For this year’s musical, the HPHS theater program is producing the iconic musical, Les Misérables. Based on the 1862 novel by Hugo Grant, the musical follows Frenchman Jean Valjean (played by Kavan Walker) as he searches for redemption amidst the Revolution of 1832. The other leads this year include Cosette, played by Katelyn Rosen; Marius, played by Andrew Boiles; Inspector Javert, played by Harry Shapiro; Fantine, played by Vicky Colomé-Bonazza; Eponine, played by Rachel Bass; Thénardier, played by Luca Ritchie; and Madame Thénardier, played by Lily Dahms. The story weaves together themes of justice, love, sacrifice, and redemption, all against a historical backdrop. Only last year, the show celebrated its fortieth anniversary at the West End in London, where it has been running continuously since 1985.
When asked what went into choosing the musical for this year, Director and Theater teacher Emma Harmon stated, “Les Mis is one of the most beloved musicals across generations- partly because it artfully explores themes of justice, love, revolution, and courage. . . I knew our students were ready to do it justice.”
Les Mis is the longest-running musical in history, originally produced in French and translated into English in 1982. The show is extremely complex to produce, with many costumes and set pieces. One of the show’s most impressive and important set pieces includes the barricade, which even revolves in some productions of the show.
Mrs. Harmon shares why Les Mis is such an important show, drawing back to the first time she saw the show, “when done right, it reveals the raw beauty of humanity through music that moves you deeply and stays with you forever.”
Since December, the members of the musical, including the actors, directors, tech crew, and set designers, have been hard at work to produce this colossal show. One scene to look forward to in particular, according to Mrs. Harmon, the epilogue has “a specific, hair-raising power when the entire cast joins their voices for those final, inspiring lyrics.”
Now in the thick of opening week, when the musical first opens to the public, the cast, crew, and directors have been able to see the results of their months of hard work. This Tuesday, they had an open dress rehearsal for those who wanted to see some of the show before it officially opens. On Wednesday, the sixth and eighth graders of Northwood and Edgewood middle schools visited to see the musical during the school day. Thursday, February 19th, is the official opening night of the musical. The show then runs two more times, on Friday and Saturday at 7:00 pm. Make sure to come see this incredible performance before it’s too late – February 19th, 20th, and 21st!