Review: LES MISERABLES en Chanson Wows Audience in Montreal to Benefit The Royal Theatre Thousand Islands

In 1991, a unique production of LES MISERABLES was presented in Montreal at Theatre St. Denis. What made this production so unique is that the ensemble was the first to present the complete show in both French and English. Composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg spent time in Montreal re-writing the French lyrics to gear them towards a Quebecois audience. The cast featured both experienced and recognizable actors, along with complete newcomers and was a hit with Montreal audiences.

22 years later, original cast member, Frayne McCarthy (Marius) and his partner, Kevin John Saylor, purchased the Delaney Theatre in Gananoque, ON. Built in 1930, The Delaney spent nearly 30 years as a 1000 seat movie theatre before being converted into a bowling alley. McCarthy and Saylor took on the task of retrofitting the space into a 180 seat performing arts venue with a piano bar within the old theatre balcony. The retrofitting has been slow going with unexpected costs and red tape.

This past spring, McCarthy performed in the Centaur Theatre's production of LAST NIGHT AT THE GAYETY. Fellow LES MISERABLES original cast member Marie Claude Bourque was in the audience. In the process of catching up after the show, McCarthy brought Bourque up to date on his and Saylor's theatre project in Gananoque. Bourque reminded McCarthy that 2016 is the 25th anniversary of their production of LES MISERABLES and commented that perhaps a fundraising show might be an idea. Bourque then went to work contacting the original cast and putting together LES MISERABLES en Chanson, a special bilingual concert version to raise funds to help complete the retrofitting of The Delaney, which has been newly christened, The Royal Theatre Thousand Islands, a non-profit community theatre. Nearly half the original cast answered the call and work began on the concert.

LES MISERABLES en Chanson was presented to a sold out house at the Rialto Theatre, Montreal on August 19, 2016. Featuring the original cast, including Robert Marien, who directed and played Jean Valjean and Stephanie Martin, who played Eponine, the company also featured understudies and swings. This concert was everything a LES MISERABLES lover could ask for - and more. The major musical numbers were performed alternating French and English and in many cases, featured two or more performers. Accompanied only on piano by renowned composer and Musical Director, Blair Thomson, with a few numbers including guitarist Gary Schwartz, the cast's voices soared. Peppered throughout the concert were video clips sent in by original company members who were unable to make it.

The audience responded wildly, expressing their love and admiration to the cast with ovation after ovation. The concert raised an astounding $16,000, which was presented on stage to McCarthy and Saylor. With the help and support of McCarthy's LES MISERABLES family, along with theatre lovers and supporters, The Royal Theatre Thousand Islands hopes to open it's doors in the summer of 2017. We have no doubt they will reach their goal.

Additional fundraising events have been planned, including an event this Friday, August 26, 2016 at 7:30PM at The Royal Theatre.

Featuring the Song Stylings of Aaron Ray, Andrew Ray, Frayne McCarthy and Kevin John Saylor, this event will also be the official launch of 99.9 myFM's "Raise the Curtain On The Royal" Go Fund Me campaign.

Tickets to this concert are only $15, and seating is limited. To order tickets, call The Royal Theatre box office Monday-Friday from 1PM-6PM at 613-382-5000.

For more information on The Royal Theatre Thousand Islands, please visit their website: http://royaltheatre.ca or their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RoyalTheatreThousandIslands

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