The Adderly School Announces LES MISERABLES At The ZACH Theatre

THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL is proud to announce a presentation of "Les Misérables" at the ZACH Theatre this April. ADDERLEY's Advanced ARTE Conservatory production of Les Misérables brings talented students from all backgrounds to the ZACH Theatre stage with a live orchestra.

The shows are open to the public and will take place on Friday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 28 at 2:00 p.m., and again that day at 6:00 p.m. Additionally, 90 children from local underserved communities in Austin have been sponsored to see the show. Public tickets are on sale now at www.theadderleyschool.org/rsvp. For more information on THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL, please see www.theadderleyschool.org.

"Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, 'Les Misérables' tells an enthralling story of broken dreams, unrequited love, sacrifice and redemption," said Janet Adderley, Founder of THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL. "This Broadway blockbuster is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit and the power of optimism during dark times. Hearing children sing one of the greatest scores of all time is an unforgettable experience, bringing new life to songs like 'Do You Hear the People Sing?,' 'On My Own,' 'Master of the House' and 'One Day More.' Their voices will amaze and astound you."

THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL was created in 1993 to teach children how to stand confidently in the world. Since its inception, thousands of toddlers, kids, and teenagers have found a passion for musical theatre and a belief in their abilities. With the support of the community, THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL provides partial and full tuition waivers to underserved students from low income Austin communities and stages live performances, which offer Austin youth the opportunity to experience the magic of the musical theatre art form while also providing ADDERLEY SCHOOL students with the transformative experience of performing for a live audience. As a Texas nonprofit seeking 501(c)3 status, ADDERLEY will "level the playing field," giving all Austin children the opportunity to grow and flourish in its transformative theater school program, regardless of their ability to pay tuition. THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL has been operating for the past 25 years on the West Coast and moved its headquarters to Austin in 2015. In two short years, the program has exploded, teaching over 200 kids annually in six local locations.

ADDERLEY SCHOOL alum Jack Dylan Grazer has announced a scholarship fund in his name for two Adderley students in need (one boy and one girl) annually. Grazer is the breakout teen star of the hit Stephen King remake, "IT," the highest grossing horror film in history. Next, Jack will star in DC Comic's superhero film "Shazam!" (See here for more info.) This past Feb. 3, ADDERLEY hosted "An Evening with Jack Dylan Grazer" in collaboration with The Austin Film Society. The event showcased ADDERLEY's Advanced Conservatory, highlighting the significant ways in which it impacts the lives of students and the community as a whole. The events incorporated opportunities to meet Jack and a silent auction fundraiser to support ADDERLEY's nonprofit children's musical theater school.

"I found my calling at THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL and I want to share that magical experience of joy in embracing who you are, digging deep, reaching high, letting loose and living your light," said Jack Dylan Grazer. "ADDERLEY is dedicated to helping its students come alive on stage through commitment, dedication, team building and having fun. I am ever so appreciative of them for teaching me that I had a home, a calling, an outlet and most importantly, a dream, a family, an ensemble. I want those who truly are as enthusiastic about honing their craft of being a performer to be a part of the ADDERLEY family and shine your light on the stage with all your might!"

Jack Dylan Grazer at an ADDERLEY SCHOOL event in Austin
"Jack grew up in our conservatory, his confidence and success are a great source of inspiration for all of our students," said Janet Adderley. "We are so proud of him and eternally grateful for his desire to help the next generation pursue their dreams."

"THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL was and still is one of the key factors that inspired me to become who I am today and pushed me to discover that I am capable of reaching my greatest potential within my craft," said Grazer. "I love it so much!"

"I have spent the lion's share of my career impacting the lives of countless fortunate children who could afford to pay tuition," said Adderley. "As a woman of color from modest beginnings, who grew up in Texas in the late '60s at the dawn of integration, I was also one of the 'fortunate ones.' I was blessed with brilliant, dedicated parents who supported me and taught me by example to dream big dreams. They made great sacrifices to expose me to everything - theater, ballet, music and art. Sadly, we are not all so lucky. I am determined to be a role model for those less fortunate children among us of all races who don't have the opportunities and support in life that I had. Musical theater changed my life. Becoming a nonprofit will allow THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL to give all children in Austin the opportunity to benefit from our life changing musical theater school program."

Janet Adderley created THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL in 1993 in an attempt to teach her shy, young daughter how to be heard.

"If I were a color, I'd be fire engine red," said Adderley. "If my daughter were a color, she'd be lavender. I created THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL to help my lavender girl find her red voice. The training students receive at ADDERLEY fortifies them for life - building confidence, strengthening problem solving skills, instilling the importance of teamwork, accountability to something greater than one's self and respect for others, not to mention an amazing experience in theater. THE ADDERLEY SCHOOL promotes literacy and the power of the written word."

Janet Adderley interviews Jack Dylan Grazer at an ADDERLEY event
Janet Adderley continues to bring incredible, one of a kind performance opportunities to her students each year. In 2016, Austin Adderley students joined Andrea Bocelli on the stage of the Frank Erwin Center during his Dec. 8 concert to sing backup on "Amazing Grace." See here for a video (credit: Joe Sekel).

The next major production for ADDERLEY will include "A, MY NAME IS ALICE," in collaboration with Kathy Valentine, taking place at The Townsend on June 1 and 2. For more information, please see www.theadderleyschool.org.