The Emmaus High School Drama Department will present Claude-Michel Schonberg’s and Alain Boublil’s “Miss Saigon School Edition” 7 p.m. March 15 through 18 and 2 p.m. March 18 and 19.

This version of the musical was released only last spring; consequently, Emmaus is the first school in the area to present the production.

Based on Puccini’s opera Madame Butterfly, the plot follows the destinies of an American soldier, Chris, and a Vietnamese girl, Kim, who fall in love and marry amid the chaos of the Vietnam War. The fall of Saigon results in their separation and fuels the ensuing tragedy.

Teachers Jill Kuebler and Rita Cortez and their team chose to produce “Miss Saigon School Edition” because, as she explains, “It’s a beautiful story...the music is incredibly moving...[and] the setting has given the students the opportunity to learn about the Vietnam War from a human perspective.”

To prepare for their roles, students read and discussed articles pertaining to the war. Kuebler wants her performers to remove themselves from the insulation of viewing war in terms of statistics and to enter the lives of those swept up into situations beyond their control. She describes her cast as “...amazingly committed.”

The leads are aptly handled by EHS musical veterans Julia Bezems in the role of Kim, Thomas Riley as her beloved Chris and Robert Lynn fulfilling the part of the engineer. All three seniors have performance backgrounds; however, each approaches the theatrical experience from a different perspective.

Bezems considers “Miss Saigon School Edition” unusual and states, “What sets this [play] apart is the humanity found in the characters.” Although still undecided as to which college she will attend, after high school, Bezems intends to pursue a double major in vocal performance and computer science.

Like his co-star, Riley will continue to develop his musical talent in the college setting. He will immerse himself in theatrical studies. A seasoned performer for both Civic Theater in Allentown and EHS, Riley will attend Muhlenberg College in the fall as a theater and music major. In his words, “That is my passion.”

Lynn has his sights set on a different post high school path. He intends to major in political science at the University of Pittsburgh. He recognizes a connection between his attraction to acting and his future career goals. Lynn explains, “I always enjoy performing because it makes people happier.” By extension, he hopes to one day improve others’ lives through his work in government.

A strong supporting cast, crew and student-based orchestra round out the production.

Combining an exceptional musical score, a savvy directorial staff and talented performers, the cast and crew plan for a stellar production.

Ticket information is available in the EHS main office lobby 10 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. when school is in session.