Les Miserables company manager has revolutionary path to the U.S., theatrical success

By Lee J. Green

Associate Company Manager Elle Aghabala feels the revolutionary spirit, love and sacrifice radiating through the classic “Les Miserables,” coming to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex from March 25 to 30.

The Jewish native of Iran came to the U.S. when she was 11 years old, with her mom and 6-year-old brother. “Growing up, we saw the disparity between the government and the people. The revolutionary aspect and the desire to get rid of a maniacal regime,” said Aghabala.

“Every night, this show makes me think of the sacrifices my mom made for us. She didn’t know the language and she had to start a new life in a new place,” she said. It would be another three and a half years until Aghabala’s father could make it to the U.S.

Aghabala and her family lived in a small neighborhood in Tehran where most of the Jewish families lived, and she was one of only two Jewish kids at her school. Her uncle is still a rabbi in Tehran.

“People are surprised when I say I am a Persian Jew. We were definitely in the minority but we were always proud of our faith and did all we could to acclimate,” she said.

After her family moved to the U.S., when Aghabala was in eighth grade, she saw “Grease” for the first time. “It was a time that I was missing my dad and I really needed an escape. It made me feel good to be a part of the arts. From that day I knew I wanted a career in theatre,” but off the stage, she said.

Her family settled in Beverly Hills and Aghabala got involved in more productions with her high school. She would go on to the heralded theatre program at UNLV, graduating with bachelor’s degrees in Theatre Studies and Psychology.

She started her career as a stage manager, and then in 2016 elevated to a company manager.

“As company managers we handle all of the logistics of the tour. We’re responsible for every aspect of going from one town to the next, the load-ins, the loadouts and the well-being of everyone with the production,” she said.

Les Miserables is one of the largest touring companies in the nation. It includes 85 actors, musicians, crew and support staff. Aghabala joined the tour in 2019 and then rejoined in August 2022 after the pandemic.

“There are a lot of aspects involved so that audiences can get to experience the best possible show every night,” said Aghabala. “But it makes every minute of the work worth it when you see the production. I’ve seen the show so many times, but I still cry every night and there is always something new every time.”

Set against a backdrop of 19th century France, Les Miserables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, sacrifice and redemption. The musical has won numerous Tony awards and remains the sixth longest running Broadway production of all time.

The current touring production was first conceived in 2009 to celebrate Les Miserables’ 25th anniversary. The tour will also be in Huntsville from May 6 to 11.

Aghabala said the tour has been so rewarding and she has gotten the opportunity to visit many new places in North America.

“I’d say the two most rewarding things in my life have been being a part of this production… and to be able to experience Israel,” she said. Aghabala didn’t have the opportunity to have her Bat Mitzvah when she was younger, so she had a very special one on her Birthright Israel trip a few years ago. “I call it all matzo ball soup for the soul.”