“Do you hear the people sing?”

If you get your tickets to Heartwood's production of “Les Miserables” soon, you will be able to hear them sing in what is arguably the world’s most beloved musical, running April 30 through May 10.

“Les Miserables,” authored by the French poet and novelist Victor Hugo, is considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. After the first musical-stage adaptation opened and closed with little success in Paris (1980), producer Cameron Macintosh, in conjunction with the Royal Shakespeare Company, created an English version for the British audience.

Initial London critic reviews were entirely negative, and literary critics condemned the conversion of classic literature to musical theater. But the public had its own opinion — ticket sales exploded.

The full synopsis can easily be found online, but what plays most clearly through the musical story line are the strains of grace, forgiveness and redemption.

Director Griff Braley’s overarching concept for this production is one of simplicity.

“We’re in a 150 seat, black box theater, where audience and players are but a few feet apart. When an audience member in the back row can experience each physical nuance from an actor, and an actor can hear an audience member sigh or gasp, there exists a tremendous connection and intimacy, flowing both ways,” Braley said.

There are 11 performances in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy. Sellouts are expected. Reservations are very strongly recommended. Times and ticket prices ($20, $30 and $35) vary. There are four matinees on Saturday, May 2 and 9 and Sunday, May 3 and 10. The seven evening performances are on Thursday, April 30, Friday, May 1, Saturday, May 2 and Wednesday, May 6 through Saturday, May 9.

The theater is located at 81 Academy Hill Road in Newcastle.

For full details, and to purchase tickets, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org, phone 207-563-1373 or email boxoffice@heartwoodtheater.org.