MEDIA RELEASE

For its spring performance, Parker School Dramatiques will perform the musical Les Miserables for six shows between Apr. 22 and May 1 in the school’s theater.

The times are: April 22, 23, 28, 30 at 7pm
April 24 and May 1 at 2pm

Les Miserables, a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, is specially adapted and licensed by Music Theatre International and Cameron Mackintosh.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo written in 1862, Les Miserables centers on the life and transformation of Jean Vajean, a man imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to keep his sister’s family alive. The play spans several years, from 1815 to 1832, leading up to the beginnings of the French revolution.

According to Maren Oom, director of fine arts for Parker school and the play’s director, Les Miserables deals with deeply rooted timeless issues that include homelessness and the poor, the fight for freedom and against prejudice – all in the context of human relationships and the everyday battle of choosing between following the path of integrity or malevolence.

“This is a story that anyone can relate to because it is a universal story dealing with themes of honesty, love, sacrifice and hope that tomorrow will bring a better world,” Oom said. “When students are studying Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Macbeth, or other big classics, these lessons permeate throughout the story.”

There are 11 leading roles, with more than 50 supporting cast and ensemble roles in Les Miserables. Participating students range in age from grades 6 through 12. There are 10 seniors involved in the performance, which is almost half of the graduating class.
The opera-like performance that was first performed in Paris in 1980, has no spoken lines. According to Oom, it is one of the most difficult musicals that can be performed.

“This particular production we didn’t think we would be able to do because it was such a large-scale production,” Oom said. “In the voting process, this one was slipped in as the last minute by the seniors.”

All set and costume work for Parker school performances is done solely by the students. The group designs and builds all sets and props and sews all costumes.

“It operates like a professional company,” Oom said. “The students are the creative leaders. I have been really impressed by how well they do.”

Dates for performances are April 22, 23, 24, 28, 30 and May 1. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and can be purchased in advance from the cast and crew or an hour before each performance. To purchase tickets in advance, or for more information, contact Parker school at 885-7933.