Haldane heard the people sing on March 20, 21, and 22 during three incredible performances of “Les Misérables,” which made high school history as the first production to sell out every show. After a winter performance of “The Three Musketeers,” Haldane Drama continued with its French theme and put on a stellar musical.
“Les Mis” is set in early 19th-century France and follows former convict Jean Valjean, played in the Haldane production by senior Lucius Bell, who violates parole in an attempt to start a new life while evading Inspector Javert, played by senior Merrick Williams. Valjean takes dying prostitute Fantine, played by freshman Carla Coleman, under his wing and adopts her daughter Cosette, played as a child by seventh grader Juliana Ferreira and when older by junior Plum Severs. The story follows these characters as they participate in the 1832 Paris Uprising.
The set of the Haldane production was beautiful and very engaging, especially the towering barricade used during the battle scenes. The way Javert’s jump from a bridge in his suicide scene was portrayed, with the ledge moving up behind him while the lights strobed, was creative and effective. The costumes were also great, particularly the variety of dresses worn by the female characters. Each outfit portrayed the assortment of characters throughout the show perfectly, and every one was consistent with the wearer’s social class.
The audience came alive during the “Master of the House” scene, as senior Louise Denehy and junior Julian Costantine stole the show and lent some comic relief to an otherwise sad story through their portrayal of a sleazy innkeeper and his wife. Costantine’s physical comedy as Thénardier was great, and he embodied the role expertly. The scene was packed with almost the entire cast, and the staging made it feel like a lively tavern.
Severs, who played a grown-up Cosette, and senior Owen Powers, who played Marius, made a great duo. They portrayed their shifting relationship from young lovers to a happily married couple fantastically. Senior Molly Bernstein was perfect for the role of Eponine, whom she played with energy and conviction.
Sophomore Samuel Chew flourished in his first large musical role in his Haldane Drama career as Enjolras. Since understudying The Baker in “Into the Woods”, Chew has become a very confident singer, embodying the role of the charismatic revolutionary well. His performance in The ABC Café was captivating. Coleman, as Fantine, in her very first Haldane Drama role, did not disappoint. Her acting, singing, and stage presence were very impressive–especially for a freshman actor–and she played Fantine with maturity and poise.
However, while the spotlight on the talented underclassmen was well-deserved and allowed new students to shine on stage, it was hard to ignore that “Les Mis” did not utilize many of the strong players in the senior class as well as it could have. Being their final show with Haldane Drama, it was disappointing to see many talented actors and singers in the back rows. While casting is no small feat, and not everyone can get lead roles, their absence left something to be desired. Nevertheless, the opportunity to see younger students and even middle schoolers was appreciated, and gives us much to look forward to in future shows.
