Victor Hugo’s epic novel of 1862, “Les Misérables,” became a blockbuster musical that has generated sobs, cheers and occasional guffaws worldwide since opening in London’s West End 23 seasons ago. None of the Tony Award-winning show’s previous productions has been as revolutionary as the black box format created for Signature’s MAX Theatre.

The set encases the entire theater, placing the audience in the midst of action in the tavern, the Paris slums and the city’s sewers. The stellar cast incorporates Broadway and “Les Miz” veterans, Signature Theatre regulars and future stars from area schools as Young Cosette, Young Eponine and Gavroche.