by Chris Peterson, OnStage Blog Founder

I was recently talking with a friend of mine who is an investor in Broadway productions. We were talking about the bleakness of what the future holds for the professional theatre industry. While discussing potential solutions, we came across the question of whether revivals of more popular works were the answer to bringing back mass audiences to the theatres.

“Big, splashy productions are the way to go,” they said.

“What about Les Misérables?, “ I replied.

“It’s funny you should mention that. There’s been talk about bringing that back,” they said.

Now, it’s important to note that “talk” among investors and power players means very little. They’re always talking about potential projects, and the odds of them coming to fruition are low. But talking about bringing back one of the most popular musicals in history? That raises my ears.

It’s not like the iconic musical has been absent from our lives for a while. Since the closing of the original Broadway production in 2003, the show has been revived twice, in 2006 and 2014. Both revivals were commercially and critically successful, with the 2014 production running over two years and recouping its investment. Also, there is a US National tour with dates to August 2024.

But there would be something exciting about this coming back to Broadway. Personally, I love the show and would love to see it in NYC again. With the closing of tourist-friendly shows like The Phantom of the Opera, it feels like Broadway could use a big tourist-attracting show again.

And would a show like Les Misérables truly help bring mass audiences back to Broadway? I believe it would. The show remains incredibly popular for a variety of reasons.

The grandeur and spectacle of the production add to its popularity. Elaborate sets, stunning costumes, and visually captivating scenes transport the audience to 19th-century France, creating a captivating and immersive experience.

Also, it addresses themes that remain relevant today, such as social justice, inequality, and the struggle for a better life. Its universal messages and timeless themes resonate across generations.

Combining a compelling story, memorable characters, emotional music, and universal themes has made Les Misérables a beloved and enduring musical that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

And one final tidbit: 2025 will mark the show’s 40th anniversary. So, do I think it may be time for a revival? Yes, and I don’t think I’m the only one who feels that way.

Is it time for a Les Misérables revival?

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