Les Miserables
at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology

Reviewed on March 25, 2017

Amanda Hampton
Riverside High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

With the passion of a revolutionary, the finesse of a career crook, and the fervor of a man redeemed, the timeless piece "Les Miserables" sprang to life on stage at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology.

The musical is based on the novel of the same name written by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo. It has become one of the most prolific and revered works of its age, setting records as the longest running musical on the West End and the second longest running musical in the world. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, it follows a man named Jean Valjean, imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his family and branded forever as prisoner 24601. Following his release, he sets out in search of some form of redemption and finds it in the form of a child named Cosette, whom he takes in as his own after making a deathbed promise to her ailing mother. He and Cosette find themselves entangled with the young revolutionaries of France, idealistic students who are willing to fight and die for their cause. With its overarching themes of love, compassion, and rebellion against social injustice, it is no wonder Les Miserables resonates with so many.

As a whole, the cast was successful in capturing the essence of the complex characters and thematic content. Matthew Heninger shone as Jean Valjean, balancing the many-faceted character and challenging vocals with apparent ease. He portrayed all aspects of Valjean with a frank authenticity, as the hardened criminal, as the loving father, as the weary man on the run. The ingénue Cosette was another standout, played with aplomb by Olympia Hatzilambrou, whose soaring soprano voice managed to carry the show where it could have just as easily fallen flat. Her relationship with Marius (Timmy Chan) was an object of commendation, as they managed to make a love affair which took place over the course of a single day feel genuine and electric. Chan's vocals were equally captivating, most notably as he pulled off a flawless delivery of the vocally intense and emotionally charged "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables."

Juliana Gruver and Joshua Mutterperl lent some much needed comic relief to an otherwise somber show as the scheming Thenardiers. They kept the audience in stitches with their overblown gestures, particularly in "Master of the House," supported by the spirited ensemble. At times, in fact, the ensemble stole the show completely, displaying remarkable zeal and individual character choices which made them a force to be reckoned with, making company songs such as "At the End of the Day," "The People's Song," and "One Day More" some of the highlights of the show.

The technical elements served to add another dimension to the production. The set was elaborate and eye-catching, particularly in the barricade scene, with furniture stacked haphazardly to the ceiling making for an appropriate backdrop as the revolutionaries made their final stand. The student orchestra displayed a professionalism not often seen in high school productions, pulling off the irrefutably demanding, intricate score with hardly a hitch.

Despite the maturity of the content and the vocally and instrumentally taxing music, the cast and crew were, for the most part, successful in their delivery. From the moment the curtain swung open to the final hopeful, resounding notes of the Epilogue, Thomas Jefferson High School took to the challenge of Les Miserables with sincere and enthusiastic conviction.

Kelly DeAngioletti
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Paths cross, fates intertwine, and the spark of rebellion ignites as powerful vocals sweep you to the streets of 19th-century-Paris in Thomas Jefferson High School's Les Misérables, which will empower you to stand up and scream "Vive la France!"

Originally based on the novel "Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo, the musical (written by Alan Boublil and Claude Michael Schönberg) captures the journey of a convict, Jean Valjean, as he breaks parole to start a new life while being hunted down by the officer, Javert. Throughout his journey, Valjean transforms into a man who has compassion through interactions with God and various characters of France. With an impressive score by Claude Michael Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, Les Mis is the second-longest running musical in the world.

No easy task, Jean Valjean (Matthew Heninger), encompassed the strife of a man besieged by metaphorical chains binding him. Throughout the show, the internal struggle of Valjean was apparent as Heninger exhibited truth in his emotional reactions. Despite at times being the sole figure onstage, he drew in the audience with pained facial expressions and lyrics sung with power and purpose. From deep unwavering tones to beautiful falsetto, the complexity of Valjean's vocal range was handled with ease.

The hopeless romantic, Marius (Timmy Chan), enchanted the audience with his velvety vocals and love-struck demeanor. Throughout various encounters in the show, Marius's charm and gentle nature made hearts swoon, as well as established honest relationships with other characters. The playful, back-and-forth banter between Éponine (Kristen Myers) and Marius was brimming with chemistry, but with a dash of unrequited love made hearts ache. However, the romance blossoming between Marius and Cosette (Olympia Hatzilambrou) was one of infatuation and the sweetness of young love. With a lilting, operatic, soprano, Cosette impressively conquered each note with delicacy and grace perfectly suitable for each scene.

Javert (Jeb Berger) commanded the stage with a rigid posture and stoic air. Though Javert is a typically unlikeable character, Berger embraced the role's vulnerability and in the second act, beautifully encompassed the transformation of the steadfast character. Contrary to Javert, the Thénardiers acted as a crass comic relief, enhancing the overall show with a touch of humor. Madam Thénardier (Juliana Gruver) and Thénardier (Joshua Mutterperl) were a terrific comedic duo, building off one another's energy and outlandishness.

The cast tackled a challenging score with finesse, displaying dazzling vocals among all members of the cast, including the Bishop of Digne (Evan Strong) and little Cosette (Valeria Nayak), who had clear voices with beautiful tone. The ensemble was a powerful unit with strong vocals and tight harmonies, embodying the various characters among the streets of Paris. Each ensemble enhanced the show, particularly the students who displayed an empowering sense of camaraderie.

Sound quality for the show was spectacular. There was no synthetic quality to the mic, and the balance between the actors and the orchestra was perfect; with each group highlighting the other. The orchestra was magnificent, playing complex pieces with ease while enhancing the musical by setting the tone for many numbers.

Historical research was done for this show, which was apparent in the various tech categories. Costumes were largely period with beautiful pieces such as Cosette's dresses, and significant thought put into each character's wardrobe. The set displayed a variety of locations with a few key pieces and allowed actors to climb on them, which was a particularly interesting element.

As the timeless themes of Les Mis unfurl on Thomas Jefferson's stage, join the revolution…"Vive la France!"

Meghan Murphy
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Red Apple 21 - FCPS

As the orchestra struck the first note of the Prologue, a foggy blue light arose on the stage. Lines of laboring men dressed in rags, heaving with groans and sighs, pulled a huge ship on across the stage. Parole officers marched through the lines, beating down any man that dared to raise his voice in the song that opened Thomas Jefferson High School's performance of Les Misérables.

This famous tragedy began with Victor Hugo's publishing of the book Les Misérables in 1862, which is now recognized as one of the greatest novels of the 19th century. The musical premiered in Paris in 1980, with music by Claude-Michel Schonburg.

The unforgettable story is centered on Jean Valjean, a convict arrested for stealing a single loaf of bread, and his path to redemption. Once he escapes the prison system, he breaks parole to create a purer life for himself, but he must spend his life running from the ruthless inspector Javert. Thomas Jefferson skillfully tackled the complexity and depth of this renowned musical.

From start to finish Matthew Heninger as Jean Valjean carried the production through the seventeen years in which Les Misérables takes place. In a musical with no spoken lines, Heninger skillfully sang each of his many lines of dialogue with immensely impressive range. The ease which he commanded the stage and directed the story as a man who struggles between doing what is morally and legally right was phenomenal.

Jeb Berger as Javert had a firm grasp of his authoritarian character who perfectly countered Heninger in their multiple confrontations. His facial expressions and the emotion that lay in his voice showed the struggle Javert goes through in his hunt for Valjean.

The show derived much of its energy from the fantastic performances by Olympia Hatzilambrou (Cosette) and Timmy Chan (Marius). In a musical where the two fall in love at first sight, their romance was constantly realistic and genuine. Hatzilambrou's operatic vocals soared with purity and clarity that is rare on a high school stage, and the strong vocals and harmonies of Chan's voice were perfectly matched to create masterpieces of their duets.

In a story that is much devoted to death and poverty, the Thénardiers (Juliana Gruver and Joshua Mutterperl) brought exceptional comedy to the TJ stage, notably in "Master of the House" with their hilarious movements and vocals while they dragged the school principal into their pub, which resulted in teary-eyed laughter long after the scene ended.

Other standouts included Fantine (Olivia Johansson), Eponine (Kristen Myers, and Gavroche (Sarah Gold), who each had a strong grasp of the tragic circumstances of their characters.

Thomas Jefferson's ensemble carried the show with vigorous energy and impeccable harmonies. The Lovely Ladies ensemble were delightfully saucy as well as pitiful in their portrayal of downcast prostitutes, and the revolutionary students were notable for their dedication to launching a rebellion with truly memorable deaths.

The excellence of the orchestra was a definite standout in this production, as they were able to accurately play beautiful music for the entirety of the show and match the tempos of the singers. The show came together around an amazing set design, especially in the barricade and slum scenes, that provided a number of levels for the performers to arrange themselves on.

With the combined excellence of the vocals on stage, music from the pit, and visual beauty in the set, the cast on Thomas Jefferson's Les Misérables took the audience on a journey of imprisonment and freedom, suppression and revolution, death and love.

Syona Ayyankeril
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Do you long for freedom? Do you yearn for justice? Do you wish you could escape from the shadows of your past? If so, then join the gifted cast and crew at the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology as they fight for the right to be free in their compelling production of "Les Miserables."

One of the world's most iconic and well-known musicals, "Les Miserables" is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and brought to life by music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer (the original French lyrics were written by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel). Set in 19th century France, the story revolves around former convict Jean Valjean, who, in a search for redemption, breaks parole and starts life anew after serving 19 years in prison for stealing. Despite changing his name and finding success and wealth, he is relentlessly hunted down by the morally rigid Inspector Javert, forced to go into hiding with his adopted daughter, Cosette, and eventually becomes entangled in the Paris Student Revolution of 1832.

Matthew Heninger starred as Jean Valjean, showing great emotional range in the demanding role. He remained extremely engaged, and his singing voice and clear reactions to all of the other characters made him a compelling presence on stage. Opposite Heninger, Jeb Berger played the steadfast and persistent police officer, Javert, with a stiff, upright physicality that established dominance over and provided a striking contrast with the characters beneath him in status.

Timmy Chan shone in the role of Marius with easily one of the most beautiful voices on stage. At his side was Olympia Hatzilambrou, the equally skilled vocalist who played Cosette. The two worked extremely well together to develop a relationship that was sweet and sincere, while Kristen Myers looked on as Eponine, a close friend of Marius and the embodiment of unrequited love who helps Marius find Cosette, despite having deep feelings for him herself. As a trio, Chan, Hatzilambrou, and Myers gave an especially lovely performance of "A Heart Full of Love."

Providing comic relief to the otherwise heavy show were Joshua Mutterperl and Juliana Gruver, who played the unscrupulous conman Thénardier and his equally unprincipled wife. The Thénardiers shamelessly lie and steal from their customers and generally create chaos, comically establishing their "dog-eat-dog" way of life in a particularly hilarious rendition of "The Innkeeper's Song (Master of the House)."

The ensemble of villagers and other characters proved to be especially skilled, carrying out incredibly tight harmonies and delivering a unified and clear sound that was particularly powerful in songs such as "At the End of the Day." One other specific highlight was the scene at the barricade, which featured the ensemble of revolutionary students.

Also impressive were the set and smooth set transitions. The lighting designs were effective in setting the mood in scenes such as the prologue, the costumes added a nice touch of cohesion, and perhaps most impressive was the work of the sound crew. There were little to no issues with the actor's microphones and they maintained a perfect balance between the volume of the talented orchestra and the volume of the singers throughout the entire show.

Through dedicated performances and well-executed technical elements, the cast and crew achieved a production that was captivating and heartfelt. Although this musical may generally be regarded as gloomy and tragic, Thomas Jefferson High School's "Les Miserables" was also an uplifting tale that highlighted love, redemption, and a passionate hope that a better life will start when tomorrow comes.

Lydia Gompper
George Mason High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Change doesn't always come easily – sometimes you have to fight for it. In Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's touching production of "Les Misérables," the characters are willing to lay down their lives and raise their muskets for the change they want, whether it be personal or societal.

Based on Victor Hugo's classic 1862 novel,"Les Misérables" premiered in Paris in 1980, before making the transition to Broadway in 1987. Widely beloved, it is the longest-running musical on London's West End, having been performed continuously for more than thirty years. Taking place in 19th-century France, the story follows ex-con Jean Valjean as he breaks his parole and attempts to start a new life as an honest man. The musical offers a glimpse into the lives and struggles of the downtrodden poor during an era of repeated revolution and political upheaval.

Thomas Jefferson High School's sizable cast formed a strong, unified ensemble. In a musical that revolves around the voices of the people, the full company numbers are of vital importance, and the students of Thomas Jefferson did not disappoint. The ensemble demonstrated impressive cohesion both as actors and as vocalists, masterfully executing complicated harmonies. Their rendition of "At the End of the Day" was immediately captivating.

Lead actor Matthew Heninger carried the weighty role of Jean Valjean with maturity and emotional intensity. His visceral expressiveness conveyed the show's thematic depth and his character's redemptive evolution. Heninger's vocals demonstrated an impressive range, standing out in stirring solo numbers such as "Who Am I?". Valjean's adopted daughter Cosette, meanwhile, was performed with lovely sweetness and strength by Olympia Hatzilambrou. Her enchantingly pure soprano vocals soared, hitting stellar high notes in "A Heart Full Of Love." Hatzilambrou also maintained an adorable, believable romantic onstage chemistry with Timmy Chan, who played the young revolutionary Marius Pontmercy. The starry-eyed lovers served as a point of light in an otherwise dark show. Chan himself, meanwhile, was infinitely charming in his role, and his clear tenor singing voice was heartbreaking and emotive in his solo number, "Empty Chairs and Empty Tables."

While "Les Misérables" is certainly a melancholy show, it is not utterly without comic relief. The Thénardiers, a pair of money-grubbing crooks, were played with high energy and witty, lewd hilarity by Joshua Mutterperl and Juliana Gruver. Mutterperl portrayed his character with the ideal dose of sliminess, with exaggerated mannerisms and comedic one-liners that landed perfectly. Gruver, meanwhile, acted as his wife with a similar shrewd humor, slipping in sarcastic comments about her husband that had the audience chuckling. The pair were an instant crowd favorite, lighting up the stage in their jovial musical number, "Master of the House."

The students of Thomas Jefferson High School also deserve note for the successful work done by those offstage. Although the actors and the pit orchestra occasionally found themselves out of sync, the orchestra itself was exquisite. They handled the show's difficult score with skill and poise. Meanwhile, head set designer Neha Khandelwal and the rest of the set team created several outstanding set pieces. As the curtain lifted for the show's opening scene, the audience was instantly wowed by the large, student-built ship that the characters were attempting to move. Similarly impressive in the second act was the remarkable multi-piece barricade on which the students stage their last stand.

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology has delivered a commendable production of "Les Misérables," portraying weighty themes such as injustice, sacrifice, and love with dedication and grace. The standing ovation they received from the audience was thoroughly deserved.

Erin Ergun
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Insidenova - Sun Gazette

As the lights dim, a line of weary men emerges, and their moans of agony surface above the powerful pit orchestra. With perfect synchronization and expressions depicting their torment and suffering, they heave their arms above their heads to perform the slavish duties, while the stoic officers march by. This powerful opening number, sets the mood of revolution and camaraderie for Thomas Jefferson High School for Science at Technology's performance of Les Misérables.

Based on Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables", Les Mis tells of the June Revolution in 19th century France and with Claude-Michel Schönberg's composition the world-renowned musical became the fifth longest running musical on Broadway. The story follows the journey of Jean Valjean, an ex-convict, and his adopted daughter Cosette as they search for a better life and meet countless characters along their way. Jean Valjean has a remarkable transition as he learns the importance of charity and compassion, leaving behind his brutish and brash past.

As the central character, Matthew Heninger, portrays Jean Valjean's powerful emotional and physical strength, fully embracing the raw emotions that create the tension between himself and his foil, Javert. Jeb Berger, as Javert, also perfectly executed the authoritative and stoic nature of his character who opposed prisoner 24601. Both Heninger and Berger, not only encompassed their characters' emotional nuances, but also presented dynamic vocals with ease.

Supporting characters also executed their roles with passionate and enthusiastic delivery. Olivia Johansson, as Fantine, created a mesmerizing character that one could not help but feel sympathetic for in both her iconic number, "I Dreamed a Dream" and her death scene. Eponine (Kristen Myers) also showcased a wide array of emotions as she endured the heartbreak of seeing her love, Marius, fall for Cosette. Olympia Hatzilambrou, as Cosette, also wowed the audience with her mellifluous voice and grace in each of her songs. Timmy Chan (Marius) created a loveable character and showed exceptional chemistry between himself and both Cosette and Eponine.

Perhaps, the greatest aspect of this fantastic show was the strength in the ensemble. The prostitutes in "Lovely Ladies" and customers in "Master of the House" kept the otherwise heavy plot filled with high energy and robust vocals. The greedy Thenardier duo (Joshua Mutterperl and Juliana Gruver) made a dynamic pair with endless spirit and eccentric physicality adding a unique element to the show. Overall, both the leads and the ensemble members did a fantastic job scene after scene, leaving the audience with an assortment of emotions.

The excellence of the stage manager and crew also contributed to the show's success, with smooth transitions of large and intricate set pieces. Furthermore, the design of the set seamlessly transitioned throughout the show creating a new atmosphere for each of the many scene changes.

The historical accuracy and attention to detail made the costumes eye-catching, especially the gorgeous detail in each of Cosette's gowns. Additionally, the creation and usage of props especially reloading the muskets in the battle scenes perfectly reflected the time period. The student pit orchestra was also impressive, due to the well-balanced level with the actors and the challenging music. Since this musical is only comprised of song, the pit played throughout the whole show, becoming the foundation of the show's profound delivery and adding to the intensity.

An astounding tale of revolution, camaraderie, and romance brought to life at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, made the audience long to see it "One Day More!"

Karen Zipor
Stone Bridge High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Do you hear the people sing? As the house lights dimmed, the audience was immediately introduced to a professional-level orchestra and an ensemble of criminals pulling a large boat, singing and moving in unison. Perfected vocals and intense emotions filled the stage of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology's production of Les Misérables.

The story of Les Misérables is based on Victor Hugo's 1862 French historical novel of the same title. The musical adaptation premiered in Paris in 1980, with original French-language lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. The English-language version opened in London in 1985 by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and its success led to a Broadway production. Les Mis went on to win the Tony Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical.

The main plot follows the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean (Matthew Heninger), who wants to do good in the world, but cannot escape his criminal past. Heninger surpassed the standards set by this challenging role both vocally and emotionally. He showed real empathy for Marius (Timmy Chan), stunning the audience with his brilliant performance of "Bring Him Home." In addition, he had a strong connection with Cosette (Olympia Hatzilambrou) and gave the audience chills when he finally reached heaven and returned to his beloved Fantine (Olivia Johansson).

The romantic chemistry between Marius (Timmy Chan) and Cosette (Olympia Hatzilambrou) was extremely believable and engaging. Both Chan and Hatzilambrou were flawless singers with impressive ranges. In particular, Chan showed off his acting capabilities in "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables" by embodying an injured physicality and poignant remorse when singing about his fallen friends.

There were many talented actors and actresses among the cast. Thénardier (Joshua Mutterperl) and Madame Thénardier (Juliana Gruver), the innkeepers and abusive owners of Young Cosette, were extremely fun to watch, providing the comic relief for such an emotionally heavy show. Javert (Jeb Berger), an inspector with no room for mercy, showed dominance with his stiff personality and commanding baritone voice.

In addition, the ensemble had great harmonies and character elements. The male ensemble of students was constantly engaged when they were fighting at the barricade and loading ammo.

All of the tech work was highly realistic and consistent to the time period of 19th century France. The set consisted of many large and impressive builds of the hull of a boat and a balcony with bricks that Marius could climb. The lighting design's best moment was at the end of the show when the stage went from complete darkness to a cyclorama with the bright colors of the French flag. Concerning sound, the orchestra sometimes overpowered the singers, but there was not a single issue with mic quality.

Overall, Thomas Jefferson High School of Science and Technology put together a show that touched the hearts of everyone in the audience. They were very confident in their vocal and orchestral abilities and it showed onstage. The cast's passion for theater matched their character's passion for a revolution.

Maya Koch
Annandale High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

In a dark theatre at Thomas Jefferson High School, a light shines on the lift of the conductor's hands, and the orchestra arises from silence to bring about the thunderous score of Les Misérables. To the pounding of many hearts beating at once, lives are changed, lost, found, and loved.

Adapted from the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg's musical Les Misérables is perhaps one of the greatest and most successful shows ever penned for the stage, especially its English translation, which has been running in London's West End and on Broadway since 1985. The story follows the life of Jean Valjean as he goes from convict, to mayor, to recluse, to martyr, ever pursued by the steady and persistent Inspector Javert. Along the way, he crosses paths with various distinct characters, from the desperate mother Fantine to the brave, determined, and doomed students who lead the disastrous June Rebellion in Paris.

Carrying the show through the years was the ever-developing Jean Valjean, here played by Matthew Heninger. Heninger sang with a certain weariness and anger that gave way to gentle pleading with God as the past catches up with him in Act 2.

Olympia Hatzilambrou as Valjean's adopted daughter Cosette was a powerful supporting character, whose operatic styling complimented her character's naïveté. Her lover, Marius Pontmercy, was expertly played by Timmy Chan, who matched Hatzilambrou's energy with a flirtatious boyishness which fell to deep despair after witnessing the massacre at the barricade.

Supporting the leads was a consistently energized ensemble, which had too many stand-outs to name. The group numbers were exhilarating to watch. Each ensemble member was enveloped so much into their character that it was difficult to know whose face to focus on, for fear of missing a brilliant moment of acting.

The set, headed by Neha Khandelwal, helped the pacing from year to year, event to event, considerably. Each shift went smoothly from one scene to the next, and the set pieces were well suited to the scenes. The barricade and docks sets were especially intricate, as well as the impressively built ship's bow the convicts pulled in the Prologue.

In addition to set, the lighting by Mira Wroblewski helped the flow of each scene's mood through use of startling colors projected onto the rear cyclorama.

Props were time-period appropriate, and well-integrated with the set. Special mention goes to the students' muzzle loading rifles, which were key parts of the activity at the barricade.

With such technical prowess and consistently emotional vocal talent, Thomas Jefferson High School makes putting on a show as demanding as Les Misérables look easy.

Kendall Guntner
Tuscarora High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

What is truly worth fighting for?

Quite a few answers to this philosophical question can be found in Thomas Jefferson High School's Les Misérables through its strong ensemble, impressive vocals and artistic technical choices. At the End of the Day, the production left the audience with the heartbreaking truths behind victories and losses alike.

Since its debut in 1985, Claude-Michel Schönberg's musical, Les Misérables, has captivated the hearts of both the young and the wise. Based on Victor Hugo's novel, published in 1862, the story takes place around the time of the June 1832 Rebellion in France and centers the story around one pivotal character, ex-convict Jean Valjean, and his journey through judgement, mercy and redemption. The original Broadway production of Les Misérables won eight Tony awards of its nominated twelve, including Best Musical.

The opening number truly set the tone for the entire production. The ensemble throughout the prologue showed unfaltering energy, and each soloist stood out in their own ways. The main ensemble had amazing vocals, interesting character choices and showed unity in every number. The Students ensemble was commanding, yet perfectly passionate, and stole the show as they fought for the revolution! The character development and emotions of Jean Valjean (Matthew Heninger) brought an entirely new level - not only to the meaning of the show, but the character itself. Heninger was well-supported by strong cast mates, including Timmy Chan, who portrayed Marius with striking vocals and dedication to his character. The charisma and innocence of the relationship between Marius and Eponine (Kristen Myers) was beautiful, as the two played off one another very well. Javert (Jeb Berger) was also a fantastic part of the production, holding a powerful presence until the end. Monsieur and Madame Thénardier (Joshua Mutterperl, Juliana Gruver) really brought the more comical side of the production with great comedic timing and fierce energy. In addition, the operatic vocals of Olympia Hatzilambrou as Cosette took the audience's breath away with every note! The show, however, would not have been complete without the great Gavroche (Sarah Gold), whose fateful end gave the audience chills.

A large aspect of the show that helps to create and tell the story is the set, which was complex and stunning! The different ways the set pieces were used showed the artistry behind set design and construction, such as the continuous use of the staircase in various scenes! The large set pieces were moved with ease on and off stage during fluid set changes. The lighting also plays a large role in conveying the tone of the story. The intensity of the lighting cues in times of high energy, such as the Barricade scenes, really brought another element to the production that wowed the audience. The finale of the show was powerful, with France's flag filling the cyclorama and illuminating the stage. Costumes seemed to fit each character and their personalities well, and were consistent throughout the leads and ensemble alike! The color coordination to the costumes was also pleasing to the eye – no costumes seemed out of place or time period.

Overall, Thomas Jefferson High School's production of Les Misérables was a huge success. From all of the fine details to the main picture of the story, the cast and crew truly gave the audience an experience like no other; an experience that will be hard to forget!