This year, Skyline High School is putting on the musical Les Miserables, which is a story about Jean Valjean, an ex-convict. It is set after the French Revolution, and while the plot is sad, it also has hope. Jean Valjean is released from prison after 19 years. He gets his life back on track; however, there is still a policeman who strictly follows the law who doesn’t think criminals should be redeemed. 

Emma Williams, a Junior who is playing Madame Thénardier, explained, “I love Les Mis; it’s such an amazing play, and it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in Les Mis.” 

There are many different parts and different people who tried out for the musical this year. They did single casting instead of double, which means it was harder to get the part you auditioned for. 

Williams said, “A lot of people tried out. It was a lot more than last year, but I think one of the reasons is Les Mis is just such a well known, amazing show that a lot of people jumped up at the opportunity to be in it.” This further shows how many people love Les Miserables and shows that many people had wanted to be cast in this musical. 

The cast is excited to be a part of this production and is excited to perform it in November. They are particularly excited to perform this, as it has many things that separates it from other musicals. For example, this musical has many different characters, including Jean Valjean, Cosette, and the Thénardier’s. 

Francesca West, who is in the ensemble, explained further on that concept and the difference between characters. She said, “They all have very different emotions. They all feel very differently about what’s happening. Like Cosette, she grows up poor, and then becomes rich and, or not rich, but she ends up being very… She ends up well versus Eponine who grew up with a silver spoon, and then when she’s an adult, doesn’t have it anymore. And then, of course, Javert is just a bad guy.” 

Williams had also explained the audition process. “So, this year you prepared a song from the musical, and you signed up for an audition date. And then, on the day, you sung in front of all the other people auditioning that day, and then if you were what the judges wanted, then you would come back for callback the next day,” she said. 

Some people in the musical expressed that they liked acting and what their favorite part about acting was. Williams had said, “My favorite part about acting, everyone says this, but you can be another person while you’re acting. I also love the different things you’re allowed to explore while acting.” West also said, “I love being on stage, performing, speaking, just expressing myself, ’cause it’s the only way I know how to. Like being dramatic and acting and using hand gestures. Yeah, I just love it.”