Artistic director Dudley Birder has announced that St. Norbert College Music Theatre was recently granted a production contract to present the international smash-hit "Les Misrables" during Music Theatre's upcoming 2013 summer season. Considered the most popular musical in the world, "Les Misrables" has, for the past eighteen years, been restricted to professional companies only. The St. Norbert College music theatre production will be exactly the same as that which has appeared on Broadway for many years and upon which the recently released movie "Les Misrables" is based.

Music Theatre will open its season with a repeat production of last year's hit "South Pacific," which played to twelve sold-out performances in 2012. "South Pacific" returns with nine performances, June 4 through the 16, in the 180-seat Webb Theatre. "Les Misrables" is scheduled for ten performances, July 18-28, in the 700-seat Walter Theatre.

"Les Misrables" calls for 35 specific singing roles, as well as a sizable chorus. Auditions will be held May 21, 22 and 23, with rehearsals beginning June 3. "South Pacific" will again feature members of the 2012 cast, plus additional performers selected through auditions to be held in April. The "South Pacific" performances are scheduled primarily on weekends to enable performers in this musical, if selected, to also participate in "Les Misrables."

Individuals interested in information on both auditions and working backstage on production crews should call Dudley Birder at 920-403-3116.

Tickets are now available for both "South Pacific" and "Les Misrables" and can be purchased by calling the St. Norbert College ticket office, 920-403-3950 or 800 762-2699, or online at http://tickets.snc.edu.