Photo: Danny Kaan
The curtain rises and a shiver of anticipation runs through the audience. The lights are dimmed and suddenly a powerful voice breaks the silence: "Look down, look down, don't look 'em in the eye". The first notes of "Les Misérables" fill the room and the audience is instantly catapulted back to 19th century France.
A world full of triumph and tragedy unfolds on the huge stage. Jean Valjean steps into the spotlight. The burden of 19 years of imprisonment is reflected in his eyes as he slips off his chains and steps into freedom. But his nemesis is already lurking in the shadows: Inspector Javert, whose penetrating gaze will haunt Valjean into his dreams.
The arena is transformed into the streets of Paris. Revolutionary flags wave, the air vibrates with tension. Amidst the chaos, the heartbreaking voice of Channah Hewitt as Fantine can be heard as she sings "I Dreamed a Dream". Her tragedy is the spark that ignites the epic drama and changes the fate of the characters forever.
The globally successful musical "Les Misérables" can now be seen for the first time as an arena spectacle in Zurich. The epic story will be performed in the Hallenstadion from December 19 to 22, 2024. The production, entitled "Les Misérables - The Arena Musical Spectacular", presents Victor Hugo's classic in a mixture of musical, concert and show.
The story is set in early 19th century France and follows the life of Jean Valjean. After 19 years in prison, he tries to build a new life for himself. Fate brings him together with the impoverished worker Fantine, whose daughter Cosette he takes in after Fantine's death. The plot culminates in the Parisian June Uprising of 1832, where the paths of the various characters cross.
"Les Misérables" has become a worldwide phenomenon since its premiere in London's West End in 1985. It is the longest running musical in the world and has already been performed in 53 countries and 439 cities. The music by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg includes iconic songs such as "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own" and "One Day More".
For the world tour, the production was specially redesigned for arenas such as the Hallenstadion. The production includes an ensemble and an orchestra with over 65 performers. The cast includes Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean, Bradley Jaden as Javert and Channah Hewitt as Fantine.
The performances at the Hallenstadion Zurich take place on Thursday and Friday at 7.30 pm, on Saturday at 2.30 pm and 7.30 pm and on Sunday at 1.30 pm. The performance lasts 2 hours and 45 minutes including the interval.