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Sherman Community Players is setting the stage for its upcoming summer run of “Les Miserables.” Beginning Sunday, April 12, the first of four ‘One Idea, One Community’ talks will offer the public a chance to learn more about Victor Hugo’s immortal story of justice and love during the French Revolution. Sunday’s open lecture will be held at 2:30 p.m. at the Denison Public Library, followed by the same program at the Sherman Public Library on April 18, 2:30 p.m.; Austin College Abell Library on April 28 at 2 p.m.; and the Sherman Museum on May 8 at noon.
The 1862 French novel “Les Miserable” has been adapted for stage and film many times, most memorably for many through the 1980 musical theatre version by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. That version comes to life at Finley Playhouse from June 5-28 in an ambitious and original staging by the Sherman Community Players and Austin College, with support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
The ‘One Idea, One Community’ open lectures will provide both fans and those new to “Les Mis” with an inside look at the themes and characters of the story, set in 19th century France. Talks will be led by Dr. Chase Machen, professor of History and Department Chair of Social Sciences at Grayson College, and Dr. Jonathan Abel, a lecturer at several North Texas Colleges including Grayson College. Both speakers will bring their perspectives on the novel’s themes of social justice, law and grace, and redemption. Cast members will perform dramatic readings from the play.
The talks also will connect the audience with resources at local libraries to learn more about the novel in its many versions. The Sherman and Denison Public Libraries, Grayson College Library, and Austin College Library have made available a variety of materials from film versions to graphic novels that retell the story of “Les Miserables.”
For more information about the ‘One Idea, One Community’ open lectures please call 903-813-2041. Tickets for a May 9 Sneak Peak of the music of “Les Miserables” are on sale at www.communityseries.net, and tickets for June’s full performances at Finley Playhouse will go on sale in May at the Sherman Community Players box office.
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