Apache Junction’s Vincent Farley, 18, has performed in plays and musicals since he was just 7 years old. He has also spent countless hours training — in dance, acting and vocal performance — to hone his skills. All of that work has paid off.

Aug. 4-13, Farley will take the Mesa Arts Center stage as Jean Valjean in “Les Misérables School Edition,” produced by Limelight Performing Arts in Gilbert. It’s a dream role for any young thespian.

“It wasn’t a dream role before because I never in a million years thought I’d actually get the role of Jean Valjean,” said Farley, who will soon begin his freshman year as a theater major at Arizona State University. “Now that I have this opportunity, it is definitely a dream come true.”

For “Les Mis” director Christian Graca, Farley was exactly the right performer to portray the iconic role.

“There’s so much I would have to unpack about Vincent and the superlatives would fill a book!” she said.

Indeed, Farley just finished a turn as Damian Hubbard in Limelight’s “Mean Girls High School Version.” It’s a dramatically different role in a vastly different show, but Graca says he has the skill and versatility to pull it off.

“Vincent always brings his ‘A’ game to a production and asks great questions about his character and motivations. In theatre vernacular, he is certainly a ‘director’s actor,’” she said.

Now, Farley is one of 30 youth performers from across the East Valley who will bring 19th century France to life in “Les Mis.” This stunning musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s timeless masterpiece will transport audiences to a world where dreams never die and love triumphs over adversity.

Set in post-revolutionary France where societal divisions run deep, even the most tortured souls dream of a better future. At the heart of the tale is Jean Valjean, an ex-convict determined to break free from his troubled past and create a new life.

“Jean Valjean is a noble man who, after spending 19 years in prison for stealing bread for his dying nephew, dedicates his life to serving the Lord and helping others,” said Farley.

When Valjean crosses paths with Fantine, a factory worker fallen into destitution, he promises to care for her young daughter, Cosette, rescuing her from the clutches of the unscrupulous innkeepers, the Thénardiers.

Years later, in Paris, a group of passionate students rise up against the oppressive regime. Among them is Marius, who falls deeply in love with Cosette, their love story unfolding against the backdrop of the June Rebellion of 1832.

Throughout his travels, Valjean is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert who seeks to bring Valjean to justice. In their final confrontation, the cherished values of love and justice are pitted against each other, each man reaping what he has sowed.

“‘Les Mis’ has time jumps where characters age in the show, so they have a significant change in character and perspective as the story progresses,” explained Graca.

A powerful score, known the world over, also moves the story forward, with beloved songs including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home” and the rousing anthem of revolution, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”

“As an operetta, the show, with very limited exception, is sung in its entirety, which brings a whole new level of complexity to the production and raises the bar for performers to achieve,” said Graca.

Farley and his cast members are up to the task.

“I think audiences will like the singing the most,” he said. “I think the story is great and all the beautiful harmonies and moments will be great fun for anyone watching.”

Added Graca, “The best thing about this cast is their overwhelming desire to tell this story in a compelling way, and to move audiences with the timeless messages of enduring love and devotion.

Limelight’s production of “Les Mis” is directed by Christian Graca with music direction by Tom Graca and Emma England and choreography by England and Marie South.

Tickets for “Les Misérables School Edition” start at $21 and can be purchased at mesaartscenter.com; search “limelight.” The run includes both matinee and evening performances. Group discounts are available.