Contributed by Nan Potts
Mat-Su Les Miserables
February 2, 3, 9, 10, 2018 – 7PM
Triumvirate Theater
Glenn Massay Theater
E 8295 College Dr. Palmer
Tickets: $20
It’s 1842 and there’s revolution in the air. The people of France, who have lived through the initial storming of the Bastille in 1789 and the Principle Revolution in 1832, survived a cholera epidemic, the Bourbon Restoration under Louis XVIII and Charles X, are now in the midst of Louis Philippe I’s rule - the July Monarchy. Dominated by the wealthy French elite and numerous Napoleonic officials, the general population are downtrodden and down-right miserable!
This February, Triumvirate Theater presents “Les Miserables (School Edition)”, directed by AJ Seims, at the Glenn Massay Theater. Those familiar with this saucy tale, know just how wonderful misery can be. The music is compelling and so is the talent. Mr. Seims has brought young actors, singers and musicians from all over the Valley together to portray this stunning musical of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg. The school edition has minor alterations for developing voices. However, Mr. Seims has worked hard at recreating the original stage production with his choice of cast.
The main protagonist, Jean Valjean (Jarrett Hardy), had been unjustly imprisoned for almost 20 years for stealing a loaf of bread. Constable Jevert (Bronson Stewart) is ready to release Valjean on parole with a yellow ticket of leave, marking him as a convict. Valjean discovers it is difficult to find work, being marked as a con. Nearly starving, he is taken in by the local bishop who shows him mercy and kindness. Valjean, frustrated in his position, repays him by stealing the church’s silver and taking flight. Caught by the law again, he is brought before the bishop. The clergyman continues to show him mercy and grants Valjean the silver as a gift. In addition, he includes pair of silver candlesticks, telling Valjean, “You must use this precious silver to become an honest man . . . I have bought your soul for God.” This generous act motivates Valjean to tear up his yellow ticket, breaking his parole and create a new life for himself. Discarding his identity, another story begins . . .
Remember, revolution is afoot and the French economic situation is deteriorating. This means the slippery innkeepers, the Thenardiers (Mary Tucker and Kobe Kramer); the idealistic students; the lovestruck pair, Cosette (Charly Rentz) and Marius (Korden Jones) and of course, the downtrodden Fantine (Cami VanAusda), Eponine (Anissa Baggett) and more, partake in plausible roles history remembers leading up to the French Revolution of 1848.
Audiences who have enjoyed Mr. Seims’ performances in “Fiddler on the Roof” and “A Christmas Carol”, as well has his direction of “A Christmas Carol” and “Pirates of Penzance” will be entertained by familiar voices and see familiar faces, along with new, fresh ones.
This production is a must-see for family and friends of the cast and crew, and especially for all “Les Mis” fans. There are limited performances, February 2nd, 3rd, 9th and 10th, so you’ll want to order your seats right away. Tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased online at www.glennmassaytheater.com and at the box office.
Hurry, you really want to be part of this Revolution!
