Les Miserables
at San Juan Hills

Reviewed on April 26, 2018

Keely Yeargin
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

San Juan Hills takes to the barricades in "Les Miserables"
written by Keely Yeargin, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal High School

A man, illuminated by a single light, stands at the summit of the barricade. A dead child lies limp in his arms. These are the horrors of revolution presented in San Juan Hills' production of "Les Miserables."

"Les Miserables" follows the timeless story of released prisoner Jean Valjean, star-crossed lovers Cosette and Marius, and the city of Paris as revolution kindles. It examines the complexities of being human—the grotesque and the generous, the infinite and the finite. San Juan Hills tackles this with poise and tact.

Jaymes Macabale delves into Jean Valjean's melancholy and eternal optimism, his voice rolling into the peaks and valleys of the music with ease. His rival police inspector Javert, played by Zain Faruqi, is every bit the rigid police inspector. Faruqi embodies Javert's internal struggle with his restrained, choppy movements, stiff posture, and brass voice.

The lovebirds, Cosette played by Jessica Tonai and Marius played by Brent Arciniega, entwine in "A Heart Full of Love." Tonai's operatic voice is light and clear. Arciniega immerses himself in the role, reaching out to emphasize his love. Hanna Berkompas' Eponine possesses her unrequited love with sorrow and strength, despair tangible as she croons.

Jenna Husli and Edward Kemp as innkeepers Madame and Monsieur Thenardier are sleazy and over-the-top comedic as they thrust their hips and dominate the stage with spread-eagle arms in "Master of the House."

All in all, each townsperson differentiates themselves, committing to their own character's mannerisms even as their voices blend in "One Day More," a triumph for the cast.

A versatile set, designed by students, switches from a bridge to barricade and back, the transitions eased by a well-oiled running crew. The actors interact with the set, such as moving the Rue Plumet gate—interwoven with vines and white roses—to indicate where to pay attention.

The costumes, hair, and makeup all together recreate the reality of 1800s Paris, from smeared prostitute makeup to high-class curls, clearly showing differences in class. The lighting, draped over it all, is gloomy yet wistful, and truly angelic in the epilogue. The orchestra follows suit with endurance, sorrow, and timing.

All in all, "Les Miserables" encompasses the human experience: Who is not hideous? Who is not beautiful? And, most of all—who is not miserable?

Keely Yeargin
St. Margaret's Episcopal
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

San Juan Hills takes to the barricades in "Les Miserables"
written by Keely Yeargin, a junior at St. Margaret's Episcopal High School

A man, illuminated by a single light, stands at the summit of the barricade. A dead child lies limp in his arms. These are the horrors of revolution presented in San Juan Hills' production of "Les Miserables."

"Les Miserables" follows the timeless story of released prisoner Jean Valjean, star-crossed lovers Cosette and Marius, and the city of Paris as revolution kindles. It examines the complexities of being human—the grotesque and the generous, the infinite and the finite. San Juan Hills tackles this with poise and tact.

Jaymes Macabale delves into Jean Valjean's melancholy and eternal optimism, his voice rolling into the peaks and valleys of the music with ease. His rival police inspector Javert, played by Zain Faruqi, is every bit the rigid police inspector. Faruqi embodies Javert's internal struggle with his restrained, choppy movements, stiff posture, and brass voice.

The lovebirds, Cosette played by Jessica Tonai and Marius played by Brent Arciniega, entwine in "A Heart Full of Love." Tonai's operatic voice is light and clear. Arciniega immerses himself in the role, reaching out to emphasize his love. Hanna Berkompas' Eponine possesses her unrequited love with sorrow and strength, despair tangible as she croons.

Jenna Husli and Edward Kemp as innkeepers Madame and Monsieur Thenardier are sleazy and over-the-top comedic as they thrust their hips and dominate the stage with spread-eagle arms in "Master of the House."

All in all, each townsperson differentiates themselves, committing to their own character's mannerisms even as their voices blend in "One Day More," a triumph for the cast.

A versatile set, designed by students, switches from a bridge to barricade and back, the transitions eased by a well-oiled running crew. The actors interact with the set, such as moving the Rue Plumet gate—interwoven with vines and white roses—to indicate where to pay attention.

The costumes, hair, and makeup all together recreate the reality of 1800s Paris, from smeared prostitute makeup to high-class curls, clearly showing differences in class. The lighting, draped over it all, is gloomy yet wistful, and truly angelic in the epilogue. The orchestra follows suit with endurance, sorrow, and timing.

All in all, "Les Miserables" encompasses the human experience: Who is not hideous? Who is not beautiful? And, most of all—who is not miserable?

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A heart full of love for SJHHS's "Les Mis"
written by Samantha Pietenpol, a senior at El Dorado High School

The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" follows the journey of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who breaks parole, adopts the daughter of one of his deceased workers, and then spends the rest of his years protecting her from his past. San Juan Hills High School takes on this difficult, mature show with committed performances and high quality technical elements.

Jaymes Macabale delivers a stunning performance as Jean Valjean. His gruff speaking voice and deliberate movements showcase his character's maturity and life experience. His singing voice is rich and mature, as well as incredibly dynamic. His tender high notes shine in "Bring Him Home."

Zain Faruqi as Javert develops an interesting contrast with Valjean. Their characters' tension is palpable in their multiple confrontations. Faruqi's vocals are filled with emotion and reveal his character's harsh nature. His singing is clear, rich, and powerful. Faruqi's stiff posture, furrowed brow, and harsh diction emphasize his intense nature.

Cosette, played by Jessica Tonai, is a breath of fresh air in an intensely emotional show. Tonai's light, beautiful soprano voice soars throughout the theater in songs like "A Heart Full of Love." Hanna Berkompas portrays Eponine in a powerful yet vulnerable way, displaying intense emotion and powerful vocals in "On My Own."

The ensemble is completely dedicated to their numerous diverse roles. They move with purpose, distinguishing their characters with a variety of postures and facial expressions. The ensemble strengthens in numbers with their powerful, blended harmonies and committed presence. They execute the difficult choreography with great technical skill.

This production would not be complete without stellar technical elements. The set, designed by Jacqueline Brooks and Sierra Young, is artfully contrasted and incredibly versatile. It does an excellent job of setting the scene of the revolution in 19th century France. The dilapidated buildings, constructed with missing bricks and exposed beams, are intended to symbolize the failure of revolutionaries to build a successful society on an unfinished foundation.

The costumes are also spectacular, designed by Kaily Johnson, Annie Rigg, Noah Salviati, and Megan Hill. The handmade pieces establish social class and age, as well as tie together certain groups of people like the revolutionaries or the prostitutes.

SJHHS's production of "Les Miserables" reminds audiences of the importance of love and human kindness.

Samantha Pietenpol
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A heart full of love for SJHHS's "Les Mis"
written by Samantha Pietenpol, a senior at El Dorado High School

The musical adaptation of Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables" follows the journey of ex-convict Jean Valjean, who breaks parole, adopts the daughter of one of his deceased workers, and then spends the rest of his years protecting her from his past. San Juan Hills High School takes on this difficult, mature show with committed performances and high quality technical elements.

Jaymes Macabale delivers a stunning performance as Jean Valjean. His gruff speaking voice and deliberate movements showcase his character's maturity and life experience. His singing voice is rich and mature, as well as incredibly dynamic. His tender high notes shine in "Bring Him Home."

Zain Faruqi as Javert develops an interesting contrast with Valjean. Their characters' tension is palpable in their multiple confrontations. Faruqi's vocals are filled with emotion and reveal his character's harsh nature. His singing is clear, rich, and powerful. Faruqi's stiff posture, furrowed brow, and harsh diction emphasize his intense nature.

Cosette, played by Jessica Tonai, is a breath of fresh air in an intensely emotional show. Tonai's light, beautiful soprano voice soars throughout the theater in songs like "A Heart Full of Love." Hanna Berkompas portrays Eponine in a powerful yet vulnerable way, displaying intense emotion and powerful vocals in "On My Own."

The ensemble is completely dedicated to their numerous diverse roles. They move with purpose, distinguishing their characters with a variety of postures and facial expressions. The ensemble strengthens in numbers with their powerful, blended harmonies and committed presence. They execute the difficult choreography with great technical skill.

This production would not be complete without stellar technical elements. The set, designed by Jacqueline Brooks and Sierra Young, is artfully contrasted and incredibly versatile. It does an excellent job of setting the scene of the revolution in 19th century France. The dilapidated buildings, constructed with missing bricks and exposed beams, are intended to symbolize the failure of revolutionaries to build a successful society on an unfinished foundation.

The costumes are also spectacular, designed by Kaily Johnson, Annie Rigg, Noah Salviati, and Megan Hill. The handmade pieces establish social class and age, as well as tie together certain groups of people like the revolutionaries or the prostitutes.

SJHHS's production of "Les Miserables" reminds audiences of the importance of love and human kindness.

Garrett Larson
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Hearts full of love at San Juan Hills
written by Garrett Larson, a senior at El Dorado High School

San Juan Hills comes together to tell the classic tale of "Les Miserables", a heart-wrenching story of the French Revolution and the dastardly chase between police inspector Javert and the redemption-seeking convict Jean Valjean. Brimming with talent evident in all aspects of the show, San Juan Hills teaches how even in the depths of sorrow, one can always find hope.

Jaymes Macabale does a smashing job as Jean Valjean, committing to his character through his acting choices and voice. A pensive man, Macabale truly shows the resilience of the human spirit as he fights for the opportunity to make things right. This reflectiveness is seen in his voice and its power, at first loud and full of anger as he fights the world to then tender and full of sacrifice as he prays to God in the barricade.

Javert, played by Zain Faruqi, helps make the show and proves a mighty foil to Valjean. Faruqi carries himself stiffly, full of proper poise and professionality, showing that he is ready to use his power to enforce the law. He continues to shine as he and Valjean interact several times throughout the show, each revealing their inner struggles towards achieving what they both feel is right.

The Thenardiers are highlights of the show, giving huge choices that fill the stage with life and character. Thenardier, played by Edward Kemp, keeps the fine balance of not going over the top with his outrageous character while giving so much to the scene. Jenna Husli as Madame Thenardier adds more antics and humor as the two consistently play off of each other.

The costume design, hair, and makeup team, made up of Kaily Johnson, Annie Rigg, Noah Salviati, and Megan Hill, used the images of the actors to mirror their characters. This is evident in the girls' dresses as the prostitutes' dresses are tattered and ripped and the elite women's dresses are beautiful and elegant. The hair of the main characters subtly become grayer as the show progresses, which is a wonderful addition.

With so many bright minds and abundance of skill, San Juan Hills worthily carries on the production of such a classic tale.

Garrett Larson
El Dorado
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

Hearts full of love at San Juan Hills
written by Garrett Larson, a senior at El Dorado High School

San Juan Hills comes together to tell the classic tale of "Les Miserables", a heart-wrenching story of the French Revolution and the dastardly chase between police inspector Javert and the redemption-seeking convict Jean Valjean. Brimming with talent evident in all aspects of the show, San Juan Hills teaches how even in the depths of sorrow, one can always find hope.

Jaymes Macabale does a smashing job as Jean Valjean, committing to his character through his acting choices and voice. A pensive man, Macabale truly shows the resilience of the human spirit as he fights for the opportunity to make things right. This reflectiveness is seen in his voice and its power, at first loud and full of anger as he fights the world to then tender and full of sacrifice as he prays to God in the barricade.

Javert, played by Zain Faruqi, helps make the show and proves a mighty foil to Valjean. Faruqi carries himself stiffly, full of proper poise and professionality, showing that he is ready to use his power to enforce the law. He continues to shine as he and Valjean interact several times throughout the show, each revealing their inner struggles towards achieving what they both feel is right.

The Thenardiers are highlights of the show, giving huge choices that fill the stage with life and character. Thenardier, played by Edward Kemp, keeps the fine balance of not going over the top with his outrageous character while giving so much to the scene. Jenna Husli as Madame Thenardier adds more antics and humor as the two consistently play off of each other.

The costume design, hair, and makeup team, made up of Kaily Johnson, Annie Rigg, Noah Salviati, and Megan Hill, used the images of the actors to mirror their characters. This is evident in the girls' dresses as the prostitutes' dresses are tattered and ripped and the elite women's dresses are beautiful and elegant. The hair of the main characters subtly become grayer as the show progresses, which is a wonderful addition.

With so many bright minds and abundance of skill, San Juan Hills worthily carries on the production of such a classic tale.