KENYON — Kenyon-Wanamingo High School theater students have plans for a grand musical production of "Les Miserables" this winter, but it's going to take an extra few grand to make it happen.
The school district provides funding to cover the cost of royalties and scripts, but the students will be raising money to defray the cost of costumes, makeup, props, music and the set.
"In order to do this show justice and to tell the story well, we would like to raise at least $4,000," said Casey Baumgartner, a K-W senior and the assistant director for the production, which will be presented March 1 and 2.
"In the years we don't do musicals, the budget provided by the district is usually sufficient to cover most of our costs, and we only do minimal fundraising," Baumgartner said. "But musicals are inherently more expensive, due to the cost of rights for the music and the high number of performers, so we always fundraise for them. This is especially true with Les Miserables. Since it is such a complex story, we really want to bring it to life."
Students are asking community members and businesses for support through donations of money, props and costumes. Business will also be asked to advertise in the show's program.
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"We are asking for community members to donate and help support the arts, Baumgartner said. "We believe musical theater is an important part of the arts, and we hope there are community members who will be willing to support us."
Auditions will be held the first week in December. Rehearsals will begin on Jan. 2. The students will be directed by high school social studies teacher Randy Hockinson, who has been directing since 2002, and musical director Stephanie Schumacher, the junior high/high school choir director.
