School Edition of Les Misérables showcases young talent in the Mat-Su

PALMER — This Friday is the premier night for Les Misérables: School Edition at the Glenn Massay Theater. Directed by AJ Seims, about 45 young adults (ages 18 and under) make up the cast for this rendition of the classic musical surrounding the French Revolution. Preparing since November, the cast and crew are excited to use the illustrious theater and bring forth their toils of their labors.

This cast is comprised of young adults both in and freshly out of high school. Over 100 people auditioned back in September. Students from Colony, Palmer, Wasilla, and Reddington high schools fill the cast, along with some new graduates and younger children.

“This is a good group to work with,” Seims said.

Seims has been directing on and off over the years, picking up the pace in the last three to four years. He said that Les Misérables was among his favorite productions to work on, the other being the Fiddler on the Roof. He said that he chose Les Misérables because it has “meat” in the story with a resonating message of hope and redemption. He said that his actors are bringing a lot of skill and impressive singing voices to this production. This play will feature a live orchestra, directed by Dale Tumey. Sara Guhl was the one who recruited Tumey and other musicians around the Mat-Su Valley and is acting as the musical director, keeping everyone in line.

“I’m a director’s worst nightmare,” she joked.

Kimber Hightower is the stage manager for this production. She said that this final week of preparation has stirred a lot of excitement in the cast and crew. She said that after putting on the costumes, stepping onto the stage and hitting the lights, the actors "come to life.”

“It’s been so much fun at the Glenn Massay. It’s so fancy!” Hightower said.

Hightower said the Mat-Su Valley contains a “huge pool of talent.” This will be Charly Rentz's fourth production at the Glenn Massay Theater. She plays Cosette. She’s excited for the opening night.

“We’ve put a lot of effort into this,” Rentz said.

Les Misérables – School Edition opens tonight at 7 p.m. To buy tickets or see other show times, visit www.glennmassaytheater.com.