Virtual Les Misérables: History as Musical Theater with Professor Gil Harel

With attention-grabbing costumes, soaring melodies, and a compelling story, Les Misérables has remained a fixture in the realm of musical theater for nearly four decades. Based on Victor Hugo's novel of the same name, and with a score by Claude-Michel Schönberg, this period drama tells the story of the ex-con Jean Valjean, the fanatical Inspector Javert, and the many others caught up in the combustible whirlwind of events in early 19th century France. During this program, Professor Gil Harel will discuss some of the salient features in this remarkable musical which bears so much in common with traditional opera.