Les Misérables — Inside Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s Outdoor Production

In this episode of “Half Hour,” we take a deeper dive into Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s Les Misérables, now playing at the Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center in Garrison, New York. We break down the plot, the June Rebellion of 1832, and how director Jenn Thompson’s outdoor staging uses the Hudson Valley landscape, a smaller ensemble, double casting, and a central French flag to reshape the story’s scale and emotional impact. We discuss Josh Young’s Jean Valjean, Haley Dortch’s Fantine and Enjolras, Denis Lambert’s Javert, Ana Paola Garcia’s Cosette, Haley Rose Ciaramella’s Éponine, David Beach and Nance Williamson as the Thénardiers, and the creative choices that bring the musical’s ideas of mercy, faith, justice, sacrifice, and hope into focus. We also talk about the new Samuel H. Scripps Theater Center, what a permanent home means for Hudson Valley Shakespeare, and why Les Misérables continues to connect with audiences. Follow and connect with all things @HalfHourPodcast on ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠, ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠, and ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠. Share your thoughts on this production in the Spotify comments, and let us know what you would like us to cover next. If you enjoy these post-show discussions, follow Half Hour and leave a rating and review so more theater lovers can find the podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices