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On the weekends of February 18 and 25, Pine Hills Academy showcased its live presentation of Les Miserables, which became a community-relevant outreach.

The two-weekend theatrical production marked the tenth year of drama at Pine Hills. First-time Stage Director and Producer Lorelie Krussow stated, 鈥淐reating this production was an incredible experience that included community, parents, students, and school staff to pull off.鈥�

The famous story of industrialist ex-convict Jean Valjean鈥檚 reformation in 19^th century France featured spectacular costumes created by parents Heather Wells, Deborah Price, and a cast of volunteers. According to Krussow, the wardrobe team found or made each garment from curtains, sheets, and any source of fabric they could find.鈥�

Parent Jenell Wareham reported that thirty-one of the school鈥檚 thirty-six students were involved in the production. Responsibilities included singing, acting, lighting, audio-visual, curtains, and every other job behind the scenes. Krussow, also the school鈥檚 English teacher, gushed, 鈥淭he transformation we see in students year after year after going through the play is difficult even to articulate – but what we see clearly is authentic teamwork at its peak.鈥�

Musical Director Terri Taaffe was responsible for turning high-school students into Broadway(esque) performers. According to several volunteers, 鈥淭erri was an inspiration that motivated and inspired the students to reach deep when performing this complex musical.鈥� A song from the play was even sung live on Sacramento鈥檚 TV Fox40.

With the added notoriety, one community attendee, with no affiliation with Pine Hills, said, 鈥淚 never knew this school was in my community! I couldn鈥檛 believe the quality of the production I saw tonight.鈥� Reflecting on similar interactions, Krussow stated, 鈥淥ne lady from our community asked for a stack of flyers to distribute among her neighbors!鈥�

Krussow concluded, 鈥淭he overall production of a play builds student confidence. We see confidence transfers from drama to leadership roles they take on, their public speaking skills, and their willingness to participate upfront in their local churches.鈥�

Principal David Carreon added, 鈥淭his wasn鈥檛 just another theater production. It was a community builder that included musicians, volunteers, and even donors without school or church affiliation. This event truly connected Pine Hills to our community.鈥�

Featured in Northern Lights, March 9, 2023