Les Misérables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo this award-winning musical by Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, with lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, is set in 19th century France and tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who had been imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread.  Knowing he will always be considered a thief, Valjean breaks his parole and changes his identity in order to make a successful life for himself as a factory owner and mayor, a feat only possible by the generosity of a benevolent Bishop - but Valjean is always on the run.       

He is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert who is driven by what he believes to be right under the law and by the belief that a thief is always a thief. Valjean's quest for redemption is the center of the story.  Encountering a dying young woman, Fantine, whom he overlooked when she was fired from his factory, Valjean promises to care for her daughter, Cosette, after Fantine's death.  Young Cosette has been living with the evil innkeepers, the Thenardiers, who also provide the comic relief in the show.      

Time passes and student revolutionaries are planning an insurrection in the fight against the injustices they see around them: the treatment and neglect of the poor, the disparity between the upper and lower classes.  One student, Marius, is distracted by his love for the now grown Cosette of whom Valjean is very protective.  Valjean volunteers to fight at the barricade constructed by the students where he again crosses paths with his nemesis, Javert, as well as his daughter’s beloved, Marius. This sweeping story  spans 22 years, contains memorable characters, dramatic battle scenes, and one of the most beautiful scores ever written for a musical.     Direction by Amy Moorhead, Assistant Direction by Kimberly Taylor; PHS orchestra conducted by Catherine DeVos, Vocal Direction by Christina Martin.      

Performances are March 17-20, Thursday/Sunday at 7:30 p.m., Friday/Saturday at 8:00 p.m. All performances are at the Alan L. Harvey Theater on the Piedmont High School campus.      

Tickets are $11 for students/seniors 65+ and  $17 for adults. Reserved seats are available for $25. Tickets may be purchased in advance by emailing Jing Piser at piserfam@comcast.net.

This originally appeared on the Piedmont High School website.