In the years leading up to the French Revolution of 1832, Jean Valjean, released from prison after 19 years, vows to turn his life around.

His struggle, first told in the novel by Victor Hugo and then turned into the musical by Alan Boublil and Claude-Michael Schönberg, can be seen in Rugby Theater at 7 p.m. on Friday, the opening night of the fall musical “Les Misérables.” Performances will follow Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 4 p.m. and a dress rehearsal will be open to all tomorrow at 4:30 p.m.

Julian Hicks ’08 plays Valjean while other primary roles include Javert (Bryan Kurtzman ’08), Marius (Brandon Levin ’09) and Cosette (Zoe Johnson ’08).

The cast includes 44 students, three of whom are from the Middle School.

“The chorus and the leads have become one ensemble,” said Amy Shaughnessy ’08, who plays Fantine.

The play is produced by Director of the Theater Program Christopher Moore and directed by performing arts teachers Michelle Spears and Ted Walch.

“We’ve been working so hard on this, and it’s all going to pay off,” said Shaughnessy. “The story it tells is really powerful. The music gets stuck in your head, in a good way.”