Nathan Bankert, director of the Pequea Valley High School (PVHS) production of "Les Miserables," is happy to laud the cast members, videographers, audio specialists, learners, and others who have helped make the spring show a reality. "It has been a community effort to put such a major production together in a totally different way," said Bankert.

The show will be recorded and livestreamed to ticketholders via a link on Thursday, March 18, at 7 p.m.; Friday, March 19, at 7:30 p.m.; and Saturday, March 20, at 2 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at http://www.showTix4U.com/events/19236.

Known as "Les Mis," the show is set in early 19th-century France, and the story follows French peasant Jean Valjean, played by Ian Hershey, who was imprisoned for 19 years a a result of stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving child. After Valjean's life is changed by the forgiveness of a priest, he attempts to create a new, respectable life for himself, eventually raising Cosette, played by Sarah Keenan, as if she were his daughter. Over the years, Valjean is pursued by Inspector Javert, played by Jazae Maina-Itegi, who is determined to send him back to prison. Others playing lead roles include Alexandria Martelli as Eponine, Julia Shaubach as Fantine, and Jamison Caster as Marius. The show is sung through, but it is known for specific songs, including "One Day More." Well-known solos include "I Dreamed a Dream," sung by Shaubach; "On My Own," sung by Martelli; and "Stars," sung by Maina-Itegi.

Both Hershey and Caster noted that memorization for the lengthy production is a challenge, but that issues related to COVID-19 restrictions are more complicated. "It's hard to decide how to do a scene without being too close," said Hershey.

Martelli agreed, sayting, "We can't really do any partner dancing and no hugging."

Other COVID-related issues include the unpredictability of the situation. "We never really know if we will be at school the next day or even the next week," said Caster, noting that the snowy weather has added to the problem.

Hershey said that he is intrigued with the process of creating a movie rather than doing a live performance, and Martelli added that the opportunity to do the show adds an element of normalcy to the cast members' lives.

Bankert said that he specifically chose the show because he knew it could be streamed. To make the process safe for all involved, the audio and video were recorded separately with help from faculty member Kent Haberern on video and volunteer Frank Heverin on audio. "I thought that would be the safest way to do it," said Bankert.