Les Misérables otherwise known in English-speaking countries as Les Mis or Les Miz is a critically acclaimed Broadway musical written by Alan Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg . The musical is originally based on the French novel titled Les Misérables, which was written by Victor Hugo in 1862.

The famous tale takes place during 1832 in Paris, France, in which the French Revolution is taking place. The story follows the escaped convict Jean Valjean as he tries to build a new life, but is being is hunted for almost two decades by a police inspector, Javert, who dreams  to see Valjean behind bars again.

On Friday, April 29, 70-80 students were accompanied by Ms. Rachel Beeksma, Concert Choir teacher, to see the show in New York. Prior to the event, the trip was only open to students taking Choir, French, or, Drama, but eventually Beeksma decided allow all students to participate.

“One of the main reasons we chose Les Mis is because we are currently working on songs in Choir for the spring concert. Mr. Helder and I thought it would be fun to open it up to all students this is the last year it will be featured on Broadway,” Beeksma said.

The tickets were $55 using the student discount. Students boarded a large coach bus at 5:30 p.m. to the Imperial Theatre and returned home around 11:30 p.m. Beeksma hopes to do more trips like this in the future.

Stella Pereira, a sophomore, has seen several Broadway shows including Les Mis and thinks it is a good idea to have more Broadway trips.

“I would go on more school trips if they were open to everyone again,” Pereira said.

Kaho Shinada, a sophmore who recently moved to Glen Rock from Japan, also hopes that Broadway trips are available next year because they helped her learn more about theatre culture.

“It was interesting to see the actors  flawlessly perform on stage in front of a big audience. If there are more trips next year, I might go,” Shinada said.

Beeksma also stated that the Choir department will continue looking into other Broadway shows for students next year.