Experience Musical Brilliance in MSJ's Les Misérables

For many years, the Mount Saint Joseph theatre group has flourished, growing stronger with new actors and production talent, and each year the choice of play/musical has remained strong; Last year saw a significant change in arts leadership with the departures of both producer Mr. Michael Stromberg and choir director Mr. Ryan Slattery, however Mr. Connor Hurley has capably stepped in to both roles respectively and “hit the ground running” with two monumental performances: The fall production of Clue, and our latest (and to some, greatest) musical: Les Misérables.

A group of actors performing on stage, dressed in period costumes, displaying expressions of sorrow and contemplation. The backdrop consists of various wooden elements, adding to the dramatic atmosphere. — Can’t explain this without spoiling a plot point, so enjoy a scene from the barricade! This was an image from the first tech week rehearsal.

Les Misérables (Les Mis for short) is a dramatic retelling of the events leading up to and during the failed June Rebellion in Paris in the year 1832. In it, we follow our protagonist Jean Valjean as he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert throughout France for the crime of escaping parole after serving time for stealing a loaf of bread.

After his first flight from the authorities, Valjean assumes a new identity to run a factory and become the mayor of a small town in Montreuil. This hideaway is only temporary because the redeemed Valjean is unwilling to let an innocent man serve time in his place for his crimes, leaving him no choice but to reveal himself. Once again running from Javert, Valjean adopts the newly orphaned child, Cosette. Together, they flee to the bustling streets of Paris, where, in the wake of the death of French General Lemarque, a group of emboldened students rallies the populace to revolution against the King. After Cosette falls in love with a young revolutionary named Marius, Valjean decides to join the students’ cause. The audience is transported back in time as the cast ably portrays the struggle, passion, bravery, and triumph of the human spirit that has made this musical one of the world’s most renowned and beloved shows of all time.

A male student stands on a stage in front of a purple curtain, while two individuals sit at a table in the audience. One person appears to be a teacher or judge, and the other is a student with a musical instrument. — Mr. Hartsfield directing Grady on his performance as Jean Valjean.

The cast features incredible talent, with 20 male actors from MSJ and numerous female performers from our sister school, Mount DeSales, as well as other area high schools. Starring Grady Hunter as Jean Valjean, Rowan Layman as Inspector Javert, Maya Lohrmann as Cosette, and Eason Gaba as Marius (along with many other strong actors in supporting roles), this intricate piece of musical history is brought to life with spectacular music and top-notch acting.

Part of what makes this cast strong is how easily and naturally they have adapted to their unique roles. Being able to believably transform into someone else onstage for an hour or two is one of the most important aspects of theatre and crucial to immersing an audience in a show’s plot. Alongside the welcoming, friendly backstage atmosphere, this transformation is an especially enjoyable part of the theatre process for Rowan Layman. Rowan is “a big fan of just getting to know your character.” Since being cast, Rowan has taken the time to familiarize himself with his character, Inspector Javert. This familiarity shows in his movement and line delivery, elevating his performance in believability and engagement.

A group of students performing on stage, with some kneeling and others standing, dressed in casual clothing. The stage is set with a simple backdrop and props, indicating a rehearsal or performance. — A pre-tech rehearsal of the song “One Day More”.

As we move into tech week, the cast confidently reports that we are strongly on track for a captivating performance that audiences will really enjoy. When asked about his feelings heading into tech week, our director, Mr. Hartsfield, said he is “pleased with the progress” we have made. As he admits, “Is it going to be challenging? For sure!” But he is confident that we will absolutely be able to put on a stunning show.

Although the cast is a fundamental part of the production, we would not be able to put on such a show without the assistance of our talented stage/tech crew and our incredible pit band. Under the direction of Mr. Royer, the band has spent months rehearsing the soundtrack and is well-equipped and prepared to provide a live rendition to complement our singers. Thanks to Ms. Stender and the stage crew, the battle at the barricade and brawls at the bar are brought to life with a stunning set. Without our sound and lighting technicians, it would be quite difficult to hear our soloists or highlight them. Working as a crew member is tough, but without them, we couldn’t run the show.

A group of musicians, including children and adults, sitting in a music rehearsal setting with chairs and music stands. Some musicians are holding instruments while they listen to a conductor. — A snapshot of the MSJ pit band.

In addition to the historical nature of the production, Les Mis is, without a doubt, the most “musical” musical MSJ has tackled in recent memory. With mere eight lines of spoken dialogue, actors will perform a total of thirty musical numbers in quick succession. Reagan Woody (the actor playing Fantine) remarked in our interview that one of the most enjoyable and yet trickiest parts of prepping for the show is memorizing and preparing the music. “It was fun to hear them (the songs) and learn, and then hear all of my other fellow students singing.” But all the same, she remarks that “it’s probably the most nerve-racking part.” The cast has worked hard over the course of the past several months and is ready to tackle this challenge.

Curtain opens on MSJ’s production of Les Misérables this Friday, April 17, at 7 pm, with additional performances on Saturday, April 18, at 1 pm and 7 pm, and a final show on Sunday, April 19, at 1 pm. Don’t miss your opportunity to see this fantastic cast, with the help of an outstanding crew and pit, transform into the renegades and revolutionaries of 1800s France. Tickets are available through GoFan! https://gofan.co/app/school/MD9615_1