SAF Young People’s Theatre: “Les Miserables,” 1/31, 2/1 & 2/3!

25 Jan SAF Young People’s Theatre: “Les Miserables,” 1/31, 2/1 & 2/3!

Telluride’s SAF Young People’s Theater continues its 21st season with a high school production of Les Misérables. The show is live at the historic Sheridan Opera House January 31, Feb. 1, and 3, 2020. (Dark on Super Bowl Sunday.) 


Young People’s Theater Artistic Director Leah Heidenreich directs the musical, which stars 23 actors in grades 9-12.

Tickets are $16 adults and $13 for children 18 and under in advance; prices increase by $1 at the door. Lap children are free. All three nights will sell out in advance, so everyone is encouraged to buy early.  For tickets and more information visit www.SheridanOperaHouse.com or call 970-728-6363 ext. 5.

“Les Misérables” is the world’s longest running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. The multi-award-winning “Les Misérables” is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985.

“’Les Misérables’ is the musical that sparked my own passion for theatre when I was just 14 years old. The story is heart-wrenching, the music is hypnotizing and epic, and the overall experience of witnessing this masterpiece of art is something that stays with you for your entire life. Two hundred years from now ‘Les Misérables’ will be as iconic as ‘The Magic Flute’ and ‘The Marriage of Figaro.’ Mark my words!,” states Heidenreich.

As the story goes, in 19th-century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment. Finding nothing in store for him beyond mistrust and mistreatment, he breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption.

Valjean is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 183, 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.

Epic, grand, and uplifting, “Les Misérables” packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world.

“’Les Misérables’ could technically be called an opera; it is essentially 2 ½ hours of singing. Because of this endeavor, I have recruited a group of 10 adult “pit singers” to add that extra muscle and oomph to the ensemble. Prepare to have your mind blown. No, seriously. Your mind will be blown,” gushes Heidenreich.

“Les Misérables” stars Thomas Hatcher as Jean Valjean; Maxwell Gorraiz as Javert; Charlotte Botenhagen as Fantine; Peter Spencer and Linnea Taylor as The Thenardiers; Mariposa Boyd as Eponine; Koko Waller as Cosette; Cassidy Craige as Gavroche; Owen Murphy as Marius; and Rowen Warren as Enjolras.

The cast is rounded out with Gizelle Winter, Chloie Plumber, Gary Bush, Kaizer Gorraiz, Kashius Ford, Olivia Hatcher, Hollis Andrew, TJ Neumann, Emmett Murphy, Jack Spencer, Maya Geiger, Virginia Wilkes, and Shintiel Potterton playing several other featured roles.

Heidenreich, in her third season as Young Peoples Theater’s Artistic Director. She is joined by Rob Wagner on sound design; Tommy Wince on light design; Buff Hooper on set design; and Traci Baize and Luci Reeve on costume design.

“I can’t wait for the community to witness what this cast has created. It has been incredible to watch these 23 young thespians fall in love with the material the same way I did 18 years ago. I haven’t seen a cast become so attached and committed to their material at hand as these kids since I took the helm of YPT,” concludes Heidenreich.