York's Belmont Theatre presents LES MISERABLES - School Edition

The Belmont Theatre will present the classic Les Misérables - School Edition on the mainstage September 15-17 & 21-24. This production will be performed entirely by students ages 18 and younger, featuring top vocal talents from area schools. The Belmont Theatre has recently won two Broadway World awards for Best Youth Production in South Central Pa for The Little Mermaid Jr and School of Rock. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are at 3:00 p.m. The show runs 2 hours and 15 minutes, plus one 15 minute intermission.

Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 65 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. Now adapted for high school performers, Les Misérables School Edition features one of the most memorable scores of all time. In nineteenth century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter. Les Misérables- School Edition is directed by The Belmont Theatre's Artistic Director Rene Staub. Vocal Direction is by Lisa Pantano and Choreography is by Sarah Flynn. The cast of over 50 features mostly High School students from York County as well as Cumberland Valley High School. Spring Grove High School Senior Vincent Beck plays Jean Valjean. Seth Shields, also a senior at Spring Grove High Shool, plays his nemesis, Javert. Hanover High School's Luke Mumma plays Marius. Enjolras is played by Chico Monroy from Dillsburg. Cumberland Valley High School's Hannah Dubois plays Fantine, and Central High School's Anneliese Reichart plays Cosette. Spring Grove School's Chloe Braden plays Eponine. Thenardier is played by Ben Fowler from York Haven and Northeastern High School's Kendall O'Keefe plays his wife, Madame Thenardier. The youngest players include eleven year old Morgan Burkhardt of York as young Cosette and nine year old Rowan Barber from Hanover as Gavroche. The set design features a large revolving stage that helps transition the show smoothly from scene to scene. The show also features two story set pieces as well as a bridge and giant barricade that rotates.

Patrons are urged to not wait to purchase tickets. Some of the past productions have sold out before they opened! Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are at 3:00 p.m. Group sales are available. Go to www.thebelmont.org or call 854-5715 for advance tickets and more information.