With the opening of Diamond Head Theatre's "Les Misérables" three weeks away, brisk public response to ticket sales have prompted a five-show extension of the Tony Award-winning musical that will launch DHT's 2008-09 season beginning Sept. 26.

The extended playdates will be at 8 p.m. Oct. 16 and 17, 3 p.m. Oct. 18, and 4 and 8 p.m. Oct. 19.

"Ticket demand has been very strong," said Deena Dray, DHT executive director. "Due to commitments at the theater, this will be the one and only extension, so I suggest calling for tickets now. You won't want to miss this show."

Tickets are already on sale, for the add-on dates as well as the original run.

Tickets are $12 to $42, with discounts for children under 18, seniors 62 and older and active duty military.

Charge by phone: 733-0274 to charge-by-phone.

Online sales: www.diamondheadtheatre.com <http://www.diamondheadtheatre.com>

The epic musical is based on the Victor Hugo novel, set in 19th century France, and deals with Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, who becomes an honest man, a mayor and an adoptive father, who becomes haunted by his past.

Peter Lockyer is co-directing and co-choreographing with his wife, Melanie Tojio Lockyer, with Peter Lockyer also portraying Valjean.

The show boasts such popular songs as "I Dreamed a Dream," "Bring Him Home," "Castle on a Cloud" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?"