The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Redemption, love, hope at OHS
Drama club staging ‘Les Miserables’ Thursday-Saturday
ONEIDA, N.Y. >> “Do you hear the people sing!” chants the cast of Oneida High School’s latest production in the streets of Paris, as the OHS Drama Club hosts the storied musical, “Les Misérables,” March 30, 31, and April 1 in the Oneida High School Auditorium.
The show, an entirely sungthrough operetta, is based on the famed novel by Victor Hugo.
Set in post-revolutionary France during the 19th century, the story opens with the release of French peasant Jean Valjean, played by Kevin Spooner, and his quest for redemption after serving 19 years in prison. After a kindhearted bishop (Benjamin O’Connell) inspires him with an act of mercy, Valjean decides to break parole and lead a new life free of the stigma from his criminal past.
“He’s a really honorable person looking to become a better man,” explained Spooner on his role. “He finally accepts to forgive, and he learns to love.” While starting his life anew, Valjean is forced to evade the relentless grip of Inspector Javert (Jordan O’Connell), whose “viewpoint is black and white” and the only two things he believes in “is the law and the lord.”
Eight years later, Valjean assumes a new identity as a wealthy factory owner and mayor of a small town. Meanwhile, the life of poor factory worker Fantine, played by Sarah Paul, is at a turn
OHS >> PAGE4
ing point as she turns to prostitution to care for her daughter Cosette (Paige Nashton).
“She is a truly hardworking, mistreated individual who sacrifices nearly everything,” described Paul, who is humbled with her character’s incredibly selfless story. Valjean promises to help Fantine by adopting and saving Cosette fromthe cruel care of Monsieur and Madame Thénardier (Aidan Yazell and Sophie Infarinato).
“The evil innkeeper and his wife have an ongoing love-hate, mostly hate relationship,” said Yazell, while Infarinato added that she enjoys being the comic relief for the drama.
Ultimately, amidst the chaos, a love triangle erupts between Cosette, Marius (Zach Kristan) who is a student of the rebellion, and Eponine (Emily Marshall), a resilient girl of the streets who has a soft-spot. “Cosette is falling in love for the first time, and so she is frightened and intimidated with all these new experiences,” noted Nashton on her character.
At the center of a rebel- lion in France, peasants sing of their anger in the streets, students lead an attack among the barricades, Javert continues his unabating pursuit, and peace will be a long time coming.
In her 14th production for Oneida High School, director Brett Bogardus is beyond thrilled to bring another extensive theatrical presentation to the walls of the OHS Auditorium. “I chose ‘Les Misérables’ based on the talent and commitment I knew I had from working with many of my students in the past,” explained Bogardus. Bogardus also acknowledged the vision and professionalism being brought to the production under the leadership of new lighting designer Greg Brewster. Brewster toured nation- ally with the 25th anniversary rendition of ‘Les Misérables’ off Broadway and is currently the electronics specialist at SUNY Oswego.
Accompanying Brewster and the ensemble, the pit band, conducted by Oneida High School Band Director David Hawthorne, brings to life the operetta’s heartrending score. From the iconic “One Day More” to the tear-jerking “I Dreamed a Dream,” emotions are guaranteed to run raw throughout the audience.
“‘ Les Misérables’ is a true theatrical piece of art, and the depth of each character and the story as a whole is beautifully written. The choreography of the actors, set pieces, lighting, costuming, and song are all intertwined to make ‘Les Misérables’ a masterpiece of movement,” said Bogardus.
Mastering each distinctive role, refining specific pantomimes, and perfecting every nuance of the production, the cast members, crew, and staff have zeal- ously poured in their hearts and souls to craft ‘Les Misérables’ to be an unforgettable experience.
Tickets can be purchased for $8; purchasing tickets in advance is highly recommended, but tickets will be sold at the door. To reserve tickets, contact Heather O’Connell at hoconnell@oneidacsd.org or call 315363-6901 x2137.
Curtain for Thursday, March 30, is at 7 p.m. and is all open seating. Curtain for Friday, March 31 and Saturday, April 1 is at 7:30 p.m. and is reserved seating. All showings are located at the Oneida High School Auditorium, 565 Sayles St.