"I've loved being in the cast. Everyone is so nice, and it's so fun to be in the show with my new friends. It's also hard not to smile when I know my family is watching me," said Jackson Brians, a fifth grader at Kamiloiki Elementary School. Jackson is performing in his first production for Diamond Head Theatre (DHT). In his family, he is one of four performing-art brothers. In Kaiser High School's musical, Les Misérables, he played the part of Gavroche, and his brother Beaumont was cast as Marius. Now both of them are excited about being part of their first show for DHT. Jackson once again is playing Gavroche, and Beaumont is part of the DHT's ensemble.

"It feels great to be part of a production where everyone is so committed to the production and wants to make the show shine," said Beaumont Brians, a senior at Kaiser High School. "It's been a lot of hard work, but it's been worth it," he continued. "It's been fun to get to know the directors, Peter and Melanie, who not only bring a level of professionalism to the show but also lead with humility," concluded Beaumont. His performances in the past have included the musicals Grease; The Pirates of Penzance, in which he was cast as the Pirate King; and in Jesus Christ Superstar, he was cast as Jesus. Recently, Beaumont was the 5th place finisher at the Hawaii State Forensics Tournament. The Brians brothers have always had a truck of costumes. They play characters, make music and make videos. Both Beaumont and Jackson play piano.

The Brians brothers are joined by two other East Oahu residents, cast members Kirsten Dixon and Kyle Malis, who also are part of the DHT ensemble. Studying and acquiring acting skills offer unique benefits that allow self-expression, the development of communication, including self-confidence, listening and speaking skills. After all, acting is about being genuinely in the moment. One of the greatest gifts is the ability to make strong, genuine connections with people while stretching emotional expression.

Les Misérables is a musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg. The DHT production is directed and choreographed by a married couple, Peter Lockyer and Melanie Tojio Lockyer, with musical direction by Phil Hidalgo. Les Misérables will run until October 19, 2008, with shows at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 4 p.m. on Sundays. Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. are on October 4, October 11, and October 18. An extra performance has been added for Wednesday, October 15, at 8:00 p.m. The show is sponsored by: Athena Clinics, A&B Foundation, City Mill, and First Hawaiian Bank.

Single tickets are priced from $12 to $42, with discounts available for fulltime students, seniors 62 and older, and active-duty military. DHT patrons can choose their seats by section, and securely pay for their tickets online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. DHT's online ticketing system is: www.diamondheadtheatre.com, or call (808) 733-0274 to charge by phone.