Day 363: Les Miserables

In 2003, Fredonia High produced the musical Les Miserables.  Jack S. chose the show for his final production before retirement and worked for a year with a stellar cast that barely resembled high school students.  It was incredibly demanding on everyone, cast, crew, staff and volunteers.  Every time we produce a show, we are astonished with the talent that emerges.  That year, Jack knew he had a number of cast members who had done previous shows, but he needed a few more strong men and when auditions were held, new seniors appeared.  

Colin had enlisted in the army and was due to depart for basic training the first week of April.  At the same time, the war in Iraq began.  Steve and I were terrified that he would be sent to Iraq and we would lose him.  Every time we heard Josh sing "Bring Him Home" or Ben sing "Empty Chairs", we would cry.  The same thing happened today when we saw the new production.  Hugh Jackman was extraordinary as Jean Valjean and Anne Hathaway was wrenching as Fantine.

When we look back at the school musicals we've worked on, Les Miserables ranks in the top three for it's production quality, the emotional power of the story line and the student talent.   We love each cast and crew and always enjoy working with the dedicated staff to put on the best possible show.

We stopped in to the Millie dance rehearsal to see how the typewriter desks were working and so I could snap some shots of an early rehearsal.  They look very promising!