Arts Center to Stage 'Les Misérables'

Moorpark's High Street Arts Center will be one of the first local theater companies in the world to present Les Miserables when the musical opens this weekend.

The play, based on the novel by Victor Hugo, tells the story of a man who has broken parole after 18 years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. Determined to get his man, a pious inspector pursues the man. Woven throughout the chase are a number of enduring and deeply tragic characters—all set during a student revolt that took place about 40 years after the French Revolution, when little has improved since the overthow of King Louis XVI and the fall of the Bastille.

The High Street production stars Mischa Pollack as Jean Valjean, Nick Newkirk as Javert, Courtney Bolen as Fantine, Jessica Rau as Eponine, Rachel Pugh as Cosette, Ryan Driscoll as Marius, Shawn Lanz and Tami Keaton as Monsieur and Madame Thenardier and Connor Green as Gavroche.

Kathee Boyer and Arts Center Director Ken Rayzor are producing the show and Arryck Adams is directing.

Les Miserables opens Saturday, June 1 with a show at 8 p.m. Thereafter performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 7.

Opening night tickets include a champagne reception with the cast following the show. Opening night ticket prices are $25 for adults; $21 for seniors (55+), students, teachers and military personnel and $17 for children 12 and under.

Ticket prices for all other performances are $20 for adults; $16 for seniors (55+), students, teachers and military and $12 for children 12 and under.

Group rates are available for all performances, including opening night.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.highstreetartscenter.com. For group sales and other information, call 805-529-8700 or e-mail  HighStreetArtsCenter@gmail.com. The theater is located at 45 East High Street.