By Holly Demaree
“Les Miserables” is known for its large cast and the strong vocal elements it uses to tell the story about Jean Valjean’s life. Grace Church, 5504 E. 146th St., Noblesville, and its satellite campus, Grace Church-Fishers, have decided to take on the challenge and produce “Les Miserables” in the hopes of raising money for two local non-profit organizations: Hands of Hope and Safe Families.
Both organizations help children find a safe place whether it be for a safe place during a crisis or adoption. Grace Church has put on productions in the past such as “The Sound of Music” and To “To Kill a Mockingbird” but never anything as large as “Les Miserables.”
“The story itself was appealing to us, it’s a story we want people to hear and we also value the arts and artists,” said director Amy Christie. “It’s exciting to us that we can create a show with so many people with multiple generations. There is such a mix of age in our show and there is something really cool when all of these people of different ages come together.”
Open auditions were held so members of the community could also be involved as well as the members of Grace Church. A total of 150 people auditioned and 116 were cast. Every person involved in the production is a volunteer. Costumes, props and the set are being created by crew members and borrowed or purchased from local stores or theaters.
“It is a huge effort from a lot of people,” Christie said. “Many are doing it for the sheer love of God and the show and being able to serve god through this.”
The main reason for creating the production is to raise money for local charities. However, Christie said she hopes the cast and crew realize it is more than just being applauded for a great performance and the creation of a beautiful set, but also from a service stand point.
“Just like somebody serving our church, working with our children or serving through a different capacity, no matter what you are doing it is a service for God,” Christie said. “This is coming together to serve our Lord. So I hope that people walk away feeling well and the feeling of bonding with each other and that their relationship with God has deepened.”
Tickets are $7. Performances, which are open to the community, are 7 p.m. Oct. 23, 24, 26, 30 and 31; 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and Nov. 1; and 2 p.m. Oct. 26 and Nov. 2. Hands of Hope and Safe Families also will be at each performance to give additional information and collect donations.
