TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The staged concert of the “Les Miserables” musical opened at the National Theater and Concert Hall in Taipei on Thursday, marking the Taiwan stop of its 40th anniversary world tour.

The Taipei run will continue through July 6, after which the production will move to the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts for shows from July 10 to 27. A total of 52 performances are scheduled.

First staged in English in 1985, “Les Miserables” is the longest-running musical in London’s West End and has been performed in 53 countries and translated into 22 languages. The current touring production is adapted from the West End version, incorporating updated staging, lighting, and orchestration.

According to the organizers, the Taiwan leg includes more than 110 cast, orchestra, and crew members, involving over 300 costumes, about 200 lighting fixtures, and over 400 lighting cues. More than 120,000 kg of equipment were shipped to Taiwan to support the staging.

Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, “Les Miserables” it is set in 19th-century France and follows Jean Valjean, a former convict who seeks to rebuild his life while being pursued by police inspector Javert. Valjean’s life changes after he promises to care for Cosette, the daughter of Fantine, a factory worker who dies in poverty.

As Valjean and Cosette travel across France to evade Javert’s pursuit, their lives become caught up in the turmoil of a revolution brewing in Paris. Against the backdrop of political unrest and social upheaval, the story unfolds with themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience.