STEVENSVILLE, Mich. — Children’s Music Workshop’s (CMW) TeenStock, the young adult group, will present the musical spectacular “Les Misérables” on the Lake Michigan College Mendel Center Mainstage July 18, 19 and 20.

“After partnering with Lake Michigan College to make its home in the Hanson Theater for the last two summers, TeenStock is excited to move up to the ‘Big Stage,’” said CMW Board President David Neidlinger. “This is a tremendous opportunity for our young people to hone their performance skills in a much different venue than they have performed before. We are grateful to LMC and the Mendel Center for helping us to provide this opportunity to the teens of southwest Michigan.”

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. Epic, grand and uplifting, “Les Misérables” packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world.

The production will be staffed by the veteran team of director Susan Matheny, choreographer Emily Hosinski, Assistant director Dave Neidlinger and music director Rebecca Derbas Selvidge. They are the CMW team that has brought youth productions of “Hairspray,” “Legally Blonde,” “Spamalot,” and most recently “Shrek the Musical” to southwest Michigan. This time, they are excited to be adding another amazing talent to the team, Katherine Rowher will be joining them as an additional music director.

TeenStock productions are for individuals in grades seven through age 20. Auditions will be held at four southwest Michigan locations. Audition information will be available on the CMW website, www.cmwonline.org. There is a $65 participation fee for those cast in the production and financial-need scholarships are available.

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 while honing their performing arts skills by producing full-scale plays and musicals.

CMW is a non-profit children’s theatre organization dedicated to inspiring self-confidence, communication skills and self-worth in all children.

Through theatre 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, 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. Winner of eight Tony® Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book, and Best Direction, as well as Drama Desk Outstanding Musical, Les Misérables 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.