Les Misérables

The Des Moines Playhouse by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh presents a new production of Boublil & Schönberg’s Les Misérables

In 19th Century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean breaks parole despite his dedication to leading an honest life. Javert, an obsessive policeman, dedicates his life to catching Valjean and bringing him to justice. Amidst poverty, revolution, and social injustice, the men’s epic struggle intertwines with broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption. One of the world’s most popular musicals, Les Miserables, features well-loved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more. 

A preshow talk is offered in the West Lobby 30 minutes prior to curtain.

Suggested reading: Les Misérables by Victor Hugo

Listen to the original Broadway cast recording on Spotify.

Tickets are currently only available as part of a season ticket package. Individual show tickets will go on sale in summer 2026.

If ticket prices are keeping you away from this show, please fill out this form. We have Playhouse donors who have generously supported a limited number of pay-what-you-can tickets for distribution. Requests should be made prior to opening night.

Performance Times:
7:30 PM Wednesdays through Saturdays & 2:00 PM Sundays
Theatre:
Signature Series in the John Viars Theatre
Run Time:
TBD
Content Advisory:
The Playhouse does not rate subject matter as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have questions about content, age appropriateness, or other aspects of the show (ie strobe lights and other theatrical effects), please contact the ticket office at 515.277.6261.

Show Credits

A musical by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michael Schönberg • Based on a novel by Victor Hugo • Music by Claude-Michael Schönberg • Lyrics by Herbert Krtzmer • Original French Text by Alain Boublil & Jean-Marc Natel • Additional material by James Fenton • Adapted and originally directed by Trevor Nunn & John Caird • Orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke & Stephen Brooker • Original Orchestrations by John Cameron

Les Misérables is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre international (MTI) and Cameron Mackintosh Ltd. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com

Sponsored by

  • AARP Iowa
  • Bankers Trust