When Brendan Stackhouse first got the theater itch he went, of all places, to the library. “I was bored one summer and so I started a little theater company out of one of the local Bucks County libraries,” said Stackhouse, who is on a much bigger stage as the director of the Broadway traveling edition of “Les Miserables,” which will hit Philadelphia’s Academy of Music Aug. 27-Sept.
8. Tickets are available at www.ensembleartsphilly.
org . “I grew up in a very large family,” Stackhouse said. “I feel like when you grow up in a large family, there’s a theatrics to that, whether they try to have that happen or not.
In elementary school I got involved in the plays and musicals and kind of forged my own path through that.” Soon, thought, Stackhouse realized on the stage may not be his thing. “I acted a little bit and I still do every once in a while,” Stackhouse said.
“It piques my interest. I’m like a fine singer and actor, but I feel like I’m a better director and choreographer.” From those beginnings in the library, Stackhouse is now on the road directing one of the most famous Broadway musicals of all time.
Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, “Les Miserables” tells the story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption, a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. Boublil & Schönberg’s scor.