by InTrieste
“Les Misérables: The Arena Musical Spectacular” by Boublil and Schönberg, produced by Cameron Mackintosh, is set to make its Italian debut this November at the Politeama Rossetti in Trieste, hosted by the Teatro Stabile del Friuli Venezia Giulia, and in Milan at the TAM Teatro Arcimboldi. The production features two true stars of the international musical scene in its lead roles.
Killian Donnelly, known for his acclaimed performances in “Billy Elliot,” “The Commitments,” and “Kinky Boots” in London, earning him two Olivier Awards nominations, will portray the iconic role of Jean Valjean. Bradley Jaden, who recently starred alongside Bernadette Peters and Lea Salonga in “Old Friends” in the West End, and was applauded by the audience in Trieste last summer for his role as Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera,” will take on the role of Javert. The presence of these two actors, who have both been leading figures in “Les Misérables” in the West End, marks a new chapter in the history of musical theater in Italy, drawing attention from fans across Europe and beyond.
“Les Misérables: The Arena Musical Spectacular” presents Victor Hugo’s masterpiece in a majestic concert production tailored for the world’s largest and most prestigious venues. With over 65 performers in the cast and orchestra, this production features stunning scenic elements, integrated video design, and original costumes, all set against a magnificent soundtrack that includes beloved songs like “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” and “One Day More.”
As the longest-running musical in history, “Les Misérables” embarks on a monumental World Tour, having already captivated audiences in 53 countries and 439 cities worldwide. The tour coincides with the musical’s 40th anniversary celebrations in 2025, originating from the success of “Les Misérables: The Staged Concert,” which set a record with over 200 performances in the West End.
Cameron Mackintosh, the acclaimed producer, expressed his excitement, stating, “The worldwide tour of ‘Les Misérables: The Arena Musical Spectacular’ has been a dream of mine for many years.” With Donnelly and Jaden leading the cast in Trieste and Milan, supported by a talented ensemble and orchestra, audiences can expect an unforgettable experience.
As the film adaptation of “Les Misérables” receives global acclaim in digitally remixed format, and with London and North American productions continuing to break attendance records, “Les Misérables” stands as a true cultural phenomenon – The People’s Musical – transcending stage, screen, and concert arenas. Boublil, Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer, and I draw our inspiration from the genius of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece.”
Biographies:
Killian Donnelly:
Fresh from portraying Jean Valjean at the Sondheim Theatre in London, a role he successfully tackled in both the West End production and the sold-out UK and Ireland tour, Donnelly’s recent credits include Bruce Bechdel in “Fun Home” in Dublin. He has also portrayed the title role in “The Phantom of the Opera” at His Majesty’s Theatre, Charlie Price in “Kinky Boots” on Broadway and in the West End, earning him an Olivier Award nomination and a Grammy Award for the recording, and Huey in the original London cast of “Memphis” at the Shaftesbury Theatre, for which he received an Olivier Award nomination. He has graced prestigious London stages as Deco in “The Commitments,” Tony in “Billy Elliot,” and Raoul in “The Phantom of the Opera.” Donnelly first joined the West End company of “Les Misérables” in 2008, portraying Enjolras until 2011. In 2010, he played Courfeyrac in the “25th Anniversary Concert of Les Misérables” at The O2 Arena and appeared as Combeferre in the award-winning film adaptation of the musical.
Bradley Jaden:
Highly praised for his recent performance in Stephen Sondheim’s “Old Friends” at the Gielgud Theatre, Jaden portrayed Raoul in the new Italian production of “The Phantom of The Opera” in Trieste and Javert in “Les Misérables” at the Sondheim Theatre, a role he also played at the Queen’s Theatre in the musical’s final cast. He also portrayed Enjolras in the concert staging of “Les Miserables” at the Gielgud Theatre. Jaden has received acclaim for his performances in various West End productions, including the Gala of “Old Friends” at the Sondheim Theatre, “Wicked” at the Victoria Apollo Theatre, “Treason: The Musical” at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, Sir Lancelot in “Camelot in Concert” at the London Palladium, the UK tour of “Ghost The Musical” as Thomas Percy, and “Shrek The Musical.” He has also appeared on television in ITV’s “Emmerdale,” Channel 4’s “Sugar Rush,” and most recently, BBC One’s “EastEnders.”
Tickets are available for purchase at the following links:
www.ilrossetti.it www.ilrossetti.vivaticket.it www.ticketone.it
Tickets are also available at the Politeama Rossetti Box Office and other points of sale for the Teatro Stabile.
