“Les Misérables” Gala Premiere & Fundraising Event

“Les Misérables” Gala Premiere & Fundraising Event to Benefit
Theatre Bristol and the Paramount Center for the Arts
French Cuisine, Elegant Music, and “Sneak Preview” of the Epic Musical on June 18, 6:00 pm

Bristol, Tennessee/Virginia, May 2015 – Announcing an unforgettable evening of talent and celebration in a joint fundraising event to benefit Theatre Bristol and the Paramount Center for the Arts. The community is invited to this Thursday, June 18, Gala event that features an exclusive “sneak peek” of the full-length “Les Misérables” production. Enjoy French fare prepared by K.P. Duty with elegant music by Nfusion, a harp, violin and cello trio, at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Admission to the 6:00 pm event is $100 and reservations can be made by calling 423-274-8920. Admission includes a ticket to the evening’s special performance of the epic “Les Misérables” as well as:

• French cuisine from K.P. Duty
• Dining music by NFusion
• Red carpet photos
• Meet and greet the cast
• See the entire show before it opens to the public
• Support of live performing arts in our community
• An unforgettable evening!

Table Sponsorships are also available by calling 423-274-8920.

“Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide,” reports Music Theatre International, “‘Les Misérables’ is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit.” “Les Misérables” now marks its 30th year as Theatre Bristol observes its 50th with its premiere performance of this Broadway hit.

“Capturing this uplifting story together with the Paramount Center for the Arts is a dream come true as we celebrate Theatre Bristol’s 50th anniversary and Cathy DeCaterina’s legacy,” said Samantha Gray, Theatre Bristol Board member and producer of the show. “Director Glenn Patterson has brought together incredible talent from our area, and audiences will be moved by his ability to touch our hearts.”

On behalf of the the Paramount Center for the Arts, Suzanne Brewster said, “The Paramount is thrilled to be partnering with Theatre Bristol to bring Les Misérables to the Paramount and we believe that in doing so we are fulfilling our mission of bringing local talent to this beautiful stage.” The Paramount Center for the Arts and Theatre Bristol share a long history because of the determination of Theatre Bristol founder Cathy DeCaterina, catalyst for restoring the Paramount to its grandeur.

Tracking intertwined lives laced with poverty, power, dreams and grace, Boublil and Schonberg’s emotion-packed production features Bristol-area talent performing “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Who Am I,” “Stars,” and “On My Own.” With a cast of nearly 60 on the Paramount stage, you will “…hear the people sing…” dramatic company numbers like “At the End of the Day,” “Master of the House,” “The People’s Song,” and the stirring “One Day More.”

“My favorite line from the show is this,” said Director Glenn Patterson, “‘To love another person is to see the face of God.’” He added, “Les Miserables shows us many faces of love, sacrificial, selfless, deep and sometimes relentless. Even in the midst of the poverty, violence, and hardship the characters often suffer, love is the final winner whenever it is shown and accepted. The novel on which the musical is based is powerful, and the musical is as well. It will be an extremely entertaining experience, and a moving one as well.”

With entertaining choreography, period costume and set design, and beautiful music, Theatre Bristol will bring this Victor Hugo story to life. In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter (Music Theatre International).

Theatre Bristol presents a new production of BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG’S LES MISÉRABLES, licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI) by arrangement with CAMERON MACKINTOSH LTD.

Founded in 1965, Theatre Bristol is the oldest continually running children’s theatre in northeast Tennessee and now celebrating its 50th season. Its Main Stage season consists of up to five productions. Some of its performances take place in the ARTspace, a multi-purpose, black box theatre which seats up to 120, and major productions are performed at the Paramount Center for the Arts. Theatre Bristol is entirely volunteer run and we invite you to get involved.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Paramount Center for the Arts is an excellent example of the art deco motion picture palaces built in the late 1920’s and early 30’s. The restoration retained the Paramount’s opulent, richly embellished interior. The original Venetian-styled murals and the art deco ambience were faithfully recreated. The auditorium holds 744 with 5 wheelchair locations. You’ll feel as though you are a part of the performance from every seat in the theatre.

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