Groups teaming up to present 'Les Misérables' next December

It may still be a year away, but the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra and YES Theatre are announcing they're teaming up in December 2014 to present a concert version of the hit musical "Les Misérables".

The hit musical, which is enjoying a revitalization due to a recent Academy Award Winning film and live performances in Toronto, tells an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, redemption and the human spirit — all set against the backdrop of 19th century revolutionary France.

The main character, Jean Valjean, is hunted for decades by a ruthless policeman, Javert, after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s young daughter, Cosette, their lives are changed forever, as are the lives of every citizen in a France filled with change and political upheaval.

“I can’t think of a better time to stage this than the holiday season,” said Sudbury Symphony executive director Dawn Cattapan, in a press release. “Many of the themes of the show — love, forgiveness and caring for those who are less fortunate are on everyone’s minds at this time of year.”

For both companies, this engagement is the opportunity to show Sudbury a different side. This will mark the first time the Sudbury Symphony has performed a full musical, and it will also be YES Theatre’s first engagement with a live orchestra and a concert-only version of a stage musical.

The company expects to wear costumes and use the occasional prop. However, apart from minor movement on stage, the performers will not participate in major action sequences, instead allowing the music to deliver this emotional tale to the audience.

“This is a fantastic way for two of Sudbury’s most respected artistic entities to come together,” said Alessandro Constantini, YES Theatre’s artistic director. “We’re just as excited as the Sudbury Symphony to give this incredible gift to our community.”

Tickets to the concert, which cost $35 for adults and $25 for students and seniors, go on sale for subscribers to the Sudbury Symphony’s 14/15 season and YES Theatre preferred patrons in the New Year.

Remaining tickets will go on sale to the general public Aug. 1, 2014.