From Oct. 23 to Oct. 26, the theater department brought to life the heartfelt tale of Jean Valjean, played by sophomore Owen Brown, in the classic musical “Les Misérables,” after months of planning and rehearsals. Beyond the lights, music, and costumes, the production became a testament to teamwork and family, built both on and off the stage.

“Working with the cast and crew has been amazing because we’ve definitely had some newcomers this year, which has been amazing,” senior Ella Globerger, who plays Mme. Thenardier said. “Everyone has been so kind to one another.”

The curtains open to a prison ship in the depths of late 19th-century France, where the audience meets Valjean for the first time. Struggling through the hardships of poverty, he vows to stop his stealing ways and turn to a new path amidst dark times. In doing so, he not only saves lives, but even creates his own family by adopting Cosette, who is played by junior Julianna Rodriguez, after her birth mother Fantine’s death.

“I really love my death scene,” senior Eva Thomas, who was casted as her dream role, Fantine, said. “It’s just so beautiful and such a reminder of hope continuing even through grief. I feel like that’s the story of this show—hope through the darkness.”

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Aarna Mishra

The show ends with the "Epilogue" number, and all major characters' voices join to celebrate redemption, forgiveness, and hope — even Javert. “All the major players come out behind Jean Valjean as he ascends to heaven,” James ‘Billy’ Sims, who plays Javert, said. “When I step forward in the spotlight and look at him, there’s this connection—it’s respect, it’s the culmination of our characters’ lifelong conflict. And then everyone sings together—it’s so hopeful and powerful.”

Throughout his life, Valjean has assumed different secret identities, running from the officer Javert, played by senior James ‘Billy’ Sims. Javert chases Jean Valjean through the years with one goal: to prosecute him in the name of the law. He represents a constant shadow in Valjean’s life, alongside poverty and war.

“It’s such a big contrast to who I am in real life. I’m usually really energetic and goofy, but when I play Javert, I get to channel the darker, more focused parts of myself,” Sims said. “It’s powerful to step into that mindset every night.”

Around Cosette’s eighteenth birthday, Valjean returns to Paris, where most of this musical takes place. There, she immediately falls in love with Marius Pontmercy, played by junior Michael Bowman—a relationship that becomes the symbol for light throughout the rest of the story. Unbeknownst to her, Cosette’s return sets up a love triangle between her love, Marius, and another, Éponine Thenardier, played by senior Ava Botten.

“Éponine is really tough, but she’s also girly in her own way,” said Botten. “I love that I get to show both sides of her—she’s strong, but she still feels everything deeply.”

These events align with the historic timeline of the French Revolution, as Marius decided to fight in the battle at the barricade beside his friends and other townspeople. At this battle, many perish, showing the audience their true sacrifice in hopes of a better future. Understanding the value of life, Valjean saves the lives of both Marius and Javert, leading the officer to question his purpose and realize the truth that not all criminals are unjust.

The play ends with the song “Epilogue,” showing the audience that even in a time of pain, loss and other darkness, hope and love endure as the true prize of all.

“Les Mis is a story about hope,” said Rodriguez. “There’s so much darkness in it, but what I love about playing Cosette is that I get to be the light—to remind people that there’s always something to live for, that every dark night will end.”

Through every note, every costume and every scene, Les Misérables reminded everyone at Libertyville High School that there will always be hope—even in the darkest times.