Cranford High School is proud to present Les Misérables: School Edition as its 2026 spring musical. Performances will take place on February 27 and 28 at 7:30 pm and March 1st at 2:00 pm.
Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel of the same name, Les Misérables premiered in 1980 with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Alain Boubil and Jean-Marc Natel. Set in nineteenth-century France and culminating during the June Rebellion of 1832—a brief insurrection by Parisian republicans against the monarchy of Louis Phillippe I—the musical traces the story of Jean Valjean (played by CHS senior Christopher Uglialoro), an ex-convict who breaks parole and seeks redemption as the adoptive father of Cosette (played by CHS junior Sophie Searfoss). Valjean’s efforts toward grace and compassion are relentlessly shadowed by Inspector Javert (played by CHS senior Joshua Ashinoff), a policeman unwavering in his belief that a criminal can never truly change.
Featuring emotionally and vocally demanding songs such as “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” and “One Day More,” the production contains no spoken dialogue; instead, every moment is sung and set to Schönberg’s sweeping score. When asked about the show’s intense vocal demands, musical director Anthony Rafaniello noted, “Yes, it is a significant challenge, but when you set a high bar, students rise to the occasion.” Director Michelle Massa clearly shares Rafaniello’s confidence in CHS students: Massa previously staged Les Misérables at CHS in 2004, and current choreographer Emma Schwartz performed in that production as a student.
Though set nearly two centuries ago, the themes of Les Misérables remain strikingly relevant today. In a world still grappling with questions of justice, inequality, and redemption, the musical challenges audiences to consider whether people should be defined by their past mistakes or by their capacity for growth. It examines the tension between law and mercy and asks if empathy has a place in justice. Through its story of sacrifice, resilience, and hope, Les Misérables reminds audiences that compassion and courage are as necessary now as they were in 1832.
Cranford High School’s production of Les Misérables: School Edition is directed by Michelle Massa and choreographed by Emma Schwartz with musical direction from CHS choral director Anthony Rafaniello.
Tickets are available now at chs.booktix.com or via emailing Mrs. Elizabeth Adams ([email protected]). Grab yours soon—because, as Valjean reminds us, “Another story must begin!”
