Les Misérables by Victor Hugo is one of the most iconic pieces of French literature in the world. Set over the course of a few decades in late 18th century and early 19th century France, Les Misérables follows the story of Jean Valjean, a fictional character who abandons his identity in search of a better life; Javert, a police officer on the hunt for the freed felon who broke his parole; and many other characters who are struggling to survive.
While this show and the original work are both fiction, historical elements of the show are true and accurate. The French Revolution of 1789, which brought an end to the monarchy, and the subsequent 10 years of time known as the Reign of Terror are a preface to this storyline, while the bulk of this piece takes place in the 1820s and 1830s. During this time, France was politically unstable, seeing multiple changes to their government structure: the end of centuries-long monarchical rule, the failures of multiple republics, and the rise and fall of the First French Empire. The characters are living in a time where there was a political push to reinstate the monarchy. This represents an idea that was popular with the French elite and nobility, but that was disconnected from the everyday citizen. Though it would still be more than a century before France finds their modern form of government, the feelings of the everyday people in this musical are reflective of the will of 19th century French citizens who no longer wanted to be ruled by one single political head of state.
Les Misérables is a Broadway classic and one of the most successful and longest running shows. Producing such a huge show amidst the difficulties of this on-going pandemic has been one of the biggest challenges for everyone involved. Obstacles included face coverings, physical distancing, restrictions on the access to spaces within the school, and the inability to have a live audience. Regardless of the challenges, our students persevered through all of it and I am so proud of their flexibility and willingness to adapt to these unique circumstances. Thank you to everyone who helped make this production possible. I hope that you enjoy this show (from the comfort of your home)!
Mr. Zachary Bracken
Director
