les miserables arena tour 2024

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Expanded from the 2019 West End concert, the new production has been created for venues seating as much as 5,000.

Get out your lighters, glowsticks, and silver candlesticks because  Les Misérables is getting an arena spectacular. Expanded from the staged concert that played London's West End in 2019,  Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will embark on a world tour beginning in September 2024.

The tour has already secured bookings in 15 countries, including the U.K., Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and more. Performances are expected to continue through the musical's 40th anniversary celebration in 2025, with dates in North America and South America to follow.

The new tour has been crafted for arenas and large theatres with audiences between 3,000 and 5,000, and will feature a U.K. company of more than 110 actors, musicians, and crew. A host of fan favorite  Les Misérables alum are expected to appear during the tour as well. Casting, date, and creative team members will be revealed in the coming months.

“Since the very first concert performance of Les Misérables in Sydney in January 1989, this remarkable musical has proved to be as powerful and successful in its every manifestation, whether in its original full theatrical form, a blockbuster musical movie, or any of its numerous spectacularly staged concert performances," says producer Cameron Mackintosh in a statement. "Over the show’s nearly 40-year existence, it has also proved to be the launch pad for an extraordinary list of stars around the world, in many different languages and countries. This much anticipated world tour will be a unique opportunity for many of these celebrated performers to play their favorite roles for short periods in different parts of the world, so fans will get the chance to see their favorite stars (and mine!) in their favorite musical."

An arena tour for a musical is rare, but not unprecedented. Rock operas  Jesus Christ Superstar and  The Who's Tommy both played arenas in their heyday, and an arena tour of Broadway's ill-fated  Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark was initially expected to follow the Main Stem run.

Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer , original French text by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel , additional material by James Fenton , and an adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird. Following a French production in 1980, the English translation premiered via Royal Shakespeare Company in 1985, transferring to London's West End later the same year and to Broadway in 1987. The musical became one of a string of British-originating musical juggernauts, becoming the West End's longest-running musical and one of Broadway's longest-running shows as well. The original London production closed in 2019, reopening with an updated physical production and staging later the same year. The musical's longtime West End home, the Queen's Theatre, hosted  Les Misérables The Staged Concert , on which this arena spectacular is based, in the interim between the two productions.

Concert presentations have been a big part of  Les Misérables ' legacy throughout its history, including filmed anniversary concerts in 1995 and 2010.  Les Misérables The Staged Concert was also filmed and broadcast to movie theatres internationally. A feature film adaptation starring Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, and Eddie Redmayne was released in 2012 and earned a Best Picture nomination at the 2013 Academy Awards.

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LES MISÉRABLES: The Arena Spectacular

• Date 26 - 29 Dec , 2024
• Doors Open 26th December - 6:30PM, 27th December (Matinee) - 1PM, 27th December (Evening) - 6:30PM, 28th December (Matinee) - 1PM, 28th December (Evening) - 6:30PM, 29th December - 12PM
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Event Details

Cameron Mackintosh's production of Boubil and Schönberg’s  LES  MISÉRABLES ARENA SPECTACULAR  will embark on a World Tour this September, opening with strictly limited UK dates. As the beloved musical phenomenon enters it's 40th revolutionary year in London, this spectactular production will have ane extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues. 

The Arena Spectacular will be performing in over 15 countries and regions worldwide and initial casting has now been announced for the UK dates – Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65.

Victor Hugo’s classic tale is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. With a magnificent score of iconic songs including “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and more, this epic and uplifting story is undisputedly one of the world’s favourite musicals.

Further casting to be announced. Les Misérables will feature a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow. Please note that the appearance of any artist is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice

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Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Les Misérables to make a much-anticipated return to North America.

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P&J Live

Les misérables - the arena spectacular, thursday 17th to sunday 20th october 2024.

Music | Entertainment | Concerts

Event Details

Thurs Doors: 6pm Start Time: 7.30pm / Fri Doors: 6pm Start Time: 7.30pm / Sat Morn Doors: 11:30am Start Time: 2pm / Sat Evening Doors: 6pm Start Time: 7.30pm / Sun Doors: 11.30am Start time: 1pm

The age recommendation is 7+. Everyone, regardless of age, must have their own ticket to the performance. Under 14s with an adult 18+.

Cameron’s Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR will embark on a World Tour this September, opening with strictly limited UK dates including P&J Live from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th October 2024. As the beloved musical phenomenon enters its 40 th revolutionary year in London, this spectacular production will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues.

The Arena Spectacular will be performing in over 15 countries and regions worldwide and initial casting has now been announced for the UK dates – Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65.

Victor Hugo’s classic tale is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. With a magnificent score of iconic songs including “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and more, this epic and uplifting story is undisputedly one of the world’s favourite musicals.

Aberdeen cast performance schedule

• Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will be performing the following dates in Aberdeen: 17 & 18 Oct 7.30pm, 19 Oct 2pm
• Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden will be performing the following dates Aberdeen: 19 Oct 7.30pm, 20 Oct 1pm

Further casting to be announced. Les Misérables will feature a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow. Please note that the appearance of any artist is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

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Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular

Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular commences September 2024. Initial UK Casting has just been announced >> UK Dates for this highly anticipated production listed below.

LES MISERABLES WORLD TOUR THE ARENA SPECTACULAR - 2024 UK DATES

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Official Website: https://lesmis.com

Cameron Mackintosh, is delighted to announce initial dates and venues for the World Tour of  LES MISÉRABLES –  THE ARENA SPECTACULAR. 

This production will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for arenas (and large theatres) with audiences of between 3,000 – 5,000.  

This spectacular production will have a UK company of over 110 actors, musicians and crew featuring a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow.

The World tour will open in Belfast . Following this, the production will play limited dates at Glasgow , Sheffield and Aberdeen . The Tour will then commence its European leg in Luxembourg , followed by Geneva , Trieste , Milan , Copenhagen , Oslo and Zurich . Its final UK dates will be in Manchester and Newcastle before moving on to Sweden , Australia , Taiwan , Japan and South Korea .

WHAT IS LES MISÉRABLES ABOUT?

“I dreamed a dream in time gone by, when hope was high and life worth living. I dreamed that love would never die. I dreamed that God would be forgiving.”

The year is 1832. Jean Valjean, a French peasant who stole a loaf of bread and ended up spending 19 years in gaol for his trouble, is living to regret it. Then he goes and jumps parole which doesn’t go down well with Javert, a particularly jobsworth cop who, with his unshakeable belief in the letter of the law, obsessively hounds Valjean until… well, if you want the whole story, read Victor Hugo’s novel. No? You prefer your French classics delivered in the form of a musical and theatrical triumph? Now you’re talking.

Because, thanks to the creative team that includes composer Claude-Michel Shönberg and writer Alain Boublil , and songs including One Day More , I Dreamed a Dream and Do You Hear the People Sing? that’s exactly what ‘Les Mis’ is.

Secure your tickets today because this show will sell-out.

LES MISERABLES TOUR 2024 CAST & CREATIVE

Les Misérables – The Arena Spectacular Initial UK Casting is as follows:

• Alfie Boe / Killian Donnelly – Jean Valjean
• Michael Ball / Bradley Jaden – Javert

Michael Ball and Alfie Boe will play the roles of Javert and Jean Valjean respectively at the following locations and dates:

Belfast:  19, 20 & 21 Sep at 7.30pm and 25, 26, 27 & 28 Sep at 7.30pm Glasgow:  3 & 4 Oct at 7.30pm, 5 Oct at 2pm, 6 Oct at 6.30pm Sheffield:  10 & 11 Oct at 7.30pm, 12 Oct at 2.30pm, 13 Oct at 6pm Aberdeen:  17 & 18 Oct at 7.30pm, 19 Oct at 2pm Manchester:  27 Dec at 7.30pm, 28 Dec at 2pm, 29 Dec at 1pm Newcastle:  2 & 3 Jan 7.30pm, 4 Jan at 1pm, 5 Jan at 6.30pm

Killian Donnelly and Bradley Jaden will play the roles of Jean Valjean and Javert respectively at the following locations and dates: Belfast: 21 & 28 Sep at 2.30pm, 24 Sep at 7.30pm Glasgow: 5 Oct at 7.30pm, 6 Oct at 1pm Sheffield: 12 Oct at 7.30pm, 13 Oct at 1pm Aberdeen: 19 Oct at 7.30pm, 20 Oct at 1pm Manchester: 26 & 28 Dec at 7.30pm, 27 Dec at 2pm Newcastle: 4 Jan at 7.30pm, 5 Jan at 12.30pm

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh

Book by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (based on the novel by Victor Hugo )

Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer

Directed by  Laurence Connor and James Powell Sio

LES MIS - THE ARENA SPECTACULAR - VIDEO TRAILER

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Les Misérables - The Arena Spectacular

Showing on Thu 19 Sep - Sat 28 Sep 2024

Tickets £27.50 - £95.00

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When can I see one of the 10 performances of Les Misérables - The Arena Spectacular?

About the Event

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular is coming to The SSE Arena, Belfast

Cameron’s Mackintosh’s production of Boublil and Schönberg’s LES MISÉRABLES THE ARENA SPECTACULAR will embark on a World Tour this September, opening with strictly limited UK dates. As the beloved musical phenomenon enters its 40 th revolutionary year in London, this spectacular production will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues.

The Arena Spectacular will be performing in over 15 countries and regions worldwide and initial casting has now been announced for the UK dates – Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly will share the role of Jean Valjean and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden will share the role of Javert, leading a cast and orchestra of over 65.

Victor Hugo’s classic tale is an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. With a magnificent score of iconic songs including “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Bring Him Home”, “One Day More” and more, this epic and uplifting story is undisputedly one of the world’s favourite musicals.

Further casting to be announced. Les Misérables will feature a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow. Please note that the appearance of any artist is not guaranteed and is subject to change without notice.

Visit the website lesmis.com/worldtour to view the cast’s scheduled performance dates, which are subject to change.

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Initial cast announced for Les Miserables World Tour

Initial casting has been announced for the World Tour Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular opening in September 2024.

The World Tour kicks off at the SAE Arena Belfast on 19 September 2024 featuring a cast and orchestra of over 65.

Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular World Tour

Cameron Mackintosh said today “The spectacular world arena tour of the Les Misérables concert has been a dream of mine for many years. With Les Mis’ 40th phenomenal year starting this October, there couldn’t be a better time for it to happen. A dream concert deserves a dream cast and I couldn’t be more thrilled to announce that the first UK leg of the tour, which opens in Belfast in September and is already more than two thirds sold out, will star Alfie Boe or Killian Donnelly as Jean Valjean and Michael Ball or Bradley Jaden as Javert, heading a cast and orchestra of over 65. Many other favourite Les Misérables performers, chosen from all over the world, will be announced in a few weeks’ time. After the UK, the world tour will play many cities across Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Korea, Japan and several other Asian cities before it returns to Europe and beyond. With the Les Misérables movie now being re-released in cinemas across the world in its completely remixed digital glory, sounding and looking better than ever, and with the London and North American productions still regularly breaking attendance records, Les Misérables is a true phenomenon – The People’s Musical – and the only musical ever to be simultaneously a hit on stage, screen and in concert arenas. Boublil and Schönberg, Herbert Kretzmer and I owe our inspiration to the genius of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece.”

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Douglas Mayo has had a life long love affair with musical theatre. He has authored several books on publicity and marketing for amateur theatre groups. He is in the process of developing a musical based on his original story concept.

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Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular tour dates and venues announced; no London dates revealed

The initial dates and venues have been revealed for the World Tour of the Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular , although no London date have been announced.

The show will open at the SSE Arena Belfast on 19 September 2024, where it will play until 28 September 2024.

Following Belfast, the production will play limited dates at Glasgow’s SSE Hydro Arena from 3 to 6 October 2024, Sheffield’s Utilita Arena from 10 to 13 October 2024 and Aberdeen’s P & J Live Arena from 17 to 20 October 2024.

The Tour will starts its European leg, with dates in Luxembourg from 25 to 27 October 2024, and then Geneva, Trieste, Milan, Copenhagen, Oslo and Zurich.

Its final UK dates will be in Manchester at the AO Arena from 26 to 29 December 2024, and at the Utilita Arena, Newcastle from 2 to 5 January 2025, before moving on to Sweden, Australia, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea. A tour in North and South America is also planned.

The World Tour begins as the stage musical enters its 39th year, and will run throughout the upcoming 40th anniversary celebrations for the world’s longest running musical in 2025.

Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular will be expanded from the hugely successful Les Misérables The Staged Concert which played for over 200 performances in the West End.

The Arena Spectacular will get a major new design specifically created for arenas (and large theatres) with audiences of between 3,000 – 5,000. This spectacular production will have a UK company of over 110 actors, musicians and crew featuring a core cast with a great number of celebrated Les Mis guest stars appearing as their schedules allow.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh said in a statement: “I’m thrilled to announce the initial venues where this spectacular production of Les Misérables will run. This much anticipated world tour will be a unique opportunity for many celebrated performers to play their favourite roles for short periods in different parts of the world, so fans will get the chance to see their favourite stars (and mine!) in their favourite musical. Over the show’s nearly 40 years existence, it has also proved to be the launch pad for an extraordinary list of stars around the world, in many different languages and countries. Both the show and the score of Les Mis continues to win poll after poll around the world as the public’s favourite musical of all time containing so many of the most memorable and beloved songs ever written for the musical theatre. The euphoria of the cast reunion performances of Miz are legendary and always prove a sell-out so I look forward to this unique event being the ultimate demonstration of Do You Hear The People Sing ever!”

The tour is produced by Cameron Mackintosh ( Les Miserables , The Phantom of the Opera ) and Nick Grace ( Walking with Dinosaurs, Batman Live ), who is one of the world’s leading producers and general managers of international touring productions and in the last 25 years has presented shows in 59 countries worldwide including BATMAN LIVE – World Arena Tour, WALKING WITH DINOSAURS – The Arena Spectacular, BLUE MAN GROUP World Tour and the ongoing MAMMA MIA! UK & International Tour.

The critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables continues to play at the Sondheim Theatre, where it will soon be celebrating its 39th revolutionary year.

Tickets for the Arena Spectacular will go on sale on 12 October 2023.

More about tickets to the Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular world tour

Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular – Tour Dates

THURSDAY 19 – SATURDAY 28 SEPTEMBER 2024 SSE Arena, Belfast

THURSDAY 3 – SUNDAY 6 OCTOBER 2024 SSE Hydro, Glasgow

THURSDAY 10 – SUNDAY 13 OCTOBER 2024 Utilita Arena, Sheffield

THURSDAY 17 – SUNDAY 20 OCTOBER 2024 P&J Live, Aberdeen

FRIDAY 25 – SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER 2024 Rockhal, Luxembourg

THURSDAY 7 – MONDAY 11 NOVEMBER 2024 Teatro Stabile Del FVG, Trieste

THURSDAY 14 – SUNDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2024 Teatro Arcimboldi, Milan

THURSDAY 5 – SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER 2024 Oslo Spektrum, Oslo

THURSDAY 26 – SUNDAY 29 DECEMBER 2024 AO Arena, Manchester

THURSDAY 2 – SUNDAY 5 JANUARY 2025 Utilita Arena, Newcastle

Geneva Arena, Geneva Dates to be announced

Hallenstadion, Zurich Dates to be announced

Royal Arena, Copenhagen Dates to be announced

More destinations including London to be announced.

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Les Misérables - The Arena Spectacular

Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular will embark on a World Tour to over 15 countries and regions from September 2024.

Expanded from the beloved musical phenomenon, now entering its 39th revolutionary year in London, this spectacular production with a cast and orchestra of over 65, will have an extraordinary new design specifically created for larger venues.

Les Misérables - The Arena Spectacular Tickets

Thu 26 dec 2024 - sun 29 dec 2024, les misérables - the arena spectacular buy, thu 26 dec - 19:30, ao arena, manchester £84.96, fri 27 dec - 12:30, fri 27 dec - 19:30, sat 28 dec - 14:00, sat 28 dec - 19:30, sun 29 dec - 13:00, ao arena, manchester £72.17, les misérables - the arena spectacular on tour.

Thu 19 - Sat 28 Sep Belfast Buy tickets

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VIDEO: First Look At LES MISERABLES at The Muny

The production opened the theatre's 106th season last night and runs through June 23 on the James S. McDonnell Stage in Forest Park

The first production of The Muny's 2024 summer season is Les Misérables starring John Riddle, Jordan Donica, Teal Wicks, Red Concepción, Jade Jones, Ken Page, Emily Bautista, Gracie Annabelle Parker, Peter Neureuther and James D. Gish. Get a first look at the cast in action!

The production opened the theatre's 106th season last night and runs through June 23 on the James S. McDonnell Stage in Forest Park.

The Les Misérables creative team is led by Director Seth Sklar-Heyn, with Choreographer Jesse Robb, Music Director James Moore and Associate Musical Director Michael Horsley.

“A timeless musical like Les Misérables deserves a powerhouse cast, and the group of actors Seth has chosen will leave you in awe,” said Muny Artistic Director & Executive Producer Mike Isaacson. “Audiences will be thrilled to see Victor Hugo's complex characters gloriously sung on our stage by these wonderfully talented artists.”

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The Muny opens its 2024 season with perennial crowd-pleaser ‘Les Miserables’

• by Mark Bretz
• Jun 21, 2024

Musical : “Les Miserables”

Company : The Muny

Venue : The Muny in Forest Park

Dates : Through June 23

Tickets : $16.75 to $135, with 1,450 free seats; contact MetroTix at 314-534-1111 or metrotix.com

Story : Jean Valjean was sentenced in 1796 to 19 years of hard labor in France for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his nephew. Paroled in 1815, Valjean is unable to find work because of the badge he must wear, which signifies his past criminal status.

When Valjean steals silver from the home of a bishop, the kindly cleric informs police that he had given the silver to Valjean as a gift. He then tells Valjean that, given a second chance, Valjean should make the most of his opportunity.

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Photo by Phillip Hamer, courtesy of The Muny

Eight years later the penitent Valjean has done so, becoming a successful businessman and mayor of the town of Montreuil-sur-Mer. He continues to be pursued, however, by the inflexible, unyielding Inspector Javert, a letter-of-the-law officer who wants Valjean imprisoned for breaking his parole years earlier.

One day, Valjean interrupts a fight between two women at his factory. He is moved by the story of Fantine, a young woman ostracized by others for having a child out of wedlock. Fantine is badly beaten in the brawl, and Valjean takes her to a hospital, where she implores him to care of her daughter.

Eventually, in 1832, Valjean ends up in Paris, where he protects Cosette, now a young woman. Valjean promised he would care for Fantine’s daughter, upon Fantine’s premature death, and has done so faithfully.

After the death of French leader General Lamarque, the lone government official sympathetic to the plight of the poor, a band of students led by Enjolras urges an uprising against the tyrannical French government.

One of the students, Marius, asks his friend and confidante, Eponine, to help him formally meet Cosette, whom he had briefly seen on the streets of Paris, oblivious to Eponine’s own love for him. Eponine is the daughter of a pair of scoundrels, Monsieur and Madame Thenardier, from whom Valjean had “purchased” Cosette years earlier to honor Fantine’s request.

As the students’ desire for revolution builds, Valjean works to get Cosette to safety, a plan now complicated by her love for the newfound Marius. All the while, Javert, now relocated to Paris, continues in his endless quest to bring Valjean to Javert’s definition of "justice."

Highlights:  The Muny opens its 106 th season at its amphitheater in Forest Park with its third rendition of “Les Miserables,” featuring a different set, dynamic performers, and a musical score that has captivated audiences for more than 40 years worldwide.

Other info : In his program notes, Muny artistic director and executive producer Mike Isaacson states truthfully that “’Les Miserables’ is epic musical theatre, a contemporary masterpiece that inspires audiences’ passions and loyalties like few musicals in my lifetime.”

“Les Miserables” is based on the 1862 novel of the same name by French writer Victor Hugo, considered to be one of the greatest novels of the 19 th century. It is sweeping in scope, written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, and features rich, powerful music composed by Schonberg, with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer based on an original French text by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, plus additional material by James Fenton.

Originally released as a French concept album, the original French musical premiered in 1980, with the English version produced by Cameron Mackintosh opening in London in 1985, where it continues to run after more than 15,000 performances, making it the longest-running musical in West End history, and second only to the Off-Broadway production of “The Fantasticks” as longest-running musical anywhere.

The first Broadway production opened in 1987 and ran until 2003, closing after 6,680 performances. A revival opened in 2006 and closed in 2008, and a second Broadway revival ran from 2014 to 2016. “Les Miserables” and its 6,680 performances make it the sixth-longest running musical in Broadway history and the winner of eight Tony Awards in 1987 including Best Musical.

This marks the third Muny production, following the first in 2007 and the unforgettable 2013 presentation, which remains the finest of the three and one of the most brilliant productions of anything I’ve ever seen anywhere, recipient of a spontaneous standing ovation by the audience before the lights came back on for the curtain bows.

The 2024 presentation is magnificent on its own, impeccably directed by Seth Sklar-Heyn, who has been executive producer since 2013 for Cameron Mackintosh Inc., working on all recent Broadway and North American touring productions of “Les Miserables,” “Miss Saigon” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

The dazzling choreography is by Jesse Robb, who received a 2024 Tony Award nomination for “Water for Elephants,” and the riveting, haunting musical direction is by longtime Muny contributor James Moore, with associate musical direction by Muny music supervisor Michael Horsley. Moore directs not only The Muny orchestra but also 20 members of the Saint Louis Symphony Chorus, who join The Muny cast of 35 professional actors and 22 local youth performers, for a total company of 77 artists.

The sprawling cast performs on Ann Beyersdorfer’s clever, gray utilitarian set, which is assembled and disassembled to reflect the two-act, three-hour show’s multiple scenes. Impressive sound design by John Shivers and David Patridge brings the booming sounds of battle front and center, while Jason Lyons’ lighting design favors mostly dark illumination to reflect the Hugo novel’s melancholy tone. Shawn Duan’s video design is used sparingly in shrewd support of the set, Gail Baldoni’s costumes are sumptuous and voluminous and complemented with Ashley Rae Callahan’s period wigs.

The terrific cast is led by John Riddle, whose powerful tenor voice propelled last season’s Muny production of “Chess,” as Jean Valjean. The hero’s nemesis, Inspector Javert, is beautifully performed by Jordan Donica. Other fine performances are by Teal Wicks as Fantine, delivering tunes in a wonderful voice; Red Concepcion as the comically nasty Thenardier; and Jade Jones, with her magnificent voice, as the duplicitous Madame Thenardier.

There’s also fine work by Muny favorite Ken Page as the Bishop of Digne, Emily Bautista as the star-crossed Eponine, Gracie Annabelle Parker as Cosette, Peter Neureuther as Marius, and James D. Gish, whose splendid voice accentuates his performance as Enjolras. Kate Kappel, Grace Moore and Will Schulte all shine as little Cosette, young Eponine and the boy soldier Gavroche, respectively.

“Les Miserables” is the very definition of an epic story adapted into an epic musical. Enjoy it while you can.

  Top photo by Phillip Hamer, courtesy of The Muny

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'Les Miserables,' 'Moulin Rouge,' and more top 2024-25 PNC Broadway in Louisville season

The world's most popular musical is coming to town as part of the 2024-25 season of PNC Broadway in Louisville . Not only that, the new season is packed with six other exciting touring shows including a blend of highly requested returns and hot premieres straight from Broadway.

The new season, announced Thursday, also includes earlier curtain times and an updated procedure for securing season subscriptions.

Held at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts , 501 W. Main St., the new season kicks off in the fall of 2024 with " Les Misérables ," one of the world’s most popular musicals. In February, " Moulin Rouge! The Musical " will premiere for a two-week run.

The impressive lineup also includes the most recent revival of " The Wiz ," and the family-friendly " Peter Pan " returns after two decades. The new Broadway hit " & Juliet " joins the roaster in the spring of 2025 followed by the hilarious musical comedy " Shucked ." And " Mamma Mia! " returns to Louisville as a season option this December.

"We work very hard to bring a great mix of shows that will hit a chord with our audiences," Leslie Broecker, president of PNC Broadway in Louisville told the Courier Journal. "It's a mix of familiar, perennial favorites like 'Les Miserable' and 'Mamma Mia,' and the unknown or brand new shows like 'Shucked' and '& Juliet' which make a season an exciting mix for our audience."

The most anticipated Broadway musical of the new season is "Les Misérables." The show is one of the most celebrated in theatrical history and was last staged in Louisville in 2018. Cameron Mackintosh's brilliant staging in this iteration has been hailed as “Les Mis for the 21st Century," according to reviews in the Huffington Post.

"Peter Pan," and "Mamma Mia!" also make their return to the Kentucky Center. According to Broecker, creating the perfect mix of revivals and new Broadway hits, along with the Louisville premiere of "Moulin Rouge! The Musical," is the perfect recipe for a successful season.

"New touring shows add the element of excitement and revivals are like comfort food," she told the Courier Journal. "Audiences say, 'I love that show, I have memories with that show' and when I put those into a season, they bring back all those good feelings for the audience."

In addition to the show lineup, Broecker announced earlier start times will be part of the 2024-25 PNC Broadway in Louisville season.

"We surveyed our subscribers and when we got the surveys back, there was an overwhelming request to start shows earlier," Broecker told the Courier Journal. "So starting with the new season, we will shift performances on Tuesday through Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday evening performances will now start at 7:30 p.m. Matinee show times will remain the same, with Saturdays at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 and 6:30 p.m."

Currently, 2024-25 season tickets are only available to active subscribers for renewal. New subscription tickets will go on sale on April 15. A waitlist and more information is available at BroadwayinLouisville.com

Here is everything you need to know about the PNC Broadway in Louisville 2024-25 schedule, including how to buy tickets.

PNC Broadway in Louisville 2024-25 season

All productions take place at the Kentucky Performing Arts building, 501 W. Main St. Performances typically run for one week, though 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical ' will run for two weeks. Date/time options are Tuesday-Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 1 and 6:30 p.m.

'Les Misérables'

WHAT : Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, "Les Misérables." Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, "Les Misérables" tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption — a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history and includes a score filled with memorial hits such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” “Master of the House” and more. 

WHEN : Oct. 1-6

'Mamma Mia!'   

PNC Broadway in Louisville 2024-25 season option . Not included in regular season package .

WHAT: For nearly 25 years, people all around the world have fallen in love with the characters, the story, and the music that make "Mamma Mia!" the ultimate feel-good show. Set on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines, a tale of love, friendship, and identity is beautifully told through the timeless hits of ABBA. On the eve of her wedding, a daughter’s quest to discover the father she’s never known brings three men from her mother’s past back to the island they last visited decades ago.

WHEN: Dec. 3-8

'Moulin Rouge! The Musical'

WHAT: Winner of 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, "Moulin Rouge" is a world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying enchantment. Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers, "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" is a theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom, and love. With a book by Tony Award winner John Logan; music supervision, orchestrations, and arrangements by Tony Award winner Justin Levine; and choreography by Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh, "Moulin Rouge!" is more than a musical — it is a state of mind.

WHEN: Feb. 18 to March 2, 2025

'Peter Pan'

WHAT: The adventure begins when Peter Pan and his mischievous sidekick, Tinker Bell, visit the bedroom of the Darling children late one night. With a sprinkle of fairy dust and a few happy thoughts, the children are taken on a magical journey they will never forget. This high-flying musical has been thrilling audiences of all ages for close to 70 years and is being brought back to life in a new adaptation by celebrated playwright Larissa FastHorse, director and Emmy Award winner Lonny Price, and choreography by Lorin Latarro.

WHEN: March 25-30, 2025

WHAT: Filled with pop anthems as iconic as her name, "& Juliet" is created by Emmy-winning writer David West Reed from "Schitt's Creek." The hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told and asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love — her way. The score includes "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That’s The Way It Is,“ and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"

WHEN: April 22-27, 2025

WHAT: "Shucked" is the Tony Award-winning musical comedy The Wall Street Journal calls “flat outhilarious!” And nobody knows funny like economists. Featuring a book by Tony Award winnerRobert Horn ("Tootsie"), a score by the Grammy Award-winning songwriting team of BrandyClark and Shane McAnally (Kacey Musgraves’ “Follow Your Arrow”), and directed by Tony Awardwinner Jack O’Brien ("Hairspray"), this corn-fed, corn-bred American musical is sure to satisfy yourappetite for great musical theater.

WHEN: May 13-18, 2025

WHAT: The Tony Award-winning Best Musical returns in an all-new Broadway tour, the first one in40 years. This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway — from its iconicscore packed with soul, gospel, rock, and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to findher place in a contemporary world. With direction by Schele Williams ("The Notebook," revival of Disney’s Aida), choreography by JaQuel Knight (Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” "Black Is King"), and additional material byTony-nominated and Emmy-nominated writer and TV host Amber Ruffin ("The Amber RuffinShow," "Late Night with Seth Meyers"), this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern popbrings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.

WHEN : July 29 to Aug. 3, 2025

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Broadway Across Canada

Les Misérables

https://nac-cna.ca/en/event/34569

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Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables. This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the...

August 2024

• ≈ 2 hours and 55 minutes · With intermission

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, Les Misérables . This brilliant staging has taken the world by storm and has been hailed as “a reborn dream of a production” (Daily Telegraph). Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of Les Misérables includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and many more. 

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Saratov city, Russia

The capital city of Saratov oblast .

Saratov - Overview

Saratov is a large city located in the southeast of the European part of Russia, the administrative center of Saratov Oblast, a major cultural, economic, and educational center of the Volga Region.

The population of Saratov is about 818,400 (2022), the area - 2,100 sq. km.

The phone code - +7 8452, the postal codes - 410000-410600.

Saratov city flag

Saratov city coat of arms.

Saratov city map, Russia

Saratov city latest news and posts from our blog:.

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History of Saratov

Foundation of saratov.

People already lived on the site of today’s Saratov in ancient times. On the territory of the city there is Alekseevskoye settlement - an archaeological monument that has seven identified cultural horizons from the catacomb culture of the Middle Bronze Age (the 20th-19th centuries BC) to the settlements of the Golden Horde time (the 13th-14th centuries AD) with a temporary break in the 5th-13th centuries.

The settlements in this place regularly appeared during periods of relatively stable state structures (Khazar Khaganate, Volga Bulgaria, Golden Horde) and disappeared without a trace during the next wave of nomads. The last such cycle before the founding of Saratov ended in 1395-1396, during the invasion of Tamerlane (Timur), who destroyed the Golden Horde town of Uvek (Ukek) that stood here.

In the next 200 years, the sparse population of this region was represented by Nogai and then Kalmyk nomads, Cossacks and fishing artels of Russian monasteries. After the military campaigns of Russian troops against the Kazan Khanate in 1552 and the Astrakhan Khanate in 1556, the Tsardom of Russia gained control of vast territories of the Volga Region. Under Tsar Fyodor Ivanovich, it was decided to found several new fortified towns on the Volga River.

In the summer of 1586, the Samara fortress was founded, in the summer of 1589 - Tsaritsyn (Volgograd). In the summer of 1590, halfway between Samara and Tsaritsyn, the Saratov fortress was founded. The exact location of the original Saratov is unknown. In the winter of 1613-1614, the fortress burned down. In 1617, it was rebuilt on the left bank of the Volga, at the mouth of the Saratovka River.

In 1674, Saratov was moved to the right bank of the Volga, to the area of the present Muzeynaya Square. Thus, the city of Saratov was founded three times: in 1590, 1617, and 1674, and each time in a new place.

More Historical Facts…

Saratov in the 18th-19th centuries

In 1700, the population of Saratov was about 2,000 people. The sedentary agricultural population for a long time could not populate the territory of the region. Only those who were attracted by the free life of the Cossacks moved here.

The construction of the Tsaritsyn guard line and other measures taken by Peter I to strengthen security created conditions for the settlement of the right bank of the Volga. Its location at the intersection of the shortest land route to Moscow and the water route from the lower Volga and the Caspian made Saratov an important transit point and a major center for trade in fish and salt.

In 1763, foreigners were invited to settle in the Volga Region. In 1766, Saratov became the center of coordination of German colonists. In 1780, the town became the center of the Saratov Vicegerency. In 1796, it was renamed the Saratov Governorate.

In 1811, the population of the town was 26,700 people. The general plan of Saratov, approved in 1812, became the basis for the development of the town for more than a hundred years. The French invasion of Russia (1812) influenced the life of Saratov. In 1813, the French prisoners of war were exiled here and used for public works to level ravines, build dams, plant gardens. Later, a lot of them took Russian citizenship and stayed in Saratov. Some of them were invited as tutors and teachers to Russian families and educational institutions, others opened their workshops.

In 1828, the Saratov Tobacco Factory, one of the first in the Russian Empire, began production. In addition to it, the town had a rope, tannery, bell, brick, and a number of other factories. Cholera epidemics broke out in Saratov in 1830 and 1848. The epidemic of 1830, which lasted more than one month, claimed up to 10,000 people.

The further growth of crafts and trade stimulated the development of river shipping on the Volga, which became the main transport artery of the Russian Empire. In the 19th century, Saratov turned into a major river port. A very strong impetus for the development of the Saratov Governorate was the construction of the Tambov - Saratov railway in 1871. It connected Saratov with the country’s railway network.

In 1876, the first stationary circus in the Russian Empire was built in Saratov. In 1885, a public art museum was opened, which became a major event in the cultural life of the city. In the end of the 19th century, Saratov was one of the largest centers for the grain trade and flour-grinding industry in the country. It became a major intermediary in the trade of oil products, meat, fish, salt, and wool.

Saratov in the 20th century

In 1908, trams began to carry passengers in Saratov - one of the oldest tram systems in Russia. In 1912, the Saratov Conservatory was opened - the third in the country after Moscow and St. Petersburg. In 1914, its population was 235,300 people. Until the end of the 1920s, Saratov remained the largest of the cities of the Volga Region (larger than Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, etc.) and was often unofficially called the “capital of the Volga region”. From 1928 to 1932, Saratov was the administrative center of Lower Volga Krai, since 1934 - Saratov Krai, since 1936 - Saratov Oblast.

The rapid development of the city took place during the Second World War, when a number of factories and military schools were evacuated here from the west of the USSR. Saratov was subjected to several German air raids, the main purpose of which was to destroy the bridge over the Volga and the oil refinery.

Before the war, the town of Pokrovsk (Engels) located just across the Volga River was the capital of the German autonomous region with a population of about 800,000 people. A lot of them (about 400,000) were exiled to Siberia and Kazakhstan during the war; some later came back. Since the 1980s, most of them have emigrated to Germany. Until now, the few surviving buildings in the pseudo-Gothic style remind of this page in the history of Saratov.

Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, studied in Saratov. In 1955, he graduated with honors from the Saratov Industrial College. After his historic flight, Gagarin also landed about 35 km from Saratov - on the left bank of the Volga.

Saratov’s population peaked in 1987 - 918,000 people. Until 1992, Saratov was a closed city (foreigners were not allowed to visit it), since several large enterprises of the Soviet defense industry worked in the city, in particular, the Saratov Aviation Plant, which produced military and civil aircraft. Several industrial enterprises in Saratov also carried out orders for the Soviet space program.

Streets of Saratov

Street traffic in Saratov

Author: Kiyanovsky Dmitry

Picturesque old building in Saratov

Architectural monument in Saratov

Saratov - Features

Saratov stretches for 34 km along the right bank of the Volgograd Reservoir (the Volga River) opposite the mouth of the Saratovka River and the city of Engels, which is located on the opposite bank. The distance from Saratov to Volgograd - 376 km, Samara - 425 km, Moscow - 847 km. The City Day of Saratov is celebrated on the second Sunday in September.

There are several hypotheses about the origin of the name of Saratov. One of the main versions is that Saratov got its name from Sokolovaya Mountain, which was called “sary tau” in Tatar meaning “yellow mountain”. There is an assumption that the name came from the words “sar atav” - “low-lying island” or “saryk atov” - “hawk island”. It is also possible that Saratov got its name from the Scythian-Iranian hydronym “Sarat”.

Three silver fish (sterlet) are depicted on the coat of arms of Saratov symbolizing “the great abundance of such fish in this area”. They form the Greek letter “upsilon” meaning “the choice of a worthy path at the crossroads of life’s roads”.

The climate in Saratov is moderately continental. This city is characterized by long (about four months), moderately cold winters and hot, often dry summers. The average temperature in January is minus 7.5 degrees Celsius, in July - plus 22.6 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit Saratov is from late May to early September.

Saratov is located at the intersection of main railway and highway lines, water routes. The international airport “Gagarin” offers regular flights to Yekaterinburg, Krasnodar, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg, Sochi, Surgut, Ufa.

Trains to Moscow regularly depart from Saratov railway station, as well as passing trains to Adler, Astrakhan, Volgograd, Yekaterinburg, Kislovodsk, Kirov, Krasnoyarsk, Nizhnevartovsk, Nizhny Novgorod, Novokuznetsk, Novorossiysk, Perm, St. Petersburg, Simferopol, Tyumen, Chelyabinsk. The river port of Saratov serves only passengers of intercity cruise ships.

Saratov is a large industrial, cultural and educational center. Machine building, chemical and oil industries are well developed here. There are a lot of various attractions in Saratov: historical, architectural, religious and natural, various museums and beautiful parks. The city has a large number of architectural monuments of the late 19th - early 20th centuries.

Main Attractions of Saratov

Victory Park on Sokolovaya Mountain . This memorial complex was created in Saratov in 1975, when the 30th anniversary of the Victory in World War II was celebrated. This large park covers an area of 80 hectares. Here you can find the Eternal Flame, the Museum of Military and Labor Glory, the 40 meters high monument “Cranes”, and a unique exposition of military and civilian equipment with over 200 exhibits.

In 2003, the National Village of the Peoples of Saratov Oblast was opened in the park with real houses, yurts and other dwellings of the peoples of the region. In this place you can feel the atmosphere of the past not only of Russians, but also of Tatars, Armenians, Bashkirs, Georgians, and other peoples living in the Saratov region. In 2013, the Alley “Days of Russian Military Glory” was solemnly opened, on which monuments to prominent Russian commanders and statesmen were erected.

Victory Park is a favorite place for recreation for locals and visitors of the city. The top of Sokolovaya Mountain is one of the highest points in Saratov (165 meters). The observation deck located here offers a magnificent view of Saratov, the Volga River and its islands, the opposite bank, and the city of Engels (Saratov is connected with it by a bridge). Sokolovaya Street.

Cosmonauts Embankment - a street that stretches for 1.5 km along the Volga to the Saratov Bridge. The embankment received its present name in 1962 - after the first cosmonaut of our planet landed near Saratov. The monument to Yuri Gagarin was erected at the beginning of the embankment more than 30 years later. The embankment descends to the Volga in 4 wide terraces. In summer, there is a rental of bicycles, rollers, and gyro scooters.

In 2017, the floating light and music fountain “Heart of the Volga” was opened here. It is located right on the water, its multicolored jets rise to a height of 40 m. The fountain is open from May to October.

The embankment offers an excellent view of the Saratov Bridge (1965) - a reinforced concrete road bridge across the Volga River connecting Saratov with the city of Engels. The length of the bridge is over 2.8 km. It is one of the symbols of Saratov.

Kirov Avenue - a pedestrian street that stretches for 1 km through the historic center of Saratov. Unofficially, the street is called “Saratov Arbat”. Along the entire length of the street there are mansions and houses built in the late 19th - early 20th centuries. The most interesting ones are the neo-Gothic building of the Saratov Conservatory (1902) and the Volga Hotel (1917) built in the Art Nouveau style. The monument to the Saratov accordion, one of the symbols of Saratov, is installed here.

The walking area starts from Kirov Square, where one of the oldest stationary circuses in Russia is located - the Nikitin Brothers Circus. The fountain near the circus is a traditional meeting place. The building of the Covered Market (1916) located here is also worth mentioning.

Pictures of Saratov

The building of the Volga railway administration in Saratov

Summer in Saratov

Saratov architecture

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God (1904-1906) - a very picturesque church, the main feature of which is that its multicolored domes resemble the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed standing on Red Square in Moscow. In Soviet times, the building served as a city planetarium. So it has been fairly well preserved. Volzhskaya Street, 36.

Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity (1689-1695) - the main Orthodox church in Saratov, a unique architectural monument for the Saratov region built in the Moscow baroque style. Moskovskaya Street, 6.

Saratov Regional Museum of Local Lore - the largest museum organization in Saratov Oblast. In total, the museum has about 400 thousand exhibits: archaeological, ethnographic, paleontological, entomological collections, examples of manuscript and early printed books, objects of religious worship, poster graphics, numismatics, materials on the history of the political, economic, and cultural life of Saratov.

Among the numerous exhibits on display in 30 spacious halls, it is worth highlighting the complete skeleton of an ichthyosaur, utensils belonging to the 4th century BC, a rare saber granted by Empress Elizabeth to the clerk Panteley Selivanov. In addition to the permanent exhibition, the museum organizes thematic exhibitions. Lermontova Street, 34.

The Radishchev Art Museum . Created in 1885, it became one of the first publicly accessible art museums in the Russian Empire. The ground floor displays medieval icons and a collection of Western European art, which is considered the third largest in Russia. These are canvases by Dutch, German, French, and Italian artists, furniture and porcelain, bronze and glass products.

On the second floor, you can see the works of Russian painters. Musical concerts and literary and art meetings are held in the Great Hall of this art museum. The library of the museum has a rich collection of manuscripts, old books. Radishchev Street, 39.

Museum of Samovars . This private museum, opened in 2015, houses the largest collection of samovars in Russia - over 700 pieces. Today, in a small room on the ground floor of a residential building, you can see samovars from all over the world and trace their evolution over several centuries. Over time, these ordinary kitchen utensils have turned into works of art and have become one of the symbols of Russia. Kutyakova Street, 34/36.

Gagarin’s Field (Gagarin’s Landing Site) . This attraction of Saratov is located outside the city. On April 12, 1961, the landing vehicle of the Vostok-1 spacecraft with Yuri Gagarin on board landed near the village of Smelovka in Saratov Oblast, several kilometers south of Saratov.

According to the pre-flight plan, the landing was to take place in the steppes of Kazakhstan, but due to a failure in the braking system, Vostok-1 landed on the field of the collective farm “Lenin’s Path”. Yuri Gagarin himself considered his landing near Saratov to be symbolic. In this city the first cosmonaut of the planet attended an industrial technical school.

Today, a memorial complex has been created on this field with a 27-meter obelisk in the form of a rocket taking off. It is a smaller copy of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space located near the Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow. Near the obelisk, there is a monument to Yury Gagarin, a descent vehicle, and 12 steles with images of the first cosmonauts, Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, and Sergei Korolev. There is a small park around the complex.

Saratov city of Russia photos

Sights of saratov.

Dandelion fountain in the center of Saratov

Saratov State Agrarian University

Lenin monument in Saratov

Churches of Saratov

Holy Alexievsky Convent in Saratov

Author: Oleg Maraev

Church of the Icon of the Mother of God Soothe My Sorrows in Saratov

Cathedral of the Life-Giving Trinity in Saratov

The questions of our visitors

The comments of our visitors.

As an American visiting Saratov for the first time I was a little apprehensive, but I was pleasantly surprised with the friendliness of the people, so much so that I returned many times in recent years.

If you are interested in exploring Russia away from the usual Moscow or St Petersburg, you should consider Saratov with its location on the Volga River, interesting city center and landmarks. You will find the people will try and interact with you even if you don't speak Russian. Another wonderful adventure!

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