Victor Hugo’s classic tale set in 19th-century
France became one of the most successful musicals ever written – a sweeping
epic with music as grand as the story. It’s the tale of Jean Valjean, a man who
has spent twenty years in a prison chain gang after stealing a loaf of bread to
feed his sister’s child. Life on parole is nearly as difficult, but when a
kindly bishop gives him a second chance, Jean breaks his parole and becomes
determined to make the most of his new life. It’s a life complicated when he
inadvertently causes the young girl Cosette to be orphaned, and finds himself
chased relentlessly by Inspector Javert who becomes obsessed with finding
parole violator Jean Valjean.
Joshua Finkel, a veteran of the Les Miserables
national tour and Los Angeles Company, came to Hamilton Academy of Music to
direct their big spring musical. And they’ve certainly put together a very
professional-looking production with impressive sets (JP Luckenbach),
lighting (Rob Fritz and Matt Shulman), and costumes (Kim
Overton). Jim Foschia leads the school’s 46-piece orchestra through
the difficult score very well.
Sergio Pasquariello takes on the challenging role of
Jean Valjean, and he’s a fine tenor who does an excellent job with the
character and the vocals. Frankie Kraft is his nemesis Javert, with a
strong voice filled with complete conviction in his self-righteousness. Jackie
Bressack is Fantine, the unwed mother of Cosette who ends up having to
prostitute herself to send money to Cosette’s guardians, her voice shining in
her big solo I Dreamed a Dream.
The younger generation is led by three truly impressive
actors. Emily Koch is Eponine, a daughter of criminals who has an
unrequited crush on idealistic student Marius. Emily’s performance is both original
and heartfelt, her love for Marius ever present. Bryce Payne is Marius.
He somehow takes a thinly written character and gives him intense depth,
demonstrating powerful emotions for his friend Eponine, dedication to the
student rebellion, and passion for Valjean’s grown-up adopted daughter Cosette.
Said Cosette (Gabrielle Michel) is also more of a standout than usual,
playful with Marius and getting a little pissed about being separated from him
rather than taking it with wistful regret, as is usually portrayed. The three
great performers work off each other perfectly within the love triangle and
make for a beautiful Heart Full of Love trio, making their reunion with
Valjean in the final scene all the more powerful.
Eponine’s parents, played by John Henry Evans and
Sara Gonzales, add some humor to the show as the Masters of the House,
sleazy innkeepers who rip off their customers, turn Young Cosette (Bess
Benhamou) into an unloved slave, and pamper their spoiled daughter Young
Eponine (Maggie Dougherty). Bess sings a sweet Castle on a Cloud,
and Maggie is a bratty Young Eponine, extending her torment of Young Cosette
even to the final bows when she playfully pushes Cosette out of her way.
The ensemble of Lovely Ladies is very good, featuring
a good cameo by Maggie Randolph as a vindictive factory worker who gets
Fantine in trouble. The students and cast end each act on a strong note with One
Day More and Do You Hear the People Sing as they fight for the kind
of world in which they want to live.
Performs May 3 - 19, 2007.
Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre
~ Cast ~
Jean Valjean: Sergio Pasquariello
Javert: Frankie Kraft
Fantine: Jackie Bressack
Marius: Bryce Payne
Eponine: Emily Koch
Thenardier: John Henry Evans
Mdm. Thenardier: Sara Gonzales
Cosette: Gabrielle Michel
Enjolras: Benjy Howard
Gavroche: Bryce Roos
Young Cosette: Bess Benhamou
Ensemble:
Aaron Albert
Jimmy Bressack
Travis Clayton
Caitlin Cook
Maggie Dougherty
Joe Faragher
Bradyn Fairclough
Danny Friedman
Madison Flock
Anton Garsola
Maddy Goldsmith
Savannah Greene
Katie Hume
Tetona Jackson
Nina Kasuya
Emilyl Lezin
Liam Mackenzie
Emily Main
Mckenzie Neely-Wright
Megan Pompan
Saul Preiver
Maggie Randolph
Ben Shipley
Melissa Shulman
Skylar Tatro
Director: Joshua Finkel
Musical Director/Conductor: Jim Foschia
Chorus Master: John Hamilton
Technical Director/Set Designer: JP Luckenbach
Lighting Designers: Rob Fritz and Matt Shulman
Costume Designer: Kim Overton
Sound Designer: Ben Lowe
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