The musical “Les Miserables,” based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, first captured the hearts of theatergoers when it opened 25 years ago. Now the show comes to Washington for the 10 time. Cameron Mackintosh’s exciting 25th-anniversary production utilizes Hugo’s paintings, new staging and fresh orchestrations. Broadway star Peter Lockyer portrays the central character, Jean Valjean.

“I feel so blessed and honored to be playing one of the best roles every written,” he said. “My first role in the show was as Marius in the 10th-anniversary tour of 1997. I repeated that role during tours of China and South Korea. At the time, I was young and never thought about playing Jean Valjean. Now I understand him and try to present him in a large arc. When a man comes out of prison after 19 years, he is hardened and has to learn to open up. It takes him a while to decide he will engage in a different kind of life with society.