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 score of “Les Miz” includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “Do You Hear The People Sing?” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and many more.
Seen by over 130 million people in 53 countries, 438 cities and 22 languages, “Les Miserables” is undisputedly still one of the world’s most popular musicals. To date, “Les Miz” remains the sixth longest-running Broadway production of all time. Many fans have seen “Les Miserables” more than once.
They know the songs. They know what is going to happen. It’s part of Stackhouse’s job to make it fresh.
“Depending upon where we are, I think there’s different things that resonate with different audiences,” Stackhouse said. “So, it’s nice to kind of sit in the house and sort of absorb that, depending upon where we are. “I don’t think we necessarily change the material.
The staging remains the same and how the show is presented each night remains the same, but sort of the underbelly that the actors have in their minds and, and their hearts as they go out there, I think is really informed by what’s happening, which keeps it fresh and tight and keeps the experience for the audience sort of visceral and immediate.” As part of the traveling show, the cast sometimes changes, which adds a little more pressure and, well, a little more fun. “As people are kind of booking other things, we have to find a replacement,” said Stackhouse, “Turnover is steady, but not constant.
We’re sort of finding a studio in the local town that we’re in and they’re flying people out and so that’s sort of an extra layer that is added to that process.” Being on the road also has perks of being able to see much of the world while performing. “The show keeps me super, super busy, so I’m trying to just stay present in this experience,” Stackhouse said.
“Les Miserables” will be on the road throughout the U.S. for the next year, but it doesn’t mean Stackhouse isn’t thinking about the next thing.
“I would love to direct ‘Ragtime.’ I would love to direct ‘The Light in the Piazza,’ ” Stackhouse said. “Those are like my two dream shows.
I think that they’re both really epic, but still super intimate, beautiful shows. To be honest with you, I work a lot in new plays and musicals, and so like my dream show to direct would be something new.”.
