Hudson Valley Shakespeare: Les Misérables

Hudson Valley Shakespeare presents Les Misérables from August 12 through September 27, bringing Victor Hugo’s epic musical to Boscobel’s outdoor theater in Garrison for a limited late-summer run that trades Broadway’s proscenium for open skies and Hudson River views. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings at 7 p.m., with tickets ranging from $40 to $75 depending on seating section. Lawn seats (bring your own blankets or low chairs) offer the most budget-friendly option and put you closest to the natural amphitheater setting. The theater sits on Boscobel’s 68-acre estate, a Federal mansion built in 1808 on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River where it narrows through the Highlands, creating a dramatic backdrop for the show’s revolutionary themes and soaring vocals.

Les Misérables, adapted from Hugo’s 1862 novel, follows ex-convict Jean Valjean through decades of French history, weaving together redemption, sacrifice, and social justice themes that resonate in the intimate outdoor setting. Hudson Valley Shakespeare, founded in 1987, typically stages straight Shakespeare, making this musical production a rare and ambitious departure from the company’s usual repertoire. Recent outdoor stagings have emphasized the score’s emotional power, with live orchestra and actors miked for clarity against the natural soundscape. Intermission runs 15 to 20 minutes, with wine, beer, and snacks available at the concession tent. Performances proceed in light rain, so bring waterproof layers if the forecast is uncertain.

Gates open 90 minutes before curtain, encouraging patrons to arrive early for picnics on the lawn, a Boscobel tradition that pairs well with the show’s French setting. Many visitors bring cheese, baguettes, wine, and charcuterie from Cold Spring markets to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Hudson Highlands. Late summer weather in the valley is typically in the 70s and low 80s at showtime, cooling to the 60s as the performance progresses, so bring layers and blankets for warmth. September evenings bring the first hints of fall foliage and cooler temperatures, creating a poignant atmosphere for the show’s climactic scenes. Mosquitoes can be active at dusk, so pack bug spray. Parking is free in Boscobel’s lot, a short walk from the theater lawn, and accessibility accommodations are available with advance request.

Turn Les Misérables into a Hudson Highlands escape by booking a rental on Lake.com in Garrison, Cold Spring, or Beacon, ideally with river views to extend the theatrical experience into your overnight stay. Before the show, explore Boscobel’s mansion and formal gardens (separate admission from theater tickets), or hike the nearby Breakneck Ridge Trail for challenging climbs and panoramic Hudson River overlooks. After the performance, head to Cold Spring’s Main Street for a late dinner at Riverview (established 2003) or Whistling Willie’s (2000), both within a 10-minute drive and offering farm-to-table menus. Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s Les Misérables offers a once-in-a-season chance to experience one of musical theater’s most beloved epics in an open-air setting where the natural world amplifies the story’s themes of struggle, hope, and human dignity.