Les Miserables is one of the most famous musicals in the world. The West End production in London is now in its 41st year. In New York, the show ran on Broadway from 1987 to 2003. “Les Mis“ has been staged in more than 57 countries and in 22 different languages, and now this beloved musical has found its way to Chanhassen High School.
Based on the book by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables weaves together the stories of Jean Valjean (a former convict), Fantine (a struggling single mother), her daughter Cosette, and a band of students on a mission to shape the future of France.
The show is a sung-through musical, meaning there is no spoken dialogue. The story is told entirely through song. That means the actors on stage and the musicians in the pit orchestra had to learn and perform approximately 120 minutes of continuous music.
When asked about the challenge, Brielle Christenson (Eponine) said, “I actually found it much easier to learn and memorize my lines. It was almost like making a mnemonic device to remember the words.”
Parker Radmann (Marius) agreed that the music helped him with memorization.
“But the hardest part is the timing,” he added. “Every line has to line up with the pit orchestra and start and stop exactly where it is meant to.”
“The entire show is like running a marathon,” explained Isaac Rossow (Jean Valjean). “Delivering every single line while singing requires the use of a very wide range which is exhausting on the voice. On top of that, there’s the emotional complexity of the acting involved.”
Rossow also added, “Singing is very fun and rewarding and is more interesting to listen to, making it more appealing and impressive for audiences.”
Les Miserables – School Edition is being staged at the Chanhassen High School auditorium (2200 Lyman Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317). Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. (https://www.gobound.com/mn/mshsl/theatre/2026-27/chanhassen/l1).
(Parents, note that the show does contain some mature themes, violence and language.)
Remaining showtimes for Les Miserables – School Edition are:
Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 13, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
