines.com/.

Raised in South Florida and a graduate of Florida State University, Michael Hunsaker plays opposite Gaines in the role of Jean Valjean. Broadway and National Tour credits include Steven Schwartz’s Children of Eden (Original Cast Recording), Chess, Chance and Chemistry, and Ragtime. He originated Off-Broadway roles in Listen to My Heart, The Tragic and Horrible Life of the Singing Nun, My Deah, and The Odyssey, and participated in the BMI Lehmen-Engel Workshop and the Musical Writer’s Playground. Hunsaker is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Film Production from Full Sail University. For additional credits visit http://michaelhunsaker.com.

“After a national casting search, we are thrilled that these two brilliant artists grew up right in our own backyard,” said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. “We want our 26th Season to be incredible, and having Davis and Michael’s awesome vocal power and Broadway following is a great way to kick it off!”

Additional casting to be announced at a later date. The Orlando Shakes artistic team includes Set Designer Kat Conley, Lighting Designer Bert Scott, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, and Sound Designer TBA.

Les Misérables is presented through the support of the Bryce L. West Foundation. Additional supporters include John & Rita Lowndes, Ken & Trisha Margeson, Albert & Lisa Prast, Kathryn Chicone Ustler, David & Lyn Berelsman, Suzanne Gilbert, Harriett Lake, and Frank Santos & Dan Dantin. Corporate supporters include Massey Services, UCF College of Arts & Humanities, and UCF Office of the President.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater is supported by United Arts of Central Florida, host of power2give.org/centralflorida, and the collaborative Campaign for the Arts. Orlando Shakespeare Theater is also sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture.