-Brenda Hillegas
Philadelphia welcomes the beloved musical, Les Miserables, for the 13th time later this month! The Cameron Mackintosh production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical returns to the Academy of Music from August 27th to September 8th. Tickets here.
Resident Director Brendan Stackhouse is from nearby Bucks County and holds a unique position traveling with the show. As Stackhouse says below, most tours are not maintained by an in-house director who tours with the production. Find out more about his relationship with Les Miserables, the first time he saw it as a child- right in Philadelphia, and why audiences keep returning to this story.
Q: Tell us a bit about your role as the show’s resident director. What does a typical day look like for you?
A: My role is twofold. Essentially, I am in charge of the day-to-day artistic maintenance of the show and making sure that every performance is of the highest quality and reflects the original intent and vision of the show’s original writers and directors. I am also in charge of rehearsing new cast members into the show and making sure that process is smooth for both the new cast and the current company of the show. A typical day consists of some sort of rehearsal, and then just circulating through the building and giving notes and feedback based on the previous night’s performance. I also like to check on the general morale of the building and make sure everyone is doing okay. Eight shows a week can be tough!
Q: You actually travel with the show. Why is that uncommon for someone in your position?
A: I’m very lucky to be able to travel with this show, and that our producers recognize the importance of having a Resident Director. Most tours are not maintained by an in-house director who travels with the show, and I think it’s really necessary in making sure that the show stays tight.
Q: Les Miserables was one of the first shows you ever saw, here in Philly. How does it feel to be a part of the production 20+ years later?
A: It’s surreal to be honest. I remember vividly seeing the Les Mis tour at the Forrest Theatre in May of 2001 when I was 9 years old with my mom, my grandma, and my brothers. I will never forget how epic the show was, and how infectious that score is. I was very fortunate that my parents and grandma took me to a lot of the touring productions that came through Philly when I was growing up, and that really helped fortify my love for this artform.
Q: Do you have a favorite song or scene in the show?
A: Oh that’s hard! It varies, but I never get tired of “One Day More” and “The People’s Song”, which are two of the more popular tunes of the show. They are both moments that transcend the theatrical space because they are so applicable to our world today. To see a group of young revolutionaries coming together for the betterment of their world is thrilling to experience night after night. I really do look forward to it.
Q: Why do you think audiences return to Les Miserables again and again?
A: At its core, Les Mis is a story rooted in simple human truths about the transformative powers of love and redemption, which is a story any generation from any walk of life can relate to. That universality is what causes our audiences to leap to their feet at the end of the show. I’ve seen patrons who have seen it two or three times in one week. The show just delivers. Also, the music is incredible. There are few scores that manage to elicit the emotional response that this one does.
Q: Growing up in Bucks County, what local theaters or shows inspired you to pursue a career in the arts?
A: I am a very proud, and lucky, alumni of the Council Rock School District. The music and theatre programs that I was exposed to throughout my time there were absolutely incredible and truly provided me a foundational training and exposure that made a career in the arts seem possible. I am also blessed with incredibly supportive parents who never questioned or challenged my love of the arts or my want to pursue them at the career level.
Q: Is there anything you’re looking forward to doing or seeing while you’re home?
A: For our Philly engagement, I will be living at my parent’s house for the longest period of time since my senior year of college, so I’m excited to spend some time with my family. I have three brothers, and I am really looking forward to them getting to see the show, along with my friends and family who are all coming. I also plan to eat all the cheesesteaks, Jules Thin Crust Pizza, and Rita’s Water Ice that my body can handle. Washed down with Yuengling of course!
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