Some of the area’s most talented young thespians are set to take on one of the most timeless and polarizing musicals that has ever been.

Cape Coral based Melody Lane Theater is shooting for the stars and hopes to become masters of the house as they present “Les Misérables” next Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Heights Center in Fort Myers.

The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel has seen adaptations and variations around the world and now, lands in Southwest Florida.

“Melody Lane Theatre is beyond thrilled to put on one of Broadway’s longest running and critically-acclaimed musicals,” said Melody Lane Executive Director Dana Alvarez. “Winner of over 100 international awards and seen by over 70 million, this musical phenomenon is an epic tale of passion and redemption in the throes of revolution.”

Alvarez and Melody Lane choreographer Sami Doherty, who actually met during a Cape High production of “Les Mis” in 2003 as students, said while the show certainly calls upon a high-caliber performance from many cast members, it’s been amazing to see what their students can do when presented a challenge.

“We have really been enjoying helping our students expand their repertoires and experience being able to participate in a production like this,” Alvarez said. “Most young theater students are used to doing more modern, upbeat, or humorous kinds of shows. ‘Les Misérables’ is introducing them to a more classical style of singing and deeper levels of emotion, having to connect with such storylines as sacrifice, injustice, love, and loss. It’s been truly an enlightening learning experience for all.”

The story, set in 19th Century France, follows Jean Val Jean, a man released from prison after 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister’s hungry child. He decides to break his parole and start a new life, but not if Inspector Javert can help it. The story also revolves around the 1832 Rebellion in Paris.

Alvarez added, “The melodies are so hauntingly beautiful, and the storylines are captivating in the most tragic ways. Even if you don’t know what it is like to be so destitute that you have to steal a loaf of bread, or to be so desperate to give your child her best chance that you give her up — there are emotions that can be shared by all: such as the sorrows of unrequited love or the loss of a loved one.”

First as a French concept album and eventually the sixth longest-running Broadway show (1987 to 2003), “Les Mis” is often regarded as one of the most captivating and acclaimed musicals of all time.

“This musical has been moving people for 35 years and even non-theater-goers often revere it as one of their favorites,” Alvarez said. “So for us, those are many reasons why. It is also a great challenge to teach our students how to sing classically all the way through a 2-hour-plus show, and that’s where our music director, Matthew Koller, comes in. He is an incredible educator and has musically-directed this show before, with his own children in the cast. So this show holds a special place in his heart, too.”

Alvarez said she is amazed to see her cast, made up of 47 members 13 years and older, be able to transform into roles intended for a more mature performer.

“We have seen such absolutely incredible talent from our cast,” she said. “We have seen our students push themselves well beyond their comfort zones, grow as singers, and allow themselves to be vulnerable in performance working with this kind of material. It is a joy to see some of our regular students who are experts at comedy and modern musical theater, be able to break out of that box and truly embrace this genre, growing as actors.”

Aubrey Barnhouse, 15, playing Cosette, said she is excited to be in “Les Mis” because, “I enjoy shows of classical nature. I’m also so excited to play Cosette because of the character’s loving nature, yet troubled past. She can’t wait to capture the feeling of meeting your first love.”

Yovanna Ignjatic, 14, playing Madame Thenardier, said, “The role of the Thenderiers brings out a sort of comedic light to the very dramatic and moving show. Playing Madame Thenardier with co-star Matthew Clay shows the sort of sneaky and filthy side of France at the time in depth, as well as the parties and the fun.”

All tickets are $15 and can be purchased in advance at www.melody-lane-pac.ticketleap.com/les-mis or by emailing melodylanetheatre@gmail.com. Tickets are available at the door, but seating is limited and may be sold out.

The Heights Center is at 15570 Hagie Drive. Show times are Friday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 9, at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 10, at 2 p.m.

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