The Fall Season has begun, and all the usual events that go with it are in full swing. School is back in session and the Hi-Liners are once again performing their annual mainstage production.

With a long history of producing top-notch musical theatre using young actors between the ages of 9 and 19, the Hi-Liners have entertained local audiences with a fun mix of musical comedies such as "The Music Man," "Thoroughly Modern Millie," " Cinderella" and "The Wizard of Oz."

But this year, the Burien-based youth theatre troupe is taking a bold turn in a new direction. Instead of the light-hearted fare we have come to expect, Hi-Liners director Kathleen Edwards has chosen to stage the dark and tragic story "Les Miserables (School Edition)."

Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables is the tale of suffering, poverty, social justice and moral uprising in early 19th century France.

Not exactly the stuff most musical theatre is made of.

But, "Les Miz" is the third longest-running show in Broadway history with a memorable musical score that includes such popular hits as "I Dreamed a Dream" and "On My Own."

The Hi-Liners are performing their School Edition, which is a slightly shorter version of the original show, but with all the vital elements of the story left intact.

So, with such a tragic and difficult story to tell, and a challenging vocal score to perform, are the Hi-Liners up the task? I am delighted to report a resounding "yes!"

"Les Miserables: School Edition" is an artistic triumph for the Hi-Liners and director Kathleen Edwards, musical director RJ Tancioco and choreographer David Lorence Schleiffers. This might possibly be their best production in recent history.

The classic tale of former convict Jean Valjean (Alex Gallo) begins with Valjean's release from a 19-year prison sentence for having stolen a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister and her family. Finding no compassion from others except from a kindly bishop (Greyson Schwieger), Valjean is moved by his incredible mercy and vows to live an honorable life from then on.

Following Valjean's journey over the course of his remarkable life introduces us to a whirlwind of characters, some tragic and others inspiring, who include the prostitute Fantine (Brianne Wylie), her daughter (and later Valjean's adopted daughter) Cosette (Shelby Gottberg), the inn-keepers M. and Mme. Thenardier (Grady Stevens and Kyle Stephanie) and their spoiled daughter Eponine (Victoria Knight) and well as Marius, the student revolutionary with whom both Cosette and Eponine fall in love (Michael Krenning).

Relentlessly pursuing Valjean is the policeman Javert (Max Seifert), who has devoted his life to apprehending Valjean, who is guilty of violating his parole.

With a cast of over 40 youthful performers, Edwards has created the world of Valjean's France with amazing skill and artistry. The deft use of relatively simple set pieces, scrim effects and lighting provide the perfect back drop to what will astound and delight the audience the most: the vocal maturity and consistent theatrical accomplishment of the Hi-Liners' teen and pre-teen actors.

This may be "youth theatre" but make no mistake, this is not children at play. This is a cast of young professionals. Soon you will forget how young these performers really are.

Hats off to the Hi-Liners for a 5-star show. For anyone out there who still hesitates to see a children's production, trust me on this one. "Les Miserables: School Edition" is not to be missed.

The production continues through Sept. 26, and is performed at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S.. 152nd St. in Burien. Log onto www.hi-liners.org for tickets and information.