There’s something transformative transpiring on stage at Las Cruces High School. In a rare show of solidarity, five high schools – Las Cruces, Mayfield, Organ Mountain, Centennial, and Mesilla Valley Christian – are coming together to create a theater production like no other. For one weekend only, March 27-29, LCPS United will present the school edition of Les Misérables, performed entirely by a cast of over 25 students.
The world’s longest running musical, and a true modern classic, Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo’s literary masterpiece. Having won multiple awards, including three Tony Awards and two Drama Desk Awards, the musical is set in 19th century France and follows the story of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict who tries to live a good life and help others, while escaping his criminal past.
So, why this particular play for LCPS United? The show’s director, Knut Brekke – who is also the theater teacher at Mayfield High School – believes it is a show that really speaks to the young performers. Ultimately, it is a tale of love, redemption and the pursuit of justice, all themes familiar to modern audiences.
“This play is really about keeping hope alive when things seem lost,” he said. “I think what audiences take from it is that we must do everything we can to keep hope alive and stay positive, even in the face of constant fear of oppression and inequality. We wanted to do something challenging, something really big for the students to really sink their teeth into. It was about uniting the schools, and the play is really about uniting, so that’s why we’re calling it LCPS United’s production of Les Miz. We did that because, right now, in this time of division, we want to send a message of strength in unity.”
He admits that it’s a fine line to walk, given the current atmosphere, but he also feels that it gives the students something to stand up for.
“Many of them belong to the LGBTQ community,” he said. “Or they are just part of the different breed that makes up the theater world. I tell them, this is where you get to take all that emotion you’re feeling about what’s going on in the world, and put it into your singing. This play is going to be beautiful, it’s from the heart, it shows what Las Cruces can do when we have the resources and the right team together. We have some amazing talent here, and it’s about time that people see that.”
Initially envisioned as an entry to the Enchantment Awards, the annual New Mexico high school musical theater awards takes place in May and celebrates the accomplishments of drama students and teachers from throughout the state. The musical has taken on a life of its own.
“What’s really great is we have the backing of the school district and all the schools are one hundred percent on board,” Brekke said. “Everybody is really pulling for this. We have community members helping, including Lisa Hermanson from NMSU, who has come on to assist with the musical direction. We have all the theater teachers from all the schools involved. We’ve had relatives of students coming in to help build sets. It’s been really great to see the community supporting the arts like this.”
Ultimately, this is what Brekke and the other theater teachers involved believe is their mission.
“We want people to understand how important theater and the arts are to teaching kids the skills they won’t develop anywhere else,” he said. “Social skills, confidence, how to present yourself, how to convey what’s important to you, and do it in a way that makes people listen. The more we can support these kids in these endeavors, and the more we can show them how important it is, the better we will be as a society.”
Brekke also believes that this production transcends the average school play. It resonates with young and old alike, and because of the efforts of those involved, is every bit as polished and professional as anything being presented locally.
“We have such talented kids here,” he said. “I want them to shine and show the world what they’re capable of. I think people will be thoroughly entertained with what they see, and when they walk out, they’ll forget that it’s a high school show, because of the passion these young actors have. When they hit their notes on the end song, I don’t think there will be a dry eye in the room.”
LCPS United’s production of Les Misérables runs 7 p.m., Thursday-Saturday, March 27-29, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, at Las Cruces High School’s Robert L. Gaines Theater, 1750 El Paseo Rd., Las Cruces. Tickets are $15 at the door and cash only. Doors open half an hour before showtime. For more information, call Knut Brekke at 575-201-3077.
