All that needs to be said is Les Misérables — probably the world's most famous musical.

On Tuesday the U.S. National Tour of Les Misérables will begin its eight-show run in State College at Eisenhower Auditorium. Several seats are still available for the performances.

Les Misérables is set against the background of the French Revolution and tells the story of Jean Valjean, a prisoner who is given his freedom after spending 20 years behind bars. However, he will always be labeled a criminal by society and by the police inspector Javert.

After escaping, Valjean goes back to his ways of stealing. However, an act of charity gives him a new look on life, and he straightens out his ways. Unfortunately Javert will not allow him to escape again and vows to find him and put him behind bars no matter how long it takes.

Peter Wray, press and public relations manager for the Center for the Performing Arts, is ecstatic about the upcoming performances and encourages the public to come out and see the musical.

"It is an incredible musical theater phenomenon," Wray said.

The last time Les Misérables was in State College was in 1994, when it also ran for eight shows at Eisenhower Auditorium. All of those performances were sold out before the run began, unlike this year.

"We (CPA) haven't sold out yet, but tickets are flying off the shelf," Wray said.

Wray indicated that the CPA has received requests for tickets from theater lovers as far away as Erie and Maryland. He believes that the show's reputation and quality are attracting people.

"The level of quality of the production would be as if you were seeing it on Broadway," Wray said.

The musical was adapted from Victor Hugo's 1862 novel, which has also inspired several films and television shows like The Fugitive. The concept for a musical based on Les Misérables was first developed by Alain Boublil in 1978.

Boublil met with Claude-Michel Schönberg in 1984 and began on the English adaptation, which has run in London for several years. In December of 1986, it made its American debut at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and made its Broadway debut on March 12, 1987.

Several artists were involved with the evolution of Les Misérables throughout the years. Herbert Kretzmer won Tony and Grammy awards for his lyrics for the show. Along with Schönberg, John Cameron worked on the orchestral score. Trevor Nunn and John Caird were also involved in the direction and adaptation of the musical.

Les Misérables has received 50 major theater awards, including eight Tony awards and two Grammy awards. Millions worldwide have witnessed the epic musical in 29 different countries.

Wray believes that the show will be able to uplift the spirits of many audience members after the long, cold winter.

"Spring is here, let Les Misérables lift you up," Wray said.

Show times and ticket prices vary throughout the run of the show. On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and April 1, the shows begin at 7:30 p.m. On March 30 and March 31, the shows begin at 8 p.m. On March 31 and April 1, matinee performances begin at 2 p.m.

PSU student tickets are $27 and $23 on Tuesday and Thursday nights. General Admission tickets are $43 and $38 for the performances on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as well as for Saturday's matinee and both shows on Sunday. Prices are $48 and $43 for March 30 and March 31. Children's prices are $37 and $33 for the shows on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. For all other shows, children are counted as general admission.