Upper School Production of Les Misérables Packs Emotional Punch

The excitement started building as soon as it was announced that Les Misérables would be the spring musical. Tickets sold out within hours after being released. Anticipation was at a high and the performances did not did not disappoint audiences.

 

Based on the Victor Hugo novel, the epic musical is set during 19th century Paris and centers around the ex-convict Jean Valjean and his struggle for redemption. Spectacular performances, an elaborate set, and visually stunning costumes made for a powerful production.

 

A complicated show to put on, according to Director Robert Menna, there were 38 actors and 12 crew members. The show is sung through, which requires a good amount of vocal stamina. Menna explained, “Singing sometimes makes it easy for actors to play the general feeling of a scene or song; their challenge is to imagine their motivation clearly and make their actions specific.”

 

Abby Yadegar ‘20 (Fantine) acknowledged, “I learned how to portray to the audience the suffering of my character through a glance, a word, or a few notes. This was something that took a while to learn, but once I had, it transformed the way I portrayed the character.”

 

A number of the cast mates were first time actors. There were also a half dozen precocious younger kids in the show, most of whom were siblings of the actors. The three major battle sequences required the students being trained by a certified professional in weapon safety and certain students fired blank weapons onstage.

 

The set reflected Menna’s and set designer Brent Mason’s vision to inspire the audience to join the revolution portrayed in the show. Ramps extended into the audience, bringing them close to the actors and drawing them in on the action. Costume Designer, Allison Dillard put together 300 costumes and choreographed a lot of quick changes that made the transitions and different time periods look seamless.

 

This marks the last show for director Menna, who is retiring after 11 years and directing 22 plays and musicals at Milken.

 

Noted Johnny Stanman ‘17 (Pimp, Joly, Ensemble), “Working with Mr. Menna has been an unforgettable experience, and one I will continue to cherish for years.”

 

Menna reflected, “The cast of Les Misérables bonded so strongly that many new friendships were formed that will last a lifetime. The younger actors adored the seniors, who mentored and personally connected with them in their last show before the seniors graduated. Since this was my last show before retiring, I felt as if I were graduating as well – although the word ‘senior’ means something quite different to me. I will miss all of my students tremendously and I hope every one of us has more adventures as rewarding and as beautiful as Les Mis.”