To the patrons of the Churubusco Fine Arts Department,

Let me begin by first thanking every member of this community for the high level of support that each and every one of you has shown towards our fine arts department during my time as director here at Churubusco Middle and High Schools. In an age where arts programs are frequently reduced or cut in so many schools to save funding and make room for other activities and priorities, it is truly a blessing to have such a supportive community, and for that I will always be thankful.

A couple of weeks ago, I ran a short article describing our fall musical, Les Miserables. My article offered parents a chance to explore the subject material beforehand and gauge its appropriateness for their children. I warned that the show contained mature subjects, strong language, and battle scenes that may be too intense for young audience members. I also recommended that young children should not plan to attend without a parent or guardian, and that no one under the age of 12 would be permitted without an adult.

I wrote that piece with the intent of giving parents a heads up, as a common courtesy. As a parent of young children myself, I would appreciate knowing what my children will be seeing at any event we would choose to attend, be that a movie, theatre production, concert, or any event where material may be inappropriate. Unfortunately, musicals are not assigned ratings as movies are, and for that reason I felt it would

Theatrical students wait backstage while others rehearse their parts onstage for Le Miserables, a compelling story of love, forgiveness and hope.

However, over the last two weeks I have received two letters questioning my decision to direct this show in such a “conservative” and “faith-centered” community such as Churubusco. One of these letters was also published last week in a local newspaper. Since this discussion has now become public, I am compelled to respond in print myself, and defend not only my decision, but to also defend the hard work and pride of my students who are going to present this show in two weeks.

First of all, I would like to think that the town of Churubusco knows me well enough by now to trust my judgment. In my opinion, this show is very tame, and I think that I may have made the show sound worse than it really is. This show would barely earn a “PG” rating, if it were a movie; children hear and see much worse on television every day. I know that in the past, much of the theatre which has been performed has always stuck to very conservative classic musicals; and when someone dared to do a newer show, they either chose to change the questionable material, or remove it entirely. As director, I feel it is my responsibility to present the show as it is intended to be seen, for two reasons: first, because the authors of the show wrote it a specific way for a reason, and it is not up to me to decide what should and shouldn’t be in it; and secondly, legally I am not permitted to make any changes whatsoever to a show, including changing lyrics, music, scenes, text, etc.

As for why I chose this show… being a younger director, I have a strong passion for the new classics on Broadway. This is truly one of the greatest shows ever created, with valuable lessons to be learned by performers and audience members alike. The show centers on the idea that love and compassion conquers all, something that I think many people, even here in Churubusco, could be reminded of. I do know that there is minimal strong language (and it is VERY minimal), and there are “intense scenes” (war and gunshots sometimes scare small children), and there are even “mature subjects” (one of the main characters is forced to turn to prostitution in order to provide for her daughter; however, we have obviously staged it in such a way that nothing lewd or distasteful is seen). Because of these elements, I felt the need to give parents the chance to look into the show and decide for themselves whether they are comfortable having their children see it or not. These things do not outweigh all of the wonderful things that this show is, and the positive impact that it is having on my students.

Dan Hile, CHS choir and music director, is the producer of Le Miserables, the smash Broadway hit that will be presented four different days in November at CHS.

The bottom line is that this show is based on history; real events that happened in France during the French revolution. While it may be easier to turn our heads and pretend that certain things in the past did not happen, ignoring them does not make them go away. For example, simply saying “well, I don’t want my student to learn about the harsh treatment of slaves during the early years of our country, because so many terrible things happened” does not change the fact that they DID happen, and that there are important lessons to learn from those events. This show has taught my students empathy and compassion, and has caused many of them to step back and think about the horrible injustices that affect people every day. And yet, the show still drives home the lesson that through it all, love and kindness towards our fellow human beings can truly conquer these injustices, and offer hope to those who have none.

So, I will say that YES, this is absolutely the “type of musical” that I want to direct. I know that not everyone will agree with me, and I can accept that; I gave up trying to please everyone a long time ago. However, I cannot accept misinformed people criticizing a production which has already blessed so many students and parents alike, before they have even seen it. To allow this would only devalue all of the work my students have put into this show, and will cause them to lose pride in what will be a shining moment in the history of CHS Fine Arts.

If you are not familiar with the show, I invite to you do some research before you criticize it. I think you will find that this show is one of great importance, and will stand as one of the best productions to ever grace the Churubusco High School stage. Once again, an excellent website with information about Les Miserables is http://www.lesmis.com/

Lastly, I welcome you to write and express your concerns to me if you choose. However, if you do so, please have the courage to sign your letter. Sending me an anonymous note only displays cowardice, and causes me to not take your remarks seriously. If you are truly concerned about this show, then you should have the fortitude to stand by your words. I am demonstrating mine by writing this letter publicly, and I would expect the same courtesy.

Thank you again for all of the support you have given to me and the fine arts department, and I look forward to seeing all of you in the audience on November 15th as we debut Les Miserables!

Sincerely,

Daniel G. Hile
Director

Photos of Les Miserables practice by Viv Sade for Buscovoice.