protagonist by night, Brad Beales is readying to take the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserable when it returns to the Playhouse Theatre on January 18.<\/p>\n
Mr Beales said over his performing career spanning two decades it would be his fourth dalliance with Les Mis, and third time playing Jean, brought to life by Footlight Productions.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve lost count of how many shows I\u2019ve been in, I\u2019ve been in stage shows since 1993, there would be well over 25 or more,\u201d Mr Beales said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is my fourth time performing Les Miserables. The first time was in the role of Marius in 1995. This is my third time as Jean, first in 2000 with the Geelong Lyric Theatre Society and the second with Footlight Productions in 2013.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe show and novel is enormous. I felt on the cusp of being a bit young and naive for the role the first time, then in my forties I felt more comfortable in my skin and now I\u2019m 50; every time you get a little more insight into the character and a little more confident.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the world\u2019s most iconic and longest running musicals, Les Miserables tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption.<\/p>\n
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and the aftermath of the French Revolution Footlight Productions producer Peter Wills said the sets and costumes were impressive.<\/p>\n
\u201cLes Miserables is directed by Alister Smith, winner of the Victorian Music Theatre Guild Award for Best Director for Wicked staged by Footlight Productions in 2017,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith original costumes by Sandra Brodie and a stunning set by Nathan Weyers make this show a visual spectacular.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve been involved in local theatre for 40 years and have produced around 30 productions in that time. This production has an epic set, outstanding orchestra, original costumes and one of the strongest casts we have ever had in Footlight\u2019s 15 years of staging shows.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Beales said performing was a passion of his and when he\u2019s not working as a full-time primary school teacher at Clifton Springs Primary he\u2019s rehearsing for the show.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve been rehearsing since October. Whether or not you\u2019re a great principal it just doesn\u2019t work without a strong ensemble. You\u2019re only as good as the people around you,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Citing a love for the audience and the experience live theatre brings, Mr Beales said the Geelong theatre scene is booming.<\/p>\n
\u201cCompared to \u201993, Geelong theatre is thriving particularly young people coming through. It\u2019s not nerdy to do drama, it\u2019s held in high-esteem. People in the past would think if it\u2019s not a Melbourne production it\u2019s not quality but now Geelong can be as a good as anything else you\u2019d see in a capital city.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
protagonist by night, Brad Beales is readying to take the lead role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserable when it returns to the Playhouse Theatre on January 18. Mr Beales said over his performing career spanning two decades it would be his fourth dalliance with Les Mis, and third time playing Jean, brought to life […]<\/p>\n