Rich in themes of independence, justice, mercy and redemption, El Dorado Musical Theatre’s production of Les Misérables opens at the Jill Solberg Performing Arts Theater in Folsom on Friday, July 3, and runs through July 12.

The $80,000 production is directed by Debbie Wilson, the group's artistic director.

The show will include the trademark revolving stage, two barricades that weigh more than 6,000 pounds, more than 1,000 costume pieces, four fog machines, 200 lighting instruments, and 65 cast members who, under the vocal direction of Jennifer Martin, sing one of the most challenging musical scores ever written.

Known as the most popular musical of all time, "Les Misérables" has a long history of notoriety with over 31 cast recordings, productions performed in over 38 countries, winning more than 50 major theatrical awards including eight Tony Awards and a Grammy for the Broadway cast album.

Based on the novel written by Victor Hugo, the epic story recounts the struggle against adversity in 19th century France.

It follows the intertwining stories of a cast of characters as they struggle for redemption and revolution.

This blockbuster musical also showcases a Tony Award-winning score including the songs "I Dreamed a Dream," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "A Little Fall of Rain," "Master of the House," and "On My Own."

Leading roles are played by Matt Provencal (Jean Valjean), Heather Clark (Cosette), Ted Pickell (Javert), Savannah Argyle (Fantine), Chris Meissner (Marius), Katherine Sorgea (Eponine), Lauryn Caruso and Jacob Goodyear (The Thénardiers), Spencer Borup (Enroljas), Zachary Norris (Gavroche) and Ireland Bonds (Young Cosette).

Ticket prices are $16 to $20 and can be purchased online at www.edmt.info or by calling the box office at (916) 941-SING.

The school edition runs about two hours.

A special preview performance will be held on July 3rd at 10 a.m. and all seats are $10. Group tickets are available.