Darien High School's Theatre 308 To Perform 'Les Misérables' In March

Information via Darien Public Schools

DARIEN, CT — This March, Darien High School’s Theatre 308 students will perform the beloved classic pop-opera musical 'Les Misérables,' filled with hope, love, and determination.

The two-act musical follows Jean Valjean, a former convict seeking redemption, as Inspector Javert treads closely behind in an attempt to re-open Valjean’s past.

As the play unfolds, Valjean fosters Cosette, the orphaned daughter of a tragic woman named Fantine, while becoming entangled in revolutionary struggles. The story explores justice, sacrifice, and the possibility of redemption.

"Les Misérables" is set mainly in Paris and surrounding areas during the June Rebellion of 1832. It showcases emblematic settings like the barricades, the sewers, and the impoverished neighborhoods where characters like Jean Valjean, Fantine, and the revolutionaries struggle.

A night at "Les Misérables" promises to make patrons laugh and cry by blending deep emotional moments with lighter comedic ones.

Songs like "One Day More" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" will find audiences fully immersed in the camaraderie of the revolutionary's disposition.

The tragic arcs of characters like Valjean and Fantine often bring tears, while the Thénardiers' antics and the youthful optimism of the revolutionaries provide humor and relief. This mix of sorrow and hope creates a powerful emotional experience for any viewer.

This year’s production is under the direction of Tim Sorensen, with Matt Tracey music directing, and Kelsey Kaminski choreographing.

Theatre 308 alumni Will Fitzmaurice coordinates technical direction and set design, while Amy Raskopf leads our student costume designers and brings their designs to life. Darien High School band director Jon Grauer directs the pit orchestra.

"Les Miserables is my generation’s Hamilton. It’s my generations Wicked. For that reason, I could not be more excited to share this story with my students and the community. And based on the reaction from our students, they are clearly excited to bring this magical musical to life!" Sorensen said in a news release.

The 1862 book on which the musical is based was written by Victor Hugo, and the show features music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer.

"Les Misérables" opened on Broadway in 1987 at the Imperial Theatre, and it won multiple Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and remains one of the longest-running and most iconic Broadway Shows, with several revivals since its original run.

"Les Misérables" will be performed in the Darien High School Auditorium from March 13 through March 15. All performances will begin at 7 p.m., and there will be an additional matinee at 1 p.m. on the 15th.

Tickets can be purchased at theatre308.org. They are $10 for students and seniors and $20 for adults.

For more information, follow @theatre308 on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, or visit the website: theatre308.org.