LES MISÉRABLES and SEUSSICAL JR. to Open at Jackson Arts Ministry

This June, audiences are invited to experience two musical productions as Jackson Arts Ministry (JAM) transforms its outdoor stage into a celebration of music, storytelling, and student talent.

Set against the backdrop of revolutionary France, LES MISERABLES follows the powerful journey of Jean Valjean (Brayden Morgan), a former prisoner seeking redemption while being relentlessly pursued by the determined Inspector Javert (Miles Imregi). After promising the dying Fantine (Maia Minty, Jenarosa Devine) that he will care for her daughter, Valjean becomes the guardian of Cosette (Anna Daly, Jordana Krieger), whose future becomes intertwined with idealistic student revolutionary Marius (Reed Minty) and the passionate rebels led by Enjolras (Jacob Marin).

Along the way, audiences meet the scheming and comedic Thénardiers (Daniel Buonocore & Madison Hassett, Marc Kemprowski & Noelle Brower), who exploit those around them for personal gain, and their daughter Éponine (Paige-Marci Seaman, Isabella Benavides), whose unrequited love for Marius leads her to risk everything to help him. As Paris erupts in unrest and the students prepare to fight for justice at the barricades, the characters' lives collide in a moving story of hope, sacrifice, love, and redemption. Featuring beloved songs including "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," and "One Day More," LES MISERABLES remains one of the world's most powerful and enduring musicals.

Seussical Jr. brings together many of Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters in a colorful musical adventure led by the mischievous Cat in the Hat (Evangeline Steiner). The story follows Jojo (Alex Morello), a young child whose imagination often gets them into trouble, and Horton the Elephant (Olivia Leone), who discovers a tiny world living on a speck of dust and vows to protect it at all costs. Along the way, Horton also agrees to care for an egg left behind by the carefree Mayzie La Bird (Hazel Bertrand), while Jojo struggles to fit in under the watchful eyes of Mr. and Mrs. Mayor of Whoville (Nate Caruso & Callie Mammana). As Horton faces ridicule from the bold and opinionated Sour Kangaroo (Daphne Jones) and others who refuse to believe in the tiny Whos, the characters learn powerful lessons about friendship, loyalty, imagination, and standing up for what is right. Filled with energetic songs, humor, and heart, Seussical Jr. is a fun-filled musical celebration for audiences of all ages.

These shows feature talented young actors from across New Jersey, ranging in age from 10 to 18. Both shows are directed by Denise Tiedemann, who has an extensive theater background, including Broadway. Both shows are presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

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