But as fate would have it, the school edition of "Les MisErables" came to rest on Robinson's desk. Amounting to around two and a half hours of nonstop music, it's no small undertaking, but one Robinson said he couldn't resist.
"I had to say, 'Do I have the required number of kids?' It's a big show, and there are a lot of roles, tough roles with difficult ranges," Robinson said.
But as it turned out, this was the perfect year to put on the ambitious production. Robinson said the talent in this year's cast is second to none.
"I call it my dream cast," he said. "I am so awed by these kids. We have so many great voices, and they are all doing a fabulous job. The preparation level is the best I've ever seen at this point in the process."
In all, some 90 students make up the cast of the production, not to mention those performing with the orchestra and those helping with the technical aspect of the show, which depends much on lighting to set the mood of the somber production.
"Les MisErables" will close on Broadway this spring, making it the second longest show in the history of the famous musical and theatrical center in New York.
The story follows Valjean after his release from 19 years on a chain gang. The kindness of a bishop prompts him to restart his life, and he quickly rises in society after changing his name. But his effort to assist a slighted woman causes Valjean's former nemesis, Javert, to realize the former criminal's true identity.
Valjean continues to evade Javert while trying to help those around him, including a young girl named Cosette. The drama increases as Paris erupts in student protests. Cosette comes of age, and a love triangle forms. All the while, Javert continues to pursue Valjean.
Robinson said the show tends to be a tear-jerker for even the most stoic members of the audience.
"It's a dynamic, powerful story and a fabulous score," he said. "It's very heart-wrenching and depicts the worst and best sides of humanity."
Robinson said those students who saw it in New York are excited to be doing the production here in Homer. And as the students who didn't see the show work with more and more of the music and the full scope of the show comes together, all are equally enthusiastic about it, he said.
"The kids are highly motivated," Robinson said. "Technically, it's an opera (because the entire production is sung), but it's more in pop style, so it's easier for the kids to relate to."
Robinson said the scope and size of the production is challenging, but because the quality of the material is so good, it's been easier for the cast to stay inspired.
"If you're working with great material, whether it's a major work or not, it can sustain endless rehearsals," he said. "It's definitely a step up for us, but we have the cast to pull it off."
Robinson suggests all wishing to see the show buy their tickets in advance.
"There's definitely the potential for shows selling out," he said.
Carey James can be reached at cjames@homernews.com.
Among the stars of the show are James Grace, who plays Jean Valjean, his antagonist Devion Hagen, who plays Javert, and Lindsey Kaufman, who plays Fantine. Other leading roles are played by Hannah Fennell, Andrew Vait, Katelyn Wythe, Heather Strutz, Marcus Kuhns and Holly McCune. Lance Petersen is the show's director, while Robinson holds the musical director helm.
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