The Dreher High School Department of Theatre

Arts will present Les

Miserables, performed entirely by Dreher’s drama and orchestra students November 19–22. It is a shortened version of the original Broadway musical written by Alain Boublil and Claude–Michel Schoenberg. The school edition is specially adapted and licensed by Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh.

Les Miserables is a musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, sacrifice, and atonement. The story is set in the early 19th century during the many revolutions the French people endured as they struggled for a new identity.

The story centers on one man, Jean ValJean (played by Patrick Dodds), a convicted felon who upon his release, promises to better himself and the lives of those he touches. He moves to a new town, and through false identity, becomes the mayor of that town. But he is forever hunted by one other man, Inspector Javert (Bryent Taylor–Marshall), a man who insists that the laws must be strictly enforced. This search becomes his life’s work — to return Valjean to prison for breaking his parole.

Les Miserables is really a story about hope — hope for the future that lies in children. This part of the story is seen in the character of Cosette (Erynn Petrulis), and her unfortunate mother Fantine (Ana Suarez and Abby Claytor). Valjean promises Fantine to raise Cosette as his own, never telling Cosette her true background.

As Cosette grows up, she is caught in a love triangle with between a rebellious student revolutionary Marius (Elliott Harrington) and his friend Eponine (Richlee Gordon). When Javert arrives to crush the rebellion, ValJean is forced to make a decision which will alter all of their lives forever. Some of the songs you will recognize are “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring him home,” and “On my Own.”

Under the direction of Jeanette Arvay–Beck, the nearly 90–person cast shines in this ensemble drama filled with triumph and tragedy and asks the question, “Is redemption possible?”

Music director Caroline Jones–Weidner and choreographer Terrance Henderson complete the

direction. Les Miserables

promises to be a revolutionary production, one that shows you “to love another person is to see the face of God.”

Performances dates are November 19, 20, and 21 at 7:30 pm, and on November 22 at 3 pm. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for students, available at the box office one hour prior to show time.

For more information call 253-7000 ext. 2135.