Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular Is Coming to Manila in 2026
Only a month after the successful Filipino-cast production of Come From Away, GMG Productions is already announcing what's in store for theater-goers in 2026: Boublil and Schonberg's Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular. This production is an expansion of the Les Misérables: The Staged Concert, which played over 200 performances in the West End. Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular runs from January 20 to March 1, 2026, at The Theatre at Solaire.
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A Spectacle of Voice, Orchestra, Lights, and Sounds
Full casting is yet to be announced, but GMG Productions promises an international all-star cast and a large ensemble of Filipino and foreign musicians.
Les Misérables is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg and is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, and original French text by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, additional material by James Fenton, and adaptation by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.
Orchestrations are by Stephen Metcalfe, Christopher Jahnke, and Stephen Brooker, with original orchestrations by John Cameron. The production is directed by James Powell and Jean-Pierre Van Der Spuy, designed by Matt Kinley, with costumes by Andreane Neofitou, Christine Rowland, and Paul Wills, lighting by Paule Constable and Warren Letton, sound by Mick Potter, projections realized by Finn Ross, and music supervision by Stephen Brooker and Alfonso Casado Trigo. The Les Misérables orchestra is conducted by Adrian Kirk.
Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, set in 19th-century France, follows the journey of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict whose quest begins with his release from a 19-year imprisonment for the theft of a loaf of bread, a crime committed in desperation. Upon his release, Valjean is a hardened man, embittered by years of harsh treatment. Yet, an encounter with Bishop Myriel, who offers him shelter and forgiveness, sets Valjean on a path of transformation. Determined to turn his life around, he assumes a new identity and becomes a successful industrialist and mayor. However, his past continues to haunt him, as the relentless police inspector Javert pursues him with unwavering determination.
Valjean's journey is intertwined with the lives of numerous other characters, each representing the diverse strata of Parisian society. Among them is Fantine, a destitute single mother who resorts to prostitution to provide for her daughter, Cosette. Valjean, moved by Fantine's plight, vows to care for Cosette, adopting her as his own. This act of compassion further cements his resolve to live a life of virtue, despite the shadows of his past.
The Philippine staging is a timely celebration of the original musical, which is approaching its 40th anniversary at London's Sondheim Theatre. It's also almost serendipitous that Les Misérables was last seen in Manila almost a decade ago, in March 2016, also at The Theatre at Solaire.
Les Misérables is also especially close to Filipino's hearts as it featured three Filipino talents through the course of its run abroad: Lea Salonga, who played the role of Eponine in the Broadway production from 1993 (making her the first Asian actress to perform the role in New York) and in the West End production from 1996; and Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine in the West End staging as well as the international tour (including the Manila production).
"We’re beyond thrilled to bring this monumental show back to Manila. This time in a groundbreaking, never-before-seen format," says GMG Productions CEO Carlos Candal. "Filipino audiences have always shown an incredible passion for world-class theatre, and we know Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular will be unlike anything they’ve experienced before. It’s an epic reimagining of the world’s greatest musical, and we’re honored to be part of its journey around the world."
Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular Tickets
Tickets will officially go on sale on August 11 exclusively via TicketWorld. Theatre fans can also enjoy early access through UnionBank of the Philippines, GMG Productions' official 2025 season bank sponsor and pre-sale partner, or join the GMG Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular waitlist at www.gmg-productions.com. The pre-sale period runs from August 4 to 7.
Les Misérables: World Tour Spectacular opens in January 2026 at The Theatre at Solaire, 1 Asean Avenue, Entertainment City, Tambo, Paranaque.
