Critics call it "one of the best musicals of all time." Seen by more than 54 million people in 38 countries and 21 languages , Les Misérables is the longest running musical with more than 8,000 performances in 22 years. This spring, Les Misérables comes to the stage at Pomona High School in Arvada.

"We've never done anything like this before," says Pomona Theatre Director Gavin Mayer, " Les Mis has such a grand reputation and mystique. The scale of the show is huge." The story is based on the epic novel, Les Misérables, by author Victor Hugo. Set in post-revolutionary France (1823-1832), it tells a universal tale of the good and bad in human nature.

Mayer and Pomona Vocal Music Director Debbie Miller agree that Les Misérables is among the most challenging musicals for a high school because it is sung through. "The rhythms and ranges are very difficult," says Miller. "But the dedicated cast is exceeding expectations, willing to spend long hours learning the music and complicated timing and entrances."

Forty-six cast members have been rehearsing since early January, putting in as many as 25 hours a week. The students are discovering that Les Mis is a challenge that stretches them as both singers and actors. "Acting is more difficult when it has to fit with the music. We have to rely more on facial expression and body movement," says senior Alex Rodriguez, who plays Jean Valjean.

There are also challenges in relating to characters from another time and place. For senior Katlin Thistle, the key to portraying Fantine came when she read that 19 th century French prostitutes were referred to as slaves. "That really got to me and helped me realize the desperation of my character," she says.

In recent weeks, work has heated up building the professionally designed stage set that features barricades, bridges, and Parisian streets. Paint brushes fly and the stage rings with the sounds of saws and drills as the tech crew, cast members, and parents work at a feverish pitch to complete the set.

"It seems like the whole school is taking part in the musical," notes Miller. English teacher Tim Vialpando incorporated Hugo's 1400-page classic novel into the AP English curriculum. "The students first read the book and then see it performed on stage. There is no better way to make the story come alive," he says. For students in the cast, reading Les Misérables offers important insights into their characters. "The book provided the motivation for everything I do in the show," says junior David Miller, who plays Marius. Vialpando and French teacher Mary Ellen Fuller are serving as resources to the cast, sharing information about the characters, time period and French culture.

Les Misérables will be performed Wednesday, March 19 through Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 pm at Pomona High School, 8101 West Pomona Drive, Arvada. Tickets are being sold in the school cafeteria from 11:15 am to 12:30 pm, weekdays. The cost is $10 for reserved seats and $8 for general admission.

Silent Auction Supports Theatre Program

A Silent Auction will be held at PomonaHigh School before, during and after the evening performances of Les Misérables, March 19 through March 22. Goods and services worth more $8000 have been donated by the local community to benefit the theatre department. There is a wide selection of artwork, sports memorabilia, tools, themed gift baskets, and gift certificates for restaurants and service businesses.

Bidding will be open to the public from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm each night of the performance. To view the silent auction catalog online, go to www.craracing.net/silentauction.pdf. Cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard will be accepted. The auction is sponsored by the Catwalk Theatre Guild, a non-profit parent booster organization. For more information, contact Ann Scott at 303-517-9168.