Youth theater to present 'Les Miserables'

It is a message of redemption, changed hearts and changed lives, director Lindsey Branson said.

Christian Youth Theatre will present "Les Miserables," the Broadway musical based on Victor Hugo's book, starting tonight.

Performances will run through Nov. 11 at the Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion.

Jean Valjean, played by David Cramer of Zion, is imprisoned 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's family. After he is released on parole, he is so embittered that he steals from the bishop. But the bishop shows mercy and lies to release him from prison.

Valjean is so touched by the bishop's act of grace that he choose to change his life. Valjean becomes the mayor, and a factory owner, and when one factory worker dies, he offers to take care of the man's daughter.

"It shares his life journey to deal with the past, do good in the world and show mercy to others," Branson said.

Branson said the 74-member cast, ranging from 8 to 18 years old, brings to the stage complex, strong characters who hold rich histories, as well as music with complicated harmonies and difficult rhythms.

"If you hear it, you never forget it," she said.

When selecting the cast, Branson said they looked for strong singers but also those who could tell the story through their characters.

"We have incredible young talent. … They pour their hearts into working on this," she said.

While Branson said she loves every note of this musical, her favorite may be the song, "One Day More." Performed the end of the first act, the full company discovers and reflects on what the future will be.

Branson said she hopes audiences will see the message of a redeemed life and a man who goes from a criminal to a loving father.

"He takes so many lives in a positive way. People make a village. People can make a difference," she said.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, $9 for children ages 2 to 17 and $8 for groups of 15 or more. Tickets are $8 for the family show at 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets cost $2 more if purchased at the door. For more information, visit the Web site www.cytchicago.org.

If you go

What: Christian Youth Theatre Lake County to present "Les Miserables"

Where: Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Drive, Zion

When: 7 p.m. today and Nov. 9; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Nov. 10; and 2 p.m. Sunday and Nov. 11.