Stirling High pupils present ‘Les Misérables’
Heaney as Thenardier in the upcoming ‘Les Misérables: School Edition’ performance Picture : SUPPLIED
The international musical theatre phenomenon Les Misérables comes to East London in the form of Les Misérables: School Edition, presented by Stirling High School and performed entirely by pupils.
“The school edition is a slightly compacted version of the highly successful musical based on French poet and author Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name. The English-language musical, produced by Cameron MacIntosh, ran in London from 1985 to July 2019. It was the longest running West End musical and the sixth-longest running Broadway musical of all time, with more than 70 million viewers and over 100 awards gained during its run.
“MacIntosh was instrumental in developing the school edition to provide a platform for young actors and singers to tackle the challenging production. It is licensed by the
Dramatic, Artistic and Literary Rights Organisaton (Dalro), in association with Musical Theatre International (MTI),” director Marcel Corson said.
Set in 19th Century France, Les Misérables is the story of French peasant Jean Valjean
(Travis Bhana) and his desire for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for stealing
a loaf of bread. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew after the Bishop of Digne (Justin Julies) inspires him to abandon his life of crime. However, Valjean is relentlessly pursued by a fanatical police inspector named Javert (Reef Funston).
Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in Paris, where a group of young idealists, led by the charismatic Enjolras (Bryce McCarlie), orchestrate the doomed June Rebellion which sought to overthrow King Louis-Phillippe.
“The production includes an extremely strong and talented young cast, as well as an
experienced and dynamic production team. Musical direction is by Kay Mosiane with Jacques du Plessis serving as band master,” said Corson.
The play runs from February 25 to 29. Tickets are through Computicket and the Guild Theatre, at R100 for adults and R50 for scholars and pensioners.
