- By Simrat Applebaum
- Entertainment
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The Hangar Theatre's 2008 KIDDSTUFF season comes to a close with an epic story about the power of love and compassion that audiences of all ages will enjoy. Les Misérables School Edition is a full-length, specially adapted musical for young actors and will be performed by students in the Hangar's Next Generation Theatre School. Based on the timeless novel by Victor Hugo, this musical drama by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg introduces a new generation to the grand and inspirational story that has touched the hearts of millions. Through powerful songs and dialogue, Les Misérables School Edition tells a story about love and adversity set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. Les Misérables School Edition runs from August 21 through 23 at 10am and August 24 at 1pm at the Hangar Theatre.
In early 19th century France, Jean Valjean is imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Upon being released, Valjean seeks redemption and becomes a force for good. He becomes a loving father and mayor of a prosperous town. When an unwanted visitor from his past steps back into his life, Valjean must once again evaluate his past actions and be true to his loved-ones. Les Misérables School Edition examines human nature in the face of adversity and the importance of love and compassion.
Director Jesse Bush, education and outreach coordinator at the Hangar Theatre, has created a unique, artistic frame for this production. After an unknown apocalyptic event, the survivors, a group of children, find new hope in life by performing a "spectacular" every night for each other in an abandoned rock club. Tonight's performance is Les Misérables School Edition.
They hop on the piano, crank up the microphones and retell this story. Bush says, "In telling this tale about the downtrodden and their last hope of redemption, the kids begin to allay their fears and quell their petty bickering. By the end of the night they have relived the epic story and discovered its meaning in their own predicament."
This full-length musical features a powerful, Tony award-winning score, which includes favorites such as "On My Own," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "Master of the House," and "Bring Him Home."
In order for everyone to have a chance to see Les Misérables School Edition, the Pay What You Can (PWYC) program will reserve seats for the performance on Saturday, August 23 at 10am. Any amount will be accepted for these tickets. The KIDDSTUFF Pay What You Can program is made possible by Cayuga Family Medicine, True Insurance, West Wind Consulting and additional support provided by Autodesk and Chemung Canal Trust Company.
The 2008 KIDDSTUFF season is sponsored by Wegmans, Ithaca Child, and Ithaca Moms. The sponsor for this show is Northeast Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and the Next Generation Theatre School is sponsored by Merrill Lynch of Ithaca.
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