Michiana students are preparing for their performance of “Les Miserables” at Lake Michigan College’s Mendel Center in Benton Harbor July 18-20.

Epic, grand and uplifting, “Les Misérables” packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world and is the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Direction.

“Les Misérables” sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in 19th century France. Discover a nation in the grip of revolution, where convict Jean Valjean is on the run. Hunted relentlessly by the policeman Javert for breaking his parole, he must leave his past behind and keep his vow to raise the young orphaned Cosette. But with revolution in the air and Javert closing in, Jean Valjean has no choice but to fight for his life and sacrifice everything to protect the people he loves.

The cast consists of 70 talented teens from all over southwest Michigan.

Principal roles are played by Erik Thorson, Colin West, Kaity Wade, Vaughan Radde, Madeline Schrock, Tierra Payne, Max Daniel, Scott Burnett and Kelsey Trux.

The production is staffed by director Susan Matheny, choreographer Emily Hosinski, music directors Rebecca Derbas Selvidge and Katherine Rohwer and assistant director Dave Neidlinger.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $11 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or be reserved by credit card. Call Children’s Music Workshop at (269) 422-2930 or visit the organization online at www.lmcmainstage.org.

TeenStock is the young adult division of CMW and is devoted to building better communities and citizens by educating its members to be a positive force that supports service organizations and local charities. TeenStock provides opportunities for youth to participate in community service all while honing their performing arts skills by producing full-scale plays and musicals. TeenStock productions are for individuals in grades seven through age 20.

CMW is a non-profit children’s theatre organization dedicated to inspiring self-confidence, communication skills and self-worth in all children. Through theater and community service, CMW provides youth with opportunities to develop leadership and citizenship skills. CMW supports inclusion to advance social unity in the communities it serves. For additional information contact Children’s Music Workshop at (269) 422-2930 or visit our website at www.cmwonline.org.

Children’s Music Workshop is made possible in part by grants from the Frederick S. Upton Foundation, The Berrien Community Foundation, and Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs. CMW is sponsored by Lake Michigan College, Dura Mold, Global Mold Tech Management, Whirlpool Corporation, United Federal Credit Union and 98.3 the Coast. The organization values the support of the community through tax-deductible donations and corporate sponsorships.

“Les Misérables,” a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, is based on a novel by Victor Hugo. In addition to Tony® Awards, Les Misérables won the Drama Desk Outstanding Musical Award. The show features music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer. The production is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI) by arrangement with Cameron Mackintosh Ltd.