The musical Les Miserables is based on Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, and documents twenty years of life in nineteenth-century France. Since launching in 1985, it has become one of the most successful musicals in history.
Les Miserables follows ex-convict Jean Valjean as he struggles to put the past behind him. Condemned to 19 years' hard labour for stealing a loaf of bread, after release he breaks parole to start afresh.
As Valjean crosses the turbulent French landscape, however, he is pursued by his own alter-ego, the police inspector Javert. The wide-ranging plot moves through Valjean's tenderness towards the orphan Cosette, the dark humor of the selfish Thenardiers and the violent revolution which erupts in Paris after the death of General Lamarque.
Featuring an award-winning score of classic songs including "I Dreamed a Dream" and "On My Own", Les Miserables is a meditation on love and redemption, a thrilling game of cat-and-mouse, and a real slice of Broadway history.
In October 2006 Les Miserables celebrated its 21st anniversary, becoming the world’s longest-running musical. Its return to Broadway follows a three-year hiatus.