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'Les Mis' staged by Spotlight Youth Theater

A man is thrown in jail for stealing a loaf of bread and then released with little hope of getting a job, a meal or a bed. So begins "Les Misérables," the musical version of the classic Victor Hugo novel.

Spotlight Youth Theater Northwest Cook will present the school edition of the musical Oct. 29-Nov. 8 at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.

Assistant Director Matt Silar said the show delivers vocal performances comparable to professionals he's seen on Broadway.

"I think the voices in this cast are some of the best Spotlight has put together," Silar said. "People just might forget they're listening to kids."

The multiple award-winning musical is widely known as a sweeping masterpiece, so it's no wonder the Spotlight production drew students from seven counties to audition for it. Some of them drive an hour or more to rehearsals.

"I think 'Les Mis' is a bit of a dream show for most young theater enthusiasts," Silar said. "The exciting story, stunning music and rich array of characters are very attractive to young artists."

The lead role of Jean Valjean is played by 17-year-old Joe Moerschel of Elk Grove Village, who is no stranger to Spotlight.

"I've played Gaston in 'Beauty and the Beast', and Jesus in 'Godspell'," Moerschel said. "I've been listening to the 'Les Misérables' soundtracks for a couple of years, and I've always wanted to play one of the diverse characters in this show."

Another lead is Eponine, played by 16-year-old Danielle Klein of Algonquin, who says this is her dream role. Klein has performed in productions of "Godspell," "Joseph" and "Oklahoma," to name a few.

"I think what's special about being in this show is the story we get to tell people," Klein said. "The story of forgiveness and redemption."

The long-running, record-breaking musical got an even bigger boost with the release of the movie/musical in 2012 starring Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway and Russell Crowe.

With heavy, emotionally charged songs like "I Dreamed a Dream," "One Day More" and "On My Own," this production is different from the classic song-and-dance big musicals that Spotlight students are accustomed to performing, according to Silar.

"I think our older students - a majority of the cast is made up of teenagers - really enjoy the challenge the music provides, as well as the responsibility that comes along with a story like this," Silar said. "There's so much light to be shared with this story, but the darkness is necessary for the light to shine through."

The show features some of Spotlight's strongest actors and singers, with a few moments that highlight top dancers as well.

"There's certainly so much fun to be had in a big dance number with 80 students in colorful costumes filling the stage, something we're notorious for here at Spotlight," Silar said.

Cast members have rehearsed every weekend since early September. They're also working hard to promote the show. Last weekend, a couple of the leads visited Brookdale Prospect Heights, an assisted living facility, to sing for the residents there.

Besides Silar, the "Les Misérables" directing team includes Director Ryan Simpson, Choreographer Alissa Pienkowski, Vocal Director Emily Robles and Producer Elizabeth Giromini.

Joe Moerschel, 17, of Elk Grove Village rehearses a number as Jean Valjean. Courtesy of Sonce Landa
The cast of "Les Misérables" ranges in age from 8 to 18. Courtesy of Sonce Landa

If you go

What: "Les Miserables" performed by Spotlight Youth Theater

When: 7 p.m. Oct. 30 and Nov. 6; 6 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 1, 7, 8; 2 p.m. Oct. 31, Nov. 7-8; 9:30 a.m. and noon Nov. 4. Shows at noon Oct. 29 and 2 p.m. Nov. 1 are already sold out.

Where: Prairie Lakes Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines

Tickets: $9-$12 in advance; $11-$14 at the door; $5-$9 for school groups (no door sales for school day performances

Details: <a href="http://www.spotlight.org/nwcf15_lesmiserables">www.spotlight.org/nwcf15_lesmiserables</a>

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