An adaptation of one of the most popular 19th-century novels is drawing impressive reviews and big crowds in Vicksburg. Les Misérables, which opened Friday, will show again this weekend.

“Excellent! Everything was tremendous,” said Heidi Chausse following Sunday’s matinee performance of the iconic musical.

“It is great to think Vicksburg can do a show this well,” she said.

The Vicksburg Theatre Guild held three performances of the show this past weekend beginning at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday and will repeat the same schedule this weekend.

Ticket sales were brisk said Amy Melton, of the VTG and lines began forming on Saturday night an hour before the show was to begin.

Stacey Teller said, “It was a fabulous show, and I am so proud of this local talent, and the young children, I couldn’t believe what they can do.”

“Les Misérables” is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name which is a story set in 19th century France.

During the musical, patrons get a glimpse of a period in history when France was caught in a class struggle between wealthy nobility and a growing middle class.

The talented cast helps set the mood of the time period, director Paul Ballard said.

Patrons were able to view scenes with lifelike sets that were created and maneuvered by the stagehand. Costumes were period-appropriate, lighting for the show not set the tone, and special effects were used to create a free-fall by one of the characters in one of hte play’s most prominent scenes.

“The lighting and the sound was amazing,” said Corin Morrison who was at the Sunday showing.

Les Misérables might be described as a somber show with its layers of grief and tragedy, but one could also claim that it is a story of forgiveness and hope.

The Rev. Mitch Cochran plays the lead of Jean Valjean and said in some ways his character leads much the same lifestyle that he does.

“He (Valjean) is sort of like a pastor,” he said.  He acts as care giver to many people.”

Other lead roles in the musical include Ryan Kelly who plays Javert, the antagonist in the story. Jamie Ferguson stars as Fantine; Clarissa Walker as Cossette; Brelynn Beck; as the young Cossette; Sonia Arredondo as Éponine; Sarah Randolph as the young Éponine; Jacob Llyod as Maius; Alex Hill as Enjolras; and Wesley Cowan who plays the feisty little urchin boy, Gavroche.

Jim Miller and Linda Hadala play Master and Mademoiselle Thenardier who are innkeepers that cheat their customers.

Stephen Wagner, who attended the performance Saturday, said he was impressed with the show.

“They are funny, and comedy relief is always great,” he said.