FYN received word this week that Gilmer County High School was in danger of cancelling its performance of Victor Hugo’s classic Les Miserables. These concerns come in the eleventh hour, as the debut performance is scheduled for May 4th. According to members of the community, the play is in danger of being cancelled because of the portrayal of “women of ill-repute” in the play and certain songs deemed inappropriate.

FYN has contacted Superintendant Bryan Dorsey, BOE Chairperson Kathy Jones, former GHS Principal Erick Hofstetter, current GHS Principal Adam Hathaway, and GHS Theatre/Drama Director Sarah Harbins to confirm these statements.

In an email to FYN today, Superintendent Dorsey responded to our inquiries. He stated he was not aware that GHS Theatre/Drama Director Sarah Harbins had cancelled the play. Subsequently, Harbin told FYN this afternoon that she has submitted changes to the play to MTI (Music Theatre International) to approve the changes. Harbins said she is waiting approval of the changes and expects to hear back from MTI soon. She did, not, however, comment on why the changes had were made and what the changes were, explaining that since the changes have not been approved, it was too early to comment.

As of now, she said, the play is not cancelled; the play will proceed as scheduled, with performances on May 4th and 5th.

However, questions about the situation still linger. Why were the changes made? When was the decision made to make changes? When were the changes submitted? And, what happens if MTI does not approve the changes?

We have yet to hear a response from the rest of the above list. FYN will continue to report on this story as details become available.