Les Misérables: Another Successful A.C.T.
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Since early January, the Amity Creative Theatre Department has been working vigorously to bring together aspects of music and acting in an astonishing spring musical. With the Kennedy’s past successful performances of RENT and Grease, the Amity’s Theatre Department has a good reputation to maintain. This year’s production of Les Misérables, however, did not disappoint. On April 30, May 1, 6, 7 and 8, Les Misérables was shown at Amity and captivated the audience with its dramatic interpretation of the poverty and misery of the French Revolution.
Les Misérables was based off of Victor Hugo’s novel of the same title, and many of the songs were composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg, a Tony Award-Winning French composer. Les Mis has won eight Tony Awards and had a 16-year run on Broadway, as well as a five-night run at Amity.
The cast and crew of Les Mis pulled off an impeccable show, centered around incredible acting and singing. The content of this musical is quite mature thus making the roles challenging for the actors; however, the cast did a remarkable job portraying the characters accurately. It was evident that the audience was intrigued and engaged in the show by the amount of applause after nearly every scene. Many parents, teachers, students, and friends were truly awed at the talent and energy that the students bestowed.
Les Misérables follows the story of, Jean Valjean (John Jorge), an ex-convict being chased by police officer Javert (Ken Adair) during times of the French Revolution. After years of hiding, Valjean was able to succeed and become a factory owner and mayor.
Meanwhile, one of the workers in Valjean’s factory, Fantine (Marla Morris), must work to pay for her young daughter Cosette (Dalia Medovnikov, Melissa Vernik) who is in need of medicine. After being sent away from the factory, Fantine must sell her hair and become a prostitute to support her daughter. When Fantine dies, Valjean promises to take care of her daughter for her.
During this time, Cosette has been under the care of a vindictive innkeeper and his wife, Monsieur and Madame Thenardier (Zachary Small and Kim Simon), who abuse her while favoring their own daughter, Eponine (Clare Pasely, Alexandra Kramer).
Years later, Eponine falls for a student named Marius (Connor Deane) but is disappointed when Marius instead falls in love with Cosette. When Marius goes to battle with the rest of the students, led by Enjorlas (Andy Stein-Seller), the play continues though times of hardship, love, battle, and dark humor, as the French Revolution takes its toll on all of the miserable characters.
The many long hours of preparation and rehearsals that led up to the show proved worthwhile, as the play was nearly flawless in its completion. With the exceptional lighting, costumes, makeup, set designs, smooth scene transitions, and overall talent, the effort put into the production of this play was truly evident, as every meticulous detail was set perfectly.
"The whole cast and crew managed to pull it together and in the end gave an amazing performance that I was honored to be a part of," commented Alexandra Kramer, "The rest of the cast, with their amazing performances inspired me to do my best, as well."These outstanding cast members include: seniors John Jorge, Marla Morris, Connor Deane, Melissa Vernik, Ken Adair, Benjie Ding, Andrew Stein-Zeller, Sarah Chadbourne, Michael Goodman, Jonathon Hess, Lauren Gray, Harrison Paup, Morgan Radin, and Christopher Tedesco; juniors Kim Simon, Lauren Larkin, Taylor Sullo, Zachary Small, Christina Andrzejewski, Ashley Emery, Stephanie Haberman, Kristina Karabinos, Julie Keyes, Zev Kupfer, Jasmine Rebhun, Erik Rooney, Erik Shepherd, Brendan Pasley, Pat Villano, and Dan Quarequio; sophomores Allie Anschutz , Alexandra Kramer, Heidi Schulte, Rachel Skalka, Elayna Cassella, Carson Adair, Dorie Penn, and Nina Yasick; freshmen Kara Burgess, Peter Charney, Eliza Dillaway, and Ted McNulty; fourth grader Clare Pasley; and third graders Dalia Medovnikov and Daniel Randazzo.
Other key contributors to the production were Amie Sandillo (Stage Manager), Joe Mortali (Assistant Stage Manager), Alexis Parente (Costumes), Julie Chevan (Costume Coordinator), Molly Sachs (Assistant Stage Manager), Veronica Wolanin (Assistant Producer), Dan Hassenmayer (Lighting Design Director), Andrea Kennedy (Choreographer), and the entire student orchestra, conducted by Phil Dolan.
Overall, the cast pulled off an extraordinary show. It has already been nominated for several awards by The Spirit of Broadway Theatre.Amity can surely look forward to future great productions from the Amity Creative Theatre Department.
