Les Misérables: An energetic show with solid performances

Les Misérables: An energetic show with solid performances

Poster: ASNY Productions
Poster: ASNY Productions

Les Misérables is a massive undertaking that offers both principals and ensemble members the opportunity to demonstrate their special talents — often one at a time.

Based on the 1862 historical novel by Victor Hugo, the sing-through musical tells the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean — imprisoned for almost two decades for stealing a loaf of bread — tracing his transformation and redemption between 1815 and the June Rebellion in Paris in 1832.

(Hugo based Valjean’s character on the life of Eugène François Vidocq, an ex-convict who became a successful businessman and philanthropist.)

The original French version was first staged in 1980 with the English-language production of Les Misérables appearing in London’s West End three years later to mixed reviews. More than 30 years later, it still plays to full houses and still receives some negative comments because of its melodramatic content and the perfunctory way it deals with certain aspects of the storyline. It is also a show that thrills s as many as it disappoints.

And there is no question that it is a huge challenge for any company. In a fine ensemble production, with first-class musical direction by John McGovern, the ASNY Les Miz, which involves close to 100 performers, musicians and crew demonstrates energy, commitment and some fine performances.

In addition to a strong showing from Justin Hills in the lead role of Valjean, several other cast members deliver well-sung characterizations. Standouts are Barb Seabright, who is a comic delight as Mme. Thénardier, the publican’s wife, and Ariadna Mazur-Mathieu, who offers charm, sincerity and a beautiful singing voice as the luckless Éponine.

Andrew Galligan is a forceful leader of the students and Joseph Stone holds his own as Javert, the official on a relentless quest to recapture Valjean. Meanwhile, show director Jennifer Fontaine is effective as Fantine, the mother of Cosette — the child that Valjean takes in.

As the young lovers Cosette and Marius, Andrea MacWilliams and Matthew Chin appear to have a clear understanding of the requirements of their roles but their musical quality and power, on opening night at least, were disappointing. There were also a number of glitches with the sound system, which hampered the continuity of the show.

The ASNY production of Les Misérables played at Centrepointe Theatre to February 1, 2015.

 

Les Misérables

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo

Music by Claude-Michel Schőnberg

Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer

Ain’t Seen Noth’n Yet (ASNY) production

Musical director: John McGovern

Director: Jennifer Fontaine

Choreographer/co-director: Jacqueline Armstrong

Set and lighting: Seth Gerry

Sound: John Cybanski

Costumes: Peggy Laverty

 

Cast:

Jean Valjean…………………………………………………………..Justin Hills

Javert………………………………………………………………….Joseph Stone

Bishop of Digene……………………………………………………..Lee-Pierre Shirey

Factory foreman………………………………………………………Sean Brennan

Factory girl……………………………………………………………Rachel Duchesneau

Fantine…………………………………………………………………Jennifer Fontaine

Bamatabois……………………………………………………………Peter Maitland

Fauchelevent………………………………………………………….Daniel Claxton

Little Cosette…………………………………………….Sierra Levesque/Cameron Hunt

Mme. Thénardier……………………………………………………..Barbara Seabright

Young Éponine…………………………………………..Cameron Hunt/Sierra Levesque

Thénardier……………………………………………………………Robert Singlehurst

Gavroche……………………………………………..Ella Samojlenka/Colin Samojlenko

Éponine…………………………………………………………..Ariadna Mazur-Mathieu

Cosette……………………………………………………………….Andrea MacWilliams

Marius……………………………………………………………..…Matthew Chin

Enjolras………………………………………………………………Andrew Galligan

Thénardier’s gang: Paul Drouin, Marc Lessard, Irwin Kreisman, Michael Malek, Rob Milinkovich

Students: Sean Brennan, Daniel Claxton, Joe Cousineau, Matt Easterbrook, Cayne Kitagawa, Peter Maitland, Jeremy Sanders

Ensemble: Sarah Algozino, Madeline Busby, Stéphanie Crepin, Rachel Duchesneau, Sakeisha Ferron, Lindsay Iseler, Andrea Kinsley, Alison Manning, Sue McGahey, Kathryn McLaren, Sarah Pion, Emily Samojlenko, Tara St-Pierre, Rebeka Tekle, Jennifer Venning, Mary Ellen Vice

 

Musicians:

Conductor…………………………………………………..John McGovern

Michelle Ash, Nigel Bell, Wendy Berkelaar, Angela Casagrande, Guy Edrington, Mike Estabrooks, Kellina Gehrels, Drum Hudson, Pierre Huneault, Tom McMahon, Sophia Pan, Sonya Probst, Dave Renaud, Steve Smith, Mike Tremblay.

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