PREVIEW
Les Misérables
Paul Kane High Musical Theatre
Jan. 17 to 19 at 7 p.m.
Arden Theatre
5 St. Anne Street
Tickets: $20 Call Paul Kane at 780-459-4405
Les Misérables is the world's second longest running musical theatre production – a classic based on Victor Hugo's novel featuring one of history's most memorable scores.
From the script and score to all its production elements, it is massive in size. Most professional theatres find the masterpiece challenging as it is a sung-through work that requires exceptional singers.
Bold in its approach, the Paul Kane High Musical Theatre Program has picked up the gauntlet and will mount Les Misérables from Jan. 17 to 19 at the Arden Theatre.
"It seemed the right year with the right group of kids," said director Lisa Whitson who along with music director Carly Loewen helm the musical.
It is set in 19th century France as Jean Valjean is released after years of imprisonment for stealing a loaf of bread. Labelled a criminal, he finds nothing but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks parole to start a new life, and is chased relentlessly by Javert, a dogged police inspector who rejects the notion that Valjean has changed.
During the 1832 Paris student uprising, Valjean saves the life of Marius, a young student, who falls in love with Cosette, his adopted daughter. Valjean also spares the life of a captured Javert, who is spying on the students.
Valjean's valiant gesture forces Javert to confront his ideals. Unable to reconcile his beliefs, Javert commits suicide.
"It really deals with compassion and love and what pressures a person can endure. The characters are put through terrible conditions, and it shows which persevere and which give up," said Whitson.
Although there are parallels between Paris' unstable political climate and the world's current status, Whitson focuses on the human message.
"We are so quick to judge or put people in a category that sometimes we ignore what is really going on. The basic human spirit of caring and forgiveness is so powerful and is something we should focus more on."
In the 57-member cast, there are six major roles. Grade 11 student Declan Findlay, a new arrival to Paul Kane, landed the role of Jean Valjean.
"He has a deep rich voice. We knew as soon as we heard him that he'd carry the show. He has a crazy singing range and he is also calm and controlled. What I'm most excited about is that he's created a very complex character."
Conor Meadows has captured the role of Javert, the unbending nemesis.
"We wanted someone who could play Javert on different levels. Conor has a lot of range and can play the subtle complexities. He shows Javert as human even if his choices are non-negotiable."
Ben Brown has taken control of the character Marius, the student Valjean saves during a riot.
"Ben just recently came into theatre, but he jumped in with both feet and is deeply involved. He's the doe-eyed lover who meets a girl and falls in love. But he also cares about his revolutionary friends."
Hanna Peters plays Fantine, a poor factory worker who loses her job and turns to prostitution to pay for the care of her illegitimate daughter Cosette. Fantine dies of consumption, but asks Valjean to care for Cosette.
"Hanna has a very difficult role. No matter what Fantine does, she's trapped. But Hanna brings a gentleness to the character. She's not overly aggressive or emotional. She just wants to be a good person, but is trapped."
Grade 10 student Hailey Benedict is Cosette, Valjean's adopted daughter.
"Hailey is a very good singer, but she was also picked because she has a natural innocence which Cosette needs. Even though she's been through difficult times, she is still innocent."
And Grade 12 student Emma Anderson is cast as Éponine, a pampered daughter of thieves who is unkind to Cosette. Éponine falls in love with Marius, but her romantic feelings are not returned.
"This was one of the most popular roles the kids auditioned for, and Emma has a lot of experience. She was Ariel in last year's Little Mermaid."
"Les Mis has so much passion and heart. The actors get into it and it's so recognizable. It's a pretty powerful piece."
