Musical magic
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 14 years, 10 months AGO
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Nick Pratt, playing the role of the corrupt innkeeper ThŽnardiers, takes center stage during a dress rehearsal Tuesday of Coeur d'Alene High School's production of Les MisŽrables which opens Thursday, Oct. 27.</p>
<p>JEROME A. POLLOS/Press Caleb Ratelle, right, and Becca Sims star in the roles of Jean Valjean and Fantine.</p>
COEUR d'ALENE - More than 50 cast members.
More than 150 costume changes.
Thirty-one musical numbers.
Almost nothing but singing, start to finish.
"Les Miserables Student Edition" is one spectacular production.
"It's bigger and better than I would have ever thought," said Jared Helm, drama teacher at Coeur d'Alene High School.
The two-hour, 20-minute production promises to deliver a memorable evening, he said. The show carries emotional lessons dealing with poverty, need, the desire for something you can't have, belief and faith.
"The show is not far off from our society today in its themes and application," Helm said.
"Les Miserables Student Edition" is a theatrical production based on the novel by Victor Hugo. The story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France.
Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean, played by Caleb Ratelle, is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father of Cosette, played by Christine Mulally.
In the process, he violates his parole. Inspector Javert, played by Emilio Maldenado, makes a decent life for Valjean impossible and pursues him. Valjean finally proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man, Marius, played by Dan Savage.
Marius falls hopelessly in love with Cosette, abandoning the love-struck Eponine, played by Abby Anderson, to live a life without her only true love.
"It is not until Valjean is on his deathbed that he finally feels redeemed," according to a press release.
Performed entirely by students, the musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg has been specially adapted and licensed by Music Theatre International and Cameron MacKintosh, "Les Miserables School Edition" is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International, New York.
"My direction went in the direction that at the end of the day you can never escape yesterday," Helm said. "No matter what you do in life, you can never get rid of the past you created. All you can do is go forward.
"Valjean really highlights that as he dies with his confession in his hand as he hands that over to Cosette, his adoptive daughter."
If you go
Coeur d'Alene High School Theater Department presents "Les Miserables Student Edition." Performances are at 7 tonight and Saturday, and Nov. 3, 4, 5. For tickets: www.chstheater.org or 208-769-2999