BWW Interviews: LES MISERABLES, Featuring Relationships, Revolutions and Re-Imaginings, to Open at Apollo Civic Theater

"Do You Hear the People Sing?" Then come join the revolution as Les Miserables opens at the Apollo Civic Theater in Martinsburg, WV this Friday. Co-directed by Bob LeBlanc and Jennifer Noll and musically directed by Jeff Poland, this epic musical about one man's quest for redemption during the July student revolution of 1832 will premiere live on stage.

Based on Victor Hugo's epic novel, Les Miserables tells the story of the redemption of convict Jean Valjean,who was unjustly imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. After breaking his parole, Valjean's life changes forever as he is relentlessly pursued by police officer Javert and Valjean agrees to care for the daughter of dying factory worker, Fantine. Valjean is swept up into the July student revolution of 1832 as a group of idealistic students, including Marius, the young man who has fallen in love with Valjean's adopted daughter, Cosette, prepare to go to battle at a street barricade.

The characters in Les Miserables are highly complex and varied elements were required to bring this sweeping story of love, redemption and injustice to life onstage.

"The challenge was capturing the struggle that Valjean faces and coming to terms with the fact he's had this wretched past full of injustice. He was impoverished before being arrested and nothing but an honest man. He was driven to steal to help his family survive. He turns into this hardened, bitter man who believes he is a criminal, because of his treatment, but discovers kindness through the Bishop and makes his transformation" said Larry Marcille, who plays Jean Valjean.

The musical spans over twenty years and many different locations in conveying the story of Jean Valjean. Forming relationships between various characters was an essential part of the actors' preparation.

"Because there are so many characters and so many characters are, at some point, intertwined, you have to know the relationships you have with these people. As Fantine, I know Valjean, Javert, the Thernadiers, Cosette and I've probably seen Eponine at some point before" said Megan West, who plays factory worker Fantine.

"I can relate to Marius in a number of ways. I can see some of the relationships I have in my life reflected in Marius' story, like the interactions he has with Eponine and Cosette and his idealism about the revolution" said Anthony Marchese about playing Marius.

"Eponine is so emotional. You have to bring that emotion to life and it can be difficult to summon that emotion each time. You have to pull from what you know. She is so relatable. I've gone through what she does in this production. Everyone has been through unrequited love" said Chaste Martin on portraying Eponine

"I like playing a myriad of characters. I love playing Feuilly, who is an idealistic dreamer trying to do what's best for the world" said ensemble member Keith Shifflett. "I really like the constant challenge of playing a character that is so different from other roles I've played. The character of Enjolras is consumed by his passion for revolution from the time his takes the stage until his last scene" said Adam Blackstock, who plays student revolutionary Enjolras.

Les Miserables is known for its gorgeous score and iconic songs, including "I Dreamed a Dream", "On My Own", "Bring Him Home" "One Day More" and many more. The production is entirely sung-through, with virtually no dialogue, and this production will utilize a fourteen member live orchestra. In an entirely sung-though, pop operetta, the cast agrees music was a definite challenge.

"Working on learning and preparing music while still taking time to build the character and work on his interactions with the other characters is challenging" said Marchese. "Working with Claude-Michel Schonberg's music is a challenge, especially the accompaniments" said Martin. "In a completely sung-through show, it is important that you have to be vocally healthy" said West.

The cast is ready to bring this epic musical to life and eagerly awaiting opening night.

"Having the opportunity to see Les Miserables live on stage is vastly different from seeing it on a movie screen. Audiences should see it performed live by a very talented cast" said Marchese. "We put a lot of work into this and it has really blossomed into a great show" added Shifflett.

"Les Miserables is one of the few shows that, even though it's sad, it still leaves you feeling inspired. It is very grounded and the story of Jean Valjean and his heart is inspiring" said Martin.

"We have some different aspects in this production. You see Les Miserables and see the iconic moments over and over. We have all of the iconic moments, but many different aspects to help keep it fresh" said West.

"Audiences are going to love the vocalists in this ensemble cast, the rich and full sound of our orchestra, and this classic story about the pursuit of redemption" said Blackstock.

The Les Miserables cast features Jeff Wine as Javert, Michael Noll as the Bishop, Sara Brown as Young Cosette, Emma Thorne as Young Eponine, Chuck Pierpont as Thernadier, Lauren Hugg as Madame Thernadier, Tommy Inman as Gavoroche, Johnna Leary as Cosette and Dan Henderson, Joey Thorne, Jennifer Bowers, Maria Boyce, Elizabeth Buscher, Rennes Carabaugh, Jeremiah Carver, Bess Day, Harriett Eyler, Nick Gerves, Adrien Inman, Fran Inman, Viola Johnson, Ellie Jones, Landon Lanza, Jeff Marcum, Christil Miller, Nikki Murry, Tiffany Noll-Leighton, Ron Rockwell, Rachel Rowe, Emily Santy, John Shibley, Maria Shibley, Adam Wilson and Karma Wood as ensemble members.

Les Miserables will run September 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 8:00 PM and September 14 and 21 at 2:30 PM. Tickets are $15 for Friday and Saturday evening shows and $12 for Sunday matinees. Student tickets are $7 for all performances. The Apollo Civic Theater is located at 128 East Martin Street, Martinsburg, WV, 25402. For more information about Les Miserables and upcoming performances, please visit www.apollo-theatre.org

Photo Credit: Apollo Civic Theater

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