Musical theater returns to Highland with lofty production of ‘Les Mis’

by Melissa Martin

“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”

When Victor Hugo wrote those words as part of his “Les Misérables” storyline, he was referencing 19th-century Paris and those involved in the deadly student uprising of 1832.

For students and staff involved in Highland High School’s theater department, however, this famed Hugo line has taken on a new meaning in light of more than a year of school closures, quarantines and mask mandates.

Though the high school theater staff was able to pivot quickly amid social distancing guidelines and put on a small-scale production of “Godspell” this past April, for the most part Highland’s auditorium has remained a relatively dark, quiet space during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We tried to do everything we could to get the kids back on the stage last year,” said Emily Miller, the Highland Middle School music teacher who directed ‘Godspell.’ “We ended up working with a small cast of 13 because we had to space out and could only have so many people on the stage at once. We didn’t have a pit [orchestra], we didn’t have a crew, and everyone at all of our rehearsals had to be masked. It was a very, very different experience from what our students are used to.”

Miller said auditorium capacity was restricted to approximately 100 people. To allow others the opportunity to watch in a safe environment, the school livestreamed the production for $25 per view.

“Long story short, it ended up being a very expensive venture and we really didn’t make any money,” Miller said. “It was a pretty disappointing experience overall.”

Memories of that production are fading as the sound of voices singing, shoes dancing and hammers pounding reverberate four days a week after school and on Saturday mornings. The stage lights are beaming again, costume closets have reopened and students are gathered around the piano rehearsing the score of “Les Misérables,” school edition, which opens mid-month.

The sun, Miler said, is finally starting to rise.

“For the most part, we are back to normal,” she said, noting the auditorium will be at capacity for ‘Les Misérables,’ which she believes is the school’s largest production ever. “Though the kids are encouraged to wear masks during rehearsal, it’s not required. As for the show itself, we have a cast of 45, a crew of 20 and an orchestra pit of about 20 this time around so this is very exciting.”

Students couldn’t agree more.

“This is a fantastic way to make our way back onto the stage,” said Isabelle George, a senior member of the show’s ensemble. “From the time I was 8 years old, I’ve absolutely loved this show and knew I wanted to be part of the cast one day. So to be able to be on the stage to help tell this amazing story is pretty much a dream come true.”

Presented by the Highland Choir Boosters, “Les Misérables” recounts the story of Jean Valjean, who, after being released from years of unjust imprisonment, returns to society to find nothing but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole hoping to start a new life, initiating a struggle for redemption. He is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change.

“It’s a beautiful story, definitely one of my favorites,” Miller said.

Because of its grandeur, Miller said the show is a massive undertaking, but it has been in the planning stage for five years.

“When these students were in middle school, I recognized how extremely talented this class of students was,” she said. “With all that talent, I just knew this was going to be the year to do this.”

The show’s leading roles will feature Highland sophomore Cody Gibson as Jean Valjean; senior Jackson Stillwagon as Javert; junior Lia Aceto as Fantine; junior Hannah Tremonte as Cosette; senior Eris Foutz as Eponine, senior Jordan Yu as Marius; and senior Dylan Esterle as Enjolras.

“This is definitely a show the community won’t want to miss,” Miller added.

Miller said the production is in the running for Tier 2 [shows with a budget greater than $10,000] of the 2022 Dazzle Awards, sponsored by Cleveland’s Playhouse Square. Presented by Pat and John Chapman, the Dazzle Awards are modeled after Broadway’s Tony Awards and are intended to inspire and honor excellence in high school musical theater and recognize the importance of musical theater and arts-education in Northeast Ohio.

A curated panel of independent adjudicators will attend one production of “Les Miz’’ and give scores to determine nominees and awards in over 12 categories from best production to best actor.

“Les Miserables” will take the stage for five performances on Thursday, Nov. 11, Friday, Nov. 12, Saturday, Nov. 13, Friday, Nov. 19 and Saturday, Nov. 20. Curtain time for all shows is at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at showtix4u.com/event-details/56297 or at the high school box office the day of the event. ∞