“Les Miserables,” the world’s longest running musical, is coming to the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this weekend. Presented by a company of 60 talented students, The Twilight Theatre will perform the student edition of “Les Miserables” July 6, 7, 13 and 14. A worldwide favorite, “Les Miserables” has been translated into 21 different languages.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, this author-approved version has been abridged, while carefully maintaining the integrity of one of the greatest musicals ever written.

“Les Miserables” is an epic story that recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father - violating his parole in the process. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter Cosette, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed.

This young cast of performers features Trevor Martin, who makes his debut performance with Twilight in the role of Jean Valjean. Martin, a 2007 Fayette County High School graduate, has performed with the FCHS Select Chorus, the Georgia High School All State and Spivey Hall Honor Chorus. He played Jesus in the Southside Theater Guild’s 2006 performance of “Godspell” and the Page in “Amal and the Night Visitors” with the Southern Crescent Chorale. He will pursue a degree in vocal performance at Georgia Southern University in the fall.

The vocally gifted Charlie Duncan owns the role of Inspector Javert in “Les Miserables.” His previous performance credits include: “Cats,” “Urinetown,” “Charlie Brown,” “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” and “Cycle of Their Fathers: A New Rock Musical.” Duncan is studying voice under Walter Cuttino at the University of South Carolina.

The dreamy Fantine is played by Amy Hebel, the reigning Fayette Idol. She dances with the Fayette Dance Theatre and recently marched with the Fayette County High School Marching Band in the London New Year’s Day Parade and the 2007 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Her recent theatrical performances include “Cats,” “Everything Music,” “The Nutcracker,” “Wizard of Oz,” and “Annie.”

Emma Stitt, a 2007 Starr’s Mill High School graduate, plays the love-struck Cosette. Stitt has performed in over thirty community and professional productions. This is her fourth show with The Twilight Theatre. She was a Governor’s Honors Program vocal major for the summer of 2006. Recent roles include Kim in “Bye Bye Birdie,” “Cinderella” at Spivey Hall, Liesl in “The Sound of Music,” and Ado Annie in “Oklahoma!” She has been awarded an academic scholarship to attend Mercer University.

Caitlin Wade, a rising junior at Whitewater High School, plays Eponine. Wade returns to the Twilight stage after portraying Gertie Cummings in “Oklahoma!,” Ronnie Boylan in “Annie,” and Louisa Von Trapp in “The Sound of Music.” She has also performed with Fayette-Coweta Family Theatre, Sharpsburg on Stage, and Southside Theatre Guild. She recently attended the Lead America Conference in New York City for Theater Arts in June.

“This is going to be a phenomenal show and is a tremendous opportunity to showcase the incredible young talent we have in our community,” said Twilight Theatre artistic director Alison Chambers, who is also directing and music directing the show. “It's going to be an experience not to be missed. Everyone has put in countless hours of work on stage and on the music.”

Performances are scheduled for July 6, 7, 13, and 14 at 8 p.m. at The Fredrick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City. Tickets are $15 for general admission in advance ($13 for students and seniors) and $17 for general admission at the door ($15 for students and seniors). Tickets are on sale now at the amphitheater box office (770-631-0630) or at any TicketMaster location.

Parents are cautioned that “Les Miserables” contains mature content and is suggested for audiences age 12 and up. For additional information regarding “Les Miserables,” visit www.TheTwilightTheatre.com.

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