CCHS had never done a musical, until this year (2010). We performed the timeless story of The French Revolution, Les Miserable.

A prisoner named Jean Valjean has just been released on parole by an arrogant soldier named Javert. Valjean was imprisoned for stealing bread. His time in prisons has hardened him into a demoralized, selfish wretch.  Once released on parole, he is shunned by everyone he turns to for shelter. He meets the ‘bishop of Dinge’ who welcomes him warmly. That night, Valjean is overcome by his former thieving spirit, steals the bishop’s silver and runs. He is brought back to the bishop, but out of kindheartedness, the bishop lies that he gave Valjean the silver. In return, Valjean is to start a new and honest life.

Eight years later, having broken parole, Valjean has taken on the name Monsieur Madeline. He is now a charitable owner of a large factory. A worker named Fantine gets fired over an argument about the money she is sending to Cossette, her illegitimate child. Ill and desperate for money, Fantine becomes a prostitute. Javert, now a policeman, arrests her for fighting against an abusive ‘customer’. Valjean compassionately demands her release and hospitalization.

Monsieur is exposed as the escaped convict, Valjean.  Before he is taken to prison, Valjean visits Fantine. She asks Valjean to care for her daughter. Valjean pleads with Javert to allow him to fulfill his promise to Fantine. Javert refuses. Determined, Valjean overcomes him; flees to get Cosette from a deceitful innkeeper named Thénardier and brings her to Paris.  Javert eventually follows. Valjean takes a new identity in order to hide from Javert

Nine years later, vain Cosette falls in love with a rebel named Marius. Rebels are preparing to riot. Romantic Marius sends a love letter to Cosette via Éponie, Valjean intercepts the letter and goes to save Marius from the fight.

After infiltrating the rebel camp, Javert is exposed as a spy. Valjean arrives and saves a rebel, gaining the privilege of executing Javert. However he liberates him instead. None escape the riot except Valjean and unconscious Marius.  Javert finds Valjean yet again. Javert agrees to allow Valjean to hospitalize Marius before returning to prison. Javert can’t handle Valjean’s mercy at the riot, and commits suicide. 

Valjean leaves Cosette because he is putting her in danger. Cosette marries Marius, soon after; Thénardier tells Marius that Valjean saved him from the riot. Marius and Cosette go and find Valjean and make amends before he dies.