“Les Miserables,” Heartwood-style, opens Thursday, April 30. The cast is made up of a top-notch mix of visiting actors and regional talent — faces new to Heartwood, well known and respected local actors, and up and coming students.

The cast is under the stage/acting direction of Griff Braley and the vocal/musical direction of Beth Preston.

Behind the scenes, but essential to the production, are the accompanist and orchestra. Springtime is a challenging season to find available pianists and musicians, yet Preston has put together a fabulous group, including accompanist Charles Brown, from Portland. Sean Fleming and John Mulcahy, local accompanists of renowned skill, have also been share their musical expertise during rehearsals, as well.

Set design and construction has been a collaborative process between Braley and Heartwood’s technical director, Letitia Munson.

Costuming began many weeks ago, as Braley and costumer, Paulette Carter, reviewed the overall design concept for this show. With 30 plus actors playing dozens of roles, costuming is an epic production, all on its own.

Eleven performances will run between April 30 and May 10: seven evening performances on April 30, May 1, 2, 6-9; and four matinees: May 2, 3, 9 and 10.

Performances will be in the Parker Poe Theater (at Lincoln Academy), 380 Academy Hill Road, Newcastle. Sellouts are expected, so reservations very strongly recommended.

For full details, visit www.heartwoodtheater.org, email info@heartwoodtheater.org or call 207-563-1373.