U-Hi takes on "Les Mis" | Schools

University High School launches this year’s drama season with “Les Misérables” High School Edition November 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10 at 7 p.m. and November 11 at 2 p.m. in the U-High Theatre.

The musical’s large cast and crew of over 80 students consist of U-High drama students as well as younger members from five surrounding Central Valley schools: Horizon Middle School and Chester, Ponderosa, South Pines and University Elementary Schools. 

The multi-aged student actors take on the challenge to present the second longest-running musical in the world and the third longest-running show in Broadway history. “Les Misérables,” set in early 19th century France, follows the stories of many characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution in pursuit of love and justice. 

U-High Drama students worked throughout the summer to create the innovative new set, which includes a mechanically revolving stage as seen in the original stage production. New special effects never before seen in Central Valley School District feature “rock concert-like” IQ lighting, stage projections and new vocal sound effects. 

Impressively dressed in over 600 costume pieces the musical cast includes: Quinn Johnson (Jean Val Jean), Loren Mellik (Javert), Caitlyn Johnson (Fantine), Shelby Horton (Eponine), Joseph Hall (Marius), Caitlyn Duffy (Cosette), Matthew Gerard (Enjolras), Josh Koester and Mariah Smith (M. and Mme. Thenardier), Horizon’s Evan Figaceron (Gavroche), South Pines’ first grader Josie Horton (Little Cosette) and Chester’s Lola Green (Young Eponine).

Tickets for the epic show are on sale now for $12 through the U-High Business Office or at the door. Reservations are highly recommended due to availability. 

U-High Drama is a multi-award winning theatre department. After winning numerous awards over several years at the 5th Avenue Musical Theatre Awards in Seattle, U-High earned international recognition in 2012 as one of 50 schools out of 3000 accepted to the 2013 American High School Theatre Festival and the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland.