2008 Les Miserables

A musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg based on Victor Hugo's famous novel of 19th century France.

Les Miserables begins in 1815 as Jean Valjean, a man condemned to 19 years of hard labor for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family, finds only hatred and suspicion when he is released on parole. Meeting one man who believes in him, Valjean breaks his parole to begin a new life. The story truly begins as Jean Valjean crosses the landscape of early 19th century France, always pursued by the righteous police inspector Javert. From his adoption and love of the orphan Cosette, to the darkly funny plots of the thieving Thenardiers, from the soaring revolutionary fire of the student rebels who fight on the barricade in the streets of Paris to the final confrontation between Jean Valjean and Javert, the story of Les Miserables is one of love, courage and redemption.

Les Miserables has been running for more than 16 years and 6680 performances, second only to Cats, Broadway's longest-running show -- which folded in 2000 after 18 years and 7485 performances.