WEDNESDAY 8TH APRIL, 2015 (PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD): Next month, the BP Marionettes kick off their busy 2015 season with a re-staging of their critically acclaimed production of Les Misérables at the Queen’s Hall. Running for just three nights, the production coincides with worldwide commemorations of the 30th anniversary of  “the world’s favourite musical”; Les Miz opened in London in 1985.

After months of attempting to secure performance space following the overwhelming response to their original run last July, the Marionettes’ Les Miz returns to Queen’s Hall for three shows only, Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th May. With a cast and crew of nearly 200 (including two visiting string players from the US, one of whom played for Les Miz on Broadway), patrons are advised that no extensions or television broadcasts are possible.

Show times for Les Miz are 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, and 5:00pm Sunday. Early ticket reservations are already pouring in, and can be made through members; via the Marionettes website (www.marionetteschorale.com); by calling or emailing the Marionettes at 790-1751 or orders@marionetteschorale.com; and at the Queen’s Hall Box Office (starting the week before the show). All tickets bought by Saturday 16th May are $20 off, while students and under 18s receive $20 off tickets to all performances (proof of age is required for those under 18 and valid student ID required for tertiary level students; discounts may not be combined).


Then in July, the BP Marionettes puts the youth centre stage. Twenty years ago, the group embarked on a path to create a training and performance space for talented young people. The Youth Chorale was formed two decades ago in July 1995, followed by the Children’s Choir in 2012, and together the two choruses boast 100 young singers from over 50 primary, secondary and tertiary educational institutions. Members have gone on to become professional musicians and theatre makers as well as award-winning scholars, and it is this success that the groups celebrate on Sunday 10th July.

Bringing the year to a close is the cherished annual tradition for so many patrons: Christmas with the Marionettes (Thursday 3rd to Sunday 7th December at Queen’s Hall). The 2015 season is proudly supported by Marionettes title sponsor bpTT, and by media partner Flow Trinidad (Columbus Communications). The Marionettes also welcomes First Citizens and the National Lotteries Control Board as supporting sponsors of Les Miz. For all the latest, visit the Marionettes' website and their Facebook page (facebook.com/marionetteschorale).



PHOTOS ATTACHED
Scenes from the Marionettes first run of Les Miz last July at Queen’s Hall. Photos: Butch & Allan Limchoy.

ABOUT THE MARIONETTES
Founded in 1963, incorporated as a non-profit organisation in 2005, and sponsored by bpTT since 1972, the BP Marionettes Chorale is one of the Caribbean's most celebrated choirs, both at home and abroad. In 1995, the Youth Chorale was formed, comprising boys and girls from over 30 secondary schools nationwide; followed by the formation of the Children’ Choir in 2012. Led by Artistic & Musical Director Gretta Taylor, Assistant Musical Director Dr. Roger Henry, Assistant Artistic Director Caroline Taylor, Property Fund Director Susan Dore, and a committee headed by founder member and Production Manager Joanne Mendes, the choirs mount at least two major productions a year, showcasing a repertoire ranging from European Renaissance to Opera, Broadway, Caribbean Folk and Calypso.