The Ellijay Elementary School auditorium was packed on Friday, May 4th as the Gilmer High School drama department opened their version of the musical production “Les Miserables”. “Les Miserables” is a classic 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo, first adapted to the stage as a musical in 1980 by Claude-Michel Schönberg. The play is set in Revolutionary France and tells the story of Jean Val jean, who finds hope and redemption while in pursuit by Inspector Javert.

GHS’ version of the play featured a total of 36 cast members, and included impressive performances by senior Jarod Vautrot as Jean Val jean and junior Jared Jones as Javert. The journey in time back to France took audience members on a cathartic experience as they followed the adventures of Val jean, and ended with the wedding of Marius Pontmercy, played by senior Jacob Bennet, to the beautiful Cosette played by junior Mia Burgess. A total of 16 back-stage crew members also helped with the play’s production.

The show recently underwent scrutiny after some members of the community allegedly reported there was a danger of the play being cancelled because of the portrayal of “women of ill-repute” and certain songs deemed inappropriate in the play. However, these reports were never confirmed.

When asked about the controversy surrounding the play before the show, GHS Theatre/Drama Director Sarah Harbin told FYN,

“We are doing the show in full and we did not remove anything from the play.”

When asked how she thought people might react to this Harbin said,

“There is nothing controversial in the play as it is.”

Harbin also told FYN that she hoped the audience would take away a feeling of perseverance from the play, saying,

“I hope they get inspiration and I hope that they see that there is always good in helping others and staying positive.”

The play was performed on Saturday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. and Saturday night at 7:00 p.m., as well. The GHS drama department did not charge admission, but donations were taken to help the local food bank.