Bishop Stang High School students will take to the stage in the high school’s spring production of “Les Misérables.”

It’s one of the larger productions for the school, with more than 70 performers on the roster portraying characters in the famed musical, set in Paris during the early 19th century at a time of political and personal turmoil.

“This is one of the first serious shows the kids have done in a very long time,” said director Melissa Murphy-Leite. “We have a lot of kids who are very passionate about musicals, and this is probably one of the greatest musicals of all time.”

The musical focuses on Jean Valjean — portrayed by Jacob Thompson — and his search for redemption. The recently released criminal undergoes multiple transformations throughout the production.

“It’s a huge transition throughout the show to completely change myself over and over again,” Thompson said.

In another unusual twist for a Bishop Stang production, the musical is also heavily emotional. It is set during a period of political and economic turmoil in France, at a time when starvation and death runs rampant.

That’s where Phoenix Carreiro and Kenny Mackenzie come in. They portray the musical’s comic relief characters, Madame Thenardier and Monsieur Thenardier.

Mackenzie describes his character as a “really awful person.” The innkeeper by trade is also a common thief, but he and Carreiro share several comical moments in the show to help break up the emotion.

“He takes from people and uses people in a way the audience can see, but the characters on stage don’t,” Mackenzie said.

“You’ve got all this stuff going on in the background, but at the same time you have to make it funny,” Mackenzie said. “I come on stage when people are dying and starving to death, and I’m over here robbing those people of what little they have left.”

Carreiro plays the Madame Thenardier.

“She’s kind of a ghost, she’s very sneaky and conniving but she’s also very funny,” Carreiro said.

Ellen Scarano takes on the role of Eponine, who is caught up in a lover’s dilemma between her and her crush who doesn't feel the same way, Marius. Marius is played by Aiden Guay, and outside of the production the two are best friends.

“It is kind of hard because you have to get into the feeling of rejection, and that’s something I haven’t had a lot of experience in,” Scarano said.

Performances of “Les Misérables” are set for April 25, 26, and 27 at 7 p.m. at Bishop Stang High School. Tickets are $12 for adults, and $8 for students and seniors. Call (508) 996-5602 for tickets.