As high school musicals go, “Les Miserables” is no “The Little Mermaid.”

It’s a challenging production, acknowledged director/producer Kayla Tamer — possibly one of the most challenging musicals Derry Area High School has ever attempted.

After last year’s “The Little Mermaid,” Tamer felt her students were up to the task.

“Just the level of talent we have right now — we have so many good voices — I thought our students could handle it,” Tamer said.

Derry Area High School will perform the school edition of the Broadway musical “Les Miserables” March 6-8 at the Derry Area Middle School Auditorium. Showtimes are 7 p.m. March 6 and 7, and 2 p.m. March 8.

Tamer said she got feedback from other faculty before asking for approval from the school board.

“I tend to do a Disney one and then a more serious one. The kids know it’s going to be a show we haven’t done before,” said Tamer, who teaches at Grandview Elementary School.

The musical is based on the 19th-century novel by French author Victor Hugo, and tells the story of petty thief Jean Valjean, his pursuit by Inspector Javert and his attempts at redemption.

At a recent rehearsal, Tamer directed the students through a scene in Act 2 involving French revolutionaries on the barricades. Her direction included instructions on how to properly hold fake rifles.

“I think it’s going really well so far. I think they’re doing a great job. It’s going to be a fantastic show,” she said.

There are 70 high school and middle school students in the cast, crew and pit orchestra.

Tickets for reserved seats are $10 per person and can be purchased by calling 724-309-5178, or by visiting the box office at the Middle School rear lobby entrance. Box office hours are 3 to 6 p.m. weekdays except Wednesday.

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