Les Misérables to make Leavenworth Summer Theater premiere in 2027

LEAVENWORTH — Fans hoping to catch “The Sound of Music” at the Ski Hill Amphitheater next summer will have to wait another year, says Leavenworth Summer Theater (LST).

According to the nonprofit musical theater company, the rights are not available due to the national tour playing in Seattle next summer; LST hopes to bring it back to Ski Hill in 2028. In the meantime, LST will be showcasing two classic musicals, including “Oklahoma!” and the LST premiere of “Les Misérables.”

"These are two of the biggest, most beloved musicals ever written, and we can't wait to bring them to the hill," said Christy Shearer, LST's Executive Director.

The 33rd season will run from July 9 through Aug. 28, 2027, totalling 30 performances at Ski Hill Amphitheater.

"Les Misérables is an epic story of courage and second chances, and Oklahoma! is the classic that changed musical theater, with a beloved score, spirited dancing, and a richly layered story of life on the frontier,” said Shearer. “Together they'll make a season you won't want to miss."

"Les Misérables” features some of the most celebrated songs in musical theater, according to LST, including "I Dreamed a Dream," "Bring Him Home," and "One Day More.”

It will be directed by Andy Meyers, who is on the producing teams of several Broadway productions this season and is co-producer of the London hit “Alice in Wonderland.” Recently retired as Artistic Director of Fort Peck Summer Theatre, Meyers directs at theaters across the country, including Arizona Broadway Theatre, The Phoenix Theatre Company, and Montana Rep, and recently staged Annie and Big Fish at Lewiston Civic Theatre.

Local audiences may recognize Meyers from “Into the Woods” or “Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson” Icicle Creek Performing Arts Center. His acting credits also include “Tannhäuser” at the Metropolitan Opera, national tours, and Off-Broadway. A graduate of Wagner College, he holds a master's degree in musical theatre and nonprofit management from the University of Montana.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's “Oklahoma!” will be directed by Emily A. Rollie, featuring spirited dancing and classics such as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'" and "People Will Say We're in Love.”

Next summer will be Rollie’s third LST season, following “The Sound of Music” in 2025 and “Bright Star” in 2026. Based in central Washington, Rollie is a director and intimacy choreographer who teaches performance at Central Washington University. Her directing credits around the country include “Into the Woods,” “Pride & Prejudice,” “The Wolves,” and “Footloose.”

Rollie holds a PhD in theatre, with a focus on directing, from the University of Missouri, and is the former artistic director of Independent Actors Theatre. She is faculty with Theatrical Intimacy Education, a founding member of PNW Theatrical Intimacy Collective, and a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.

LST will be seeking local, regional and national talent for both productions starting early 2027. Full audition details will be posted on the nonprofit’s website in January. Video auditions will be accepted Feb. 5-10, with video callbacks to follow. In-person auditions will be held Feb. 24-28. Musicians interested in orchestra positions may call (509) 548-7324. More information can be found at leavenworthsummertheater.org.