Stagg High School in Palos Hills is staging its version of “Les Miserables,” one of the longest-running musicals in Broadway history, this weekend.
The debut was slated for Thursday, and shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday before it closes with a 3 p.m. Sunday matinee at the school at 8015 W. 111th St.
Adapted from a Victor Hugo novel for the stage by Alain Boublil and scored by Claude-Michel Schönberg, the story is one of political unrest and revolution. Set in early 19th century Paris, it carries themes of morality and grace and, like with any good plot, holds a love story.
The show is directed by Brandon West with choreography from Jeni Donahue. Chris Betz serves as the musical’s vocal director. Geoff Epperson runs the technical aspects of the show, and Bob Mecozzi directs the orchestration.
With about 100 students involved on stage, behind the scenes and in the orchestra pit, Mecozzi said, the show has been a challenge, but one to which the students have risen.
“Any show you do is a big undertaking. This is just such a massive show,” Mecozzi said, “not just in terms of the scope and meaning, but also the length. The show never really stops from a musical standpoint. The music is constantly going. It’s almost like an opera.
“We, the directors, have huge confidence in these kids to put this in front of them and give them this challenge. Great stuff has been happening. I’m blown away by how hard the students have been working.”
Including one 15-minute intermission, the show runs 2 hours and 45 minutes. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for students, and $5 for children and senior citizens. District 230 Gold Card members are entitled to two complimentary tickets at the door. Refreshments and flowers will be for sale during intermission.
Angela Denk is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
