Today's Edition
RAIED SHUQUM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena is set to be a key stop on the Les Misérables Arena Spectacular World Tour, scheduled from April 10-20, 2025. This new live production, designed for larger venues, boasts a cast and orchestra of over 65 members. The tour will traverse Europe before arriving in the UAE, with stops in the UK, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Organisers Proactive Entertainment, in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and Miral, have announced a 12-performance run. Pre-sale ticket registration is currently open on etihadarena.ae and platinumlist.net, with the presale starting on October 14 for registered users and general sales commencing on October 17.
“The story and music of Les Misérables resonate deeply with audiences across the globe, and the Middle East is no exception. The larger-than-life production will transport every audience member – regardless of generation or background – on a heart-rending tale told through some of the most powerful songs ever created,” said Nicolas Renna, CEO of Proactive Entertainment.
The arena show follows the success of Les Misérables the Staged Concert, which ran for over 200 record-breaking performances in London’s West End. With songs like “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More”, the adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel has become one of the world’s favourite musicals.
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage productions. The most famous adaptation is the musical, which premiered in Paris in 1980 and was later adapted into English in 1985. This musical has become one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.
The world’s longest-running musical was adapted into a popular film in 2012 starring Anne Hathaway and Hugh Jackman, receiving eight Academy Award nominations the following year.
Les Misérables, originally published in 1862, is one of the most celebrated works of 19th-century literature. The story is set in early 19th-century France and follows the lives of several characters, particularly Jean Valjean, an ex-convict seeking redemption, trying to rebuild his life after being imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Upon his release, he is shown kindness by a bishop, which inspires him to break his parole and start a new life under a different identity. However, he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert, who believes that a criminal can never change.
The story also intertwines the lives of other characters, such as Fantine and her daughter, Cosette. Valjean eventually becomes a father figure to Cosette after rescuing her from the abusive Thénardier family. The narrative spans several decades, culminating in the June Rebellion of 1832 in Paris, where the characters’ lives intersect amidst the political turmoil.
The musical adaptation of Les Misérables captures themes of justice, love, the struggle against poverty and oppression, and redemption through powerful songs and dramatic storytelling.
In the UAE, Les Misérables has gained popularity through various performances. The theatre show came to Dubai Opera for an 18-performance run in November 2016, three months after the venue opened and will also be performed at the same venue from November 10 to 24, 2024.
