The Man Who Laughs is a powerful original musical adapted from one of Victor Hugo’s most engaging books. It’s a story of the quest to develop, express, and actualize new ideas in a time of intellectual decay and moral darkness, told through the struggles of a hideously mutilated mountebank who entertains in the streets of 18th century London and whose deformity has the unfortunate effect of making everyone who sees it… laugh. In The Man Who Laughs, a lonely and alienated outcast with a surprisingly benevolent humanistic outlook comes to grips with issues as current as yesterday’s news: The individual vs. the system. Sensual love vs. spiritual love. The implementation of fundamental human rights. And the nature of truth, justice, and freedom. It’s a sweeping and heroic story. It’s also visually unforgettable and tremendously entertaining. Stephen Kravette’s book, music, and lyrics fully support the theme and scope of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece, setting this musical drama apart from conventional theater as surely as The Man Who Laughs’ face set him apart from the ordinary street performers of his day. It’s altogether a theatrical experience unlike any you have yet seen… or heard.