The Center for the Performing Arts is bringing "the world's most popular musical," Les Miserables, to State College in October.

"The secret is out," said Carolyn Rinaldi-Lieb, the Center's publicity coordinator. "We are going to have something spectacular this season."

After five years of talks and two years of serious negotiations, Eisenhower Auditorium will be the fifth place in Pennsylvania to host the nationally touring company of the $4.2 million production. The eight performances will run Oct. 4-9 as part of the "Bright Lights" and the "Singular Sensations" series.

"This is a big leap for the Center for Performing Arts," said Ken Foster, director of the center, adding that the Eisenhower stage is the smallest market the show has ever played. "This is a big leap for State College."

The show will have an important impact on the community because 50 percent of the tickets are expected to be purchased by people who live outside the immediate State College area, Foster said.

"Les Miz is a major project that we're bringing into the community that they will have the chance to take advantage of," he said, adding that the production should generate more business for downtown stores and restaurants.

The musical, based on Victor Hugo's classic novel, is the story of Jean Valjean, an escaped convict who struggles to make a new life for himself in war-torn 19th century France.

It will take two days for a 60-person crew to move the production into the area, Foster said.

"This is the complete Broadway version that you currently see in New York for $65," he said.

Prices for the Eisenhower show range from $15 to $42.

The Center's 1994-1995 season will be the "biggest and best Broadway season at Penn State," Foster said. "This is the beginning of a development of State College as a destination and tourist place. So that four or five years from now when I say that Phantom (of the Opera) will be here for a month, no one will be surprised."

Entertainment factor aside, Les Miz will also serve as an educational tool. Many teachers -- both high school and college -- have already called the ticket office to arrange to bring classes.

"It is worthwhile that young people in Central Pennsylvania will have a chance to see it," said Lowell Manfull, professor emeritus of theatre arts.

Students are also excited about the production's visit to town.

"I know people that have seen it five and six times," said Shawn Knapp (freshman-premedicine) who plans to attend a performance. "It will make a lot of money."

Twenty thousand tickets are now available for group rates and subscribers. Single-ticket sales will begin in July. For more ticket information, please call 1-800-ARTS-TIX.