MINNEAPOLIS (Dec. 20, 2022) — Hennepin Theatre Trust closed the year with a revolutionary success by presenting the Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon Les Misérables, which brought more than 38,000 patrons to the historic Hennepin Theatre District and generated a local economic impact of more than $10 million in its two-week run, from Dec. 6-18, 2022. The two-week holiday run of Les Misérables starred Minnesotan Christine Heesun Hwang.

“Hennepin Theatre Trust was thrilled to bring Les Misérables back to Minneapolis this holiday season, which not only brought 38,000 theatregoers to the heart of downtown, but also generated an economic impact of more than $10 million,” said Mark Nerenhausen, president and CEO of Hennepin Theatre Trust. “This holiday season, Hennepin Theatre Trust’s gift to Minnesota remains the presentation of world-class performing arts productions like Les Misérables. We are proud to continue our tradition of bringing the best of Broadway to the Hennepin Theatre District, while playing a role in the reactivation of downtown Minneapolis.”

The economic impact of the two-week engagement of Les Misérables is based on analysis by The Broadway League, the national trade association for the Broadway industry. This impact is generated by tourism dollars spent at hotels, local restaurants, parking and more. Additionally, a large stage production such as Les Misérables, employs nearly 100 local stagehands, local musicians, hair and wardrobe professionals, and merchandise sellers.

This production of Les Misérables was particularly special, as Minnesotan Christine Heesun Hwang starred in the leading role of Éponine, the headstrong and street-smart French revolutionary. Hwang is a 2017 graduate of Minnetonka High School and an alumna of Hennepin Theatre Trust’s Spotlight Education program. Spotlight Education, Hennepin Theatre Trust’s flagship theater education program, works with more than 8,000 students in about 100 high schools across Minnesota every year.

“Arts education changes lives, and we are proud of every single one of our Spotlight Education alumni,” said Nerenhausen. “Not all Spotlight students will grow up to grace the Broadway stage, but they each gain a distinct skillset that will benefit them for years to come. In truly magical cases, like Christine’s, Broadway dreams do come true, and we could not be more thrilled.”

“Through Spotlight Education, I learned to be open minded, to challenge myself and to be actively thinking about whatever I was studying and whatever I was a part of. The program helped formulate how I try to conduct myself in the professional world today,” said Hwang. “Spotlight Education ultimately led me to be the person I am today. I don’t think twice about the choice to be in this incredibly rewarding profession.”

Hennepin Theatre Trust drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Its historic theatres — Orpheum, State and Pantages — and event center at 900 Hennepin Avenue light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming. Hennepin Theatre Trust is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. Learn more at HennepinTheatreTrust.org.

Heart of Hennepin – celebrating 100 years of the Hennepin Theatre District To honor the centennial of the Hennepin Theatre District, Hennepin Theatre Trust is not only celebrating its historic venues — the Orpheum, State and Pantages theatres, The Hennepin event center and 824 Hennepin — but also everyone who is part of the legacy that has made the district the heart of Hennepin for 100 years. This year-long centennial celebration pays tribute to our community and history, and looks ahead to the future of the arts, the Trust and downtown Minneapolis.

Bank of America Environmental, Social and Governance  At Bank of America, our focus on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors is critical to fulfilling our purpose of helping make people’s financial lives better. Our commitment to growing our business responsibly is embedded in every aspect of our company. It is demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our customers, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocate groups, such as community and environmental organizations, in order to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at www.bankofamerica.com/about, and connect with us on Twitter at @BofA_News.

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of the John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com and Group Sales Box Office.  Led by 14-time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 48 markets with over 400,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and Hamilton. Current and past productions include Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Cats, Chicago, Dear Evan Hansen, Mean Girls, Moulin Rouge! and To Kill a Mockingbird.

This activity is made possible by voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.