Les Miserables
at Heritage High School

Reviewed on April 5, 2014

Ben Fuhrmann
Tuscarora
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Loudoun

When the beating of your heart echoes the beating of the drum it's clear that Les Miserables is in town. From the grievances felt by peasants to the desire for revolution, Heritage High School's production transported the audience to revolutionary-era France, where they were happy to stay until the very last note.

Adapted from a French musical which was in turn adapted from a classic novel written by Victor Hugo, the lyrics for Les Miserables were written in English by Herbert Kretzmer with music by Claude-Michel Schönberg. The original French production ran for a brief three months in the Palais des Sports; after which the production moved to Britain and was converted to English. The London Production of Les Mis is the longest running musical to date, spanning from 1985 to today. The success of Les Mis in London inspired two separate Broadway productions.

The story follows Jean Valjean, a former convict who seeks redemption and is pursued by the ruthless Inspector Javert. Valjean takes the mistreated young Cosette under his wing after making a promise to her mother. The group makes their way through a trying time in French history, and as the revolution looms ever closer the people rally around a group of young fighters who make their last stand at a barricade. Cosette falls in love, Valjean is merciful to Javert, and the revolution takes countless lives. After the smoke clears, all that is left is the souls of the fallen French as Valjean joins them in the hereafter.

From the onset Jamie Brown (Valjean) and Vinny Okechukwu (Javert) played excellent foils. Both players had exquisite mastery of their vocals which inspired raucous applause from the audience after their solo numbers like "Stars" and "Bring Him Home." They were rivaled in vocal excellence only by each other which served to link the duo further in an anomalous display of life imitating art.

Enjolras, played by William Mitchell, was another exceptional talent in both acting and singing. His beautiful tenor injected life into the revolutionary sentiments of the Parisians. The Students followed Mitchell's lead, performing as an inspiring and entertaining ensemble whenever they were present. The conviction displayed by these actors permeated the audience and all others present on stage until everyone was ready to sing the songs of revolution.

The revolution was made even more believable by the excellent set design by senior Devin Clawson. The employment of a rotating stage created a compelling visual effect as well as a practical addition to keep scenes moving. The barricade was considered with professional aptitude, signifying all the drama and chaos of the insurrection happening behind its protection.

The sound design served as yet another complementary addition to the technical expertise of the production. Despite one or two lapses or spikes, the audio heard from the performer's microphones was pleasant and well balanced. This, mixed with the considerable professionalism of the pit orchestra made for a musical experience beyond the norm in a high school setting.

Heritage High School brought to life one of the most beloved musical experiences ever with more reverence, hard work, and cognizance than one could usually hope for in a production of its kind.

Sophia Buono
Oakcrest School
Submitted for publication to Washington Post - Loudoun

As a misty blur of light arose, a line of weary men trudged onstage, groaning in pain. In perfect synchronization and with on point expression, they heaved their arms through their slavish duties, while parole officers stoically marched by. With this powerful opening, Heritage High School dove into their performance of Les Miserables.

The unforgettable tale of Les Mis began as a celebrated 1862 novel by Victor Hugo. Later, it was adapted into a French musical, with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, in 1980. Three years later, Cameron Mackintosh worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company and translator Herbert Krestzmer to create an English version. A huge success, Les Mis is currently the world's longest running musical. It follows the life of Jean Valjean, an unjustly held prisoner who, upon being released, breaks parole and spends his life fleeing from the merciless inspector Javert. Throughout his journey, Valjean learns the power of charity and forgiveness, as he cares for the victimized Fantine, her child Cosette, and later for the young students who stage a revolution. Heritage High School's adaptation of this musical shone with visual appeal, vocal superiority, and emotional power.

From the very first scene, the interplay between Jean Valjean (Jamie Brown) and Javert (Vinny Okechukwu) established the firm tension of the production. Each grasped his character with authority, hit difficult notes with ease, and captivated the audience with their facial expressions. Supporting characters also executed their roles with enthusiasm and poise. Eponine (Lauren Gold) wowed the audience with her pure voice and passionate delivery, and Cosette (Maria Regina) successfully balanced a sense of grace and boldness in each of her songs.

The ensemble carried the show with stellar energy; all members amplified the emotion of the story with their ringing harmonies and sharp, committed movements. The ensemble of revolutionary students, in particular, mixed an original flavor into the show by adding comedic punch to "Red and Black," in which they scolded the heartfelt Marius (Devin Clawson) for his romantic thoughts. Several featured actors also stood out: the Thenardiers (Alex Hoyle and Aiden Orr) made a dynamic pair with their hilariously eccentric acting choices and vocal spirit. Fantine (Katie Blackburn), in addition, effectively combined her melodious voice with agonizing tears during her death scene. Despite a few off-pitch notes and moments of stiffness while singing, the cast of Heritage's Les Mis overwhelmingly commanded the stage with their talents.

The excellence of the stage crew also contributed to the show's success. Scenes transitioned smoothly and quietly, and the use of a turn table provided visual interest. The lighting consistently added to the show's somber tone, and all cues were executed with precision although sometimes falling short of revealing characters' faces. The set also brought the show to life, from a high balcony with a Paris backdrop to a towering barricade of broken doors and chairs. Furthermore, the student pit orchestra was the capstone of the show's profound delivery, brilliantly interpreting each song and matching performers' singing.

Thanks to the technical, visual, and vocal beauty of the performance, Heritage High School's Les Miserables took the audience on a powerful journey of struggle, love, and forgiveness, making them believers in true hope and freedom.

Zoe Hawryluk
Westfield High School
Submitted for publication to ShowBizRadio.net

Nine men trudge, hunched over, onto a dimly lit stage. Ominous music plays as they fill the space and sharply pantomime digging holes and hammering rocks, chillingly singing about the grueling hard labor they face day after day as prisoners of France. This opening foreshadowed all of the pain that would be depicted of common life in the 19th century in Heritage High School's captivating performance of Les Misérables.

Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, Les Misérables was composed by Claude-Michel Schönberg and translated into English by lyricist Herbert Kretzmer. The musical debuted in Paris in 1980, and first graced Broadway in 1987. Since then, Les Mis has seen innumeral revivals all over the world, and has received Tony Awards for Best Musical, Book, and Score-- it was also made into a hit movie in 2012, for which it won three Golden Globes.

Set in France in the early 1800s, Les Misérables follows Jean Valjean as he seeks redemption for stealing a loaf of bread, serving 19 years in prison, and breaking his parole in pursuit of a life of benevolence. In addition to being constantly hounded by his tormented parole officer Javert, Valjean is immersed in a pool of interesting individuals and impending revolution.

Jamie Brown played none other than the cautious and kindhearted Jean Valjean. With Les Mis being his first musical, Brown's astonishingly gifted vocals were apparent in songs like "Bring Him Home", where he hit difficult falsetto notes with ease, and had a genuine tenderness for all of the other characters as Valjean. Opposite Brown, antagonist and tormented officer Javert was portrayed by Vinny Okechukwu in a way whose impeccably haunting vocals made viewers loathe and pity him at the same time.

Madame and Monsieur Thénardier (played by Aiden Orr and Alex Hoyle, respectively) brought a natural comedic relief every time they walked onstage. Their look and physicality had the whole house tickled as they tiptoed around the law and robbed just a few unsuspecting innocents along the way.

Despite some blocking and enunciation issues, the ensemble worked together as an incredibly cohesive whole, but still maintaining individuality by constantly working off of and helping each other as the show progressed, as well as punching meaningful tableaus and silhouettes. The most tight-knit group in the ensemble was that of the Students in the revolution. They took numbers like "Red and Black" and made them fun and unique by interjecting witty, improvised one-liners that made the audience feel like they had been good friends with these revolutionaries for years.

The set featured a turntable that soundlessly gave the audience a look at literally both sides of the story when it spun around to show aspects of a budding relationship, as well as the grim horrors of dead revolutionaries. In addition to the turntable was the famous barricade, which lit up in individual places and even smoked during battle scenes.

Heritage High School brought to the table a fresh interpretation to the second-longest running musical of all time. With a tremendously memorable rendition of Les Misérables, viewers will still be "hearing the people sing" when "tomorrow comes."

Gavin Moore
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to Patch.com - Loudoun

The piercing sound of gunfire crackled and popped beyond the barricade, and one by one, rebel students clad in red, white and blue fell to the incoming bullets. While the revolution seemed lost, Heritage High School's production of Les Miserables certainly wasn't, as the talented cast and crew succeeded in bringing the beloved musical to the stage.

Les Misérables, affectionately known as ‘Les Mis,' was written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil and based on the 1832 book of the same name by Victor Hugo. Originally premiered in 1980 in Paris, the translated version opened on the West End in 1985 and made its Broadway debut in 1987. Despite initial negative reviews by critics, the show ultimately became the second-longest running musical of all time, garnering numerous revivals as well as a 2012 film adaptation. The beloved story follows a former convict, Jean Valjean, as he attempts to seek redemption and run from his past, all against the backdrop of the June Rebellion in France.

Stepping into the role of Jean Valjean was Jamie Brown, who infused his portrayal of the character with a commanding stage presence and powerful voice, providing a strong backbone for the entire show. Brown was able to invoke a variety of emotions, from sheer defiance in "Who Am I" to a more subtle tenderheartedness in "Bring Him Home." Policeman and antagonist Javert was played by Vinny Okechukwu, who boasted an equally robust singing voice and an impressive range. Okechukwu's commitment to every aspect of his role put him at the center of some of the most emotional scenes of the musical, particularly in his heartbreaking "Soliloquy."

Many supporting characters stood out from amongst the cast, bringing hilarity and fervent energy to the production. Alex Hoyle and Aiden Orr portrayed the conniving Thénardier and Madame Thénardier with overly dramatic movements and humorous antics. The two formed a superb comedic duo, receiving thunderous applause in numbers such as "Master of the House" and "Beggars at the Feast." Maria Regina was commendable as the sweet, kindhearted Cosette, and her lovely soprano melodies were refreshing. Both Katie Blackburn and Lauren Gold as Fantine and Eponine moved audience members to tears in their respective solos. As the rousing revolutionary leader Enjolras, William Mitchell infused every word with passion. Little Cosette, Little Eponine, and Gavroche were portrayed by Mary Kate Connors, Brielle Schermerhorn, and Kaden Hart respectively, all of whom demonstrated impressive acting chops for their young age. The ensemble of the Students, and the entire cast itself, was remarkable, providing intensity and excitement in every number.

Technical elements dazzled in the production, bringing 19th century France to life on stage. The music for the show was provided by a skilled orchestra, which tackled the immensely challenging score masterfully without ever overpowering the actors. Set design was exquisite and extensive. Large, movable pieces were moved silently. The use of a turntable throughout the production allowed for countless locations and settings to be seen by the audience. Costumes, many of which were hand-made, were aesthetically pleasing and period, while hair and makeup effectively conveyed the dismal living conditions of the poor.

Les Misérables has continued to capture the hearts of people of all ages for over a quarter of a century due to its timeless storyline and beautiful message of repentance, understanding and love. With robust vocals, spirited performances and beautiful technical elements, the cast and crew of Heritage High School's production of Les Misérables put on a spectacular production and truly deserved their standing ovation, allowing audience members to indeed, hear the people sing.

Ben Andre
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Submitted for publication to The Paw Print

All is dark and bleak. Then, a chain gang suddenly appears. The tension in the scene is palpable to the audience as we immediately sense the blood, sweat and tears of the prisoners. The gang's gruff singing gives way to Inspector Javert releasing prisoner 24601 on parole. Thus begins the story of Jean Valjean in Heritage High School's production of Les Misérables.

Based on an epic novel written by Victor Hugo in 1862, Les Misérables follows the plight of Jean Valjean, imprisoned for 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister's starving child. Struggling to escape his criminal past, Valjean seeks redemption and a second chance at life. His good intentions, however, are constantly foiled by Javert, a self-righteous policeman driven blindly by his duty to administer the law. This legendary musical masterpiece also touches upon the vast suffering of the poor in 19th century France and their call for freedom. Caught up in a barricade, Valjean helplessly witnesses lifeless revolutionaries collapse upon a bloody battlefield but is able to save his adopted daughter's lover, Marius. At the show's finale, Valjean dies with a cleansed soul, having ultimately turned his life around.

Les Misérables is a very ensemble heavy show, with equal stage time for many of the performers. The cast and crew at Heritage rose to the challenge of assembling so many people on stage at one time and executed the choreography beautifully without a cluttered or hectic appearance.

In his role of Jean Valjean, Jamie Brown illuminated the stage with his presence, leaving the audience in awe at his vocal range and emotional capabilities. As Valjean progressed through the different stages of his life on stage, Brown made the development of his character aware to the audience who sympathized with him throughout the show. As Javert, Vinny Okechukwu also demonstrated his vocal prowess, conveying Javert's transformation from an uncompromising police inspector to a conflicted man who eventually ends his own life. Brown and Okechukwu held mesmerizing chemistry with each other and fed off of each other's energy to create scenes replete with tension.

Alex Hoyle (Thénardier), William Mitchell (Enjolras), Devin Clawson (Marius), Lauren Gold (Eponine), and Maria Regina (Cosette) all blended well together to create an ensemble cast that functioned as a group without losing the individuality of each character. As one of the only comedic characters in the show, Hoyle as Thénardier incorporated comic relief in places that it was sorely needed. The added levity helped the audience get through the most heart wrenching moments in the play.

All of the technical aspects in the production assisted in intensifying the tone of the show. The set, consisting primarily of a large bridge in the background and a rotating floor panel center stage, was expertly constructed. The rotating floor panel design allowed the audience to see both sides of a scene, notably the embattled barricade.

A haunting past, the plight of the poor, and the pangs of freedom and revolution were brought together so passionately by the cast and crew of Heritage High School. The audience laughed and cried with the cast throughout the performance but, by far, the most prevalent noise emanating from the audience was applause. By the show's finale, everyone was up on their feet in a standing ovation and, despite the sadness of the show, the only time anyone was truly miserable was when it was over.