This March, Theatre 308 brings the acclaimed Broadway musical Les Miserables to the stage of the DHS Auditorium. Based on Victor Hugo’s book of the same name, the French epic spans over a 20 year period as rebellion brews in the backdrop. On Broadway, Les Mis ran from 1987 to 2003, winning 8 Tony Awards. In 2012, the musical was adapted into a film featuring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, among other stars.
How will Theatre 308 do justice to one of Broadway’s most beloved musicals? I was lucky enough to speak with my two friends, seniors Lucy Best and Cece Cummins, who are playing leading roles in the production. Best plays Fantine, a poor factory worker who turns to prostitution out of desperation to support her daughter Cosette. Cummins portrays Eponine, daughter of the Thénardiers, who is caught in a love triangle with Cosette and another character named Marius. Les Mis has a ton of characters and interweaving plotlines that can get confusing at times. To read the full synopsis of the production, check out Theatre 308’s one linked here.
Rose McCarthy: Nearby schools (King, New Canaan) are also staging Les Mis this year. How is Theatre 308 adding their own unique flair to the production?
Lucy Best: To be honest, I have no idea what the other schools are doing, so I can’t speak to that. But I will say that the people contributing and working on this show (both on stage and off stage), are incredibly talented and passionate. Everyone is working collaboratively which will lead to a really incredible show in my opinion.
Cece Cummins: Theatre 308’s production of Les Mis is unique in that we have incredible set pieces that we use and repurpose for almost every scene in the show, all thanks to our amazing crew.
RM: What has been the most challenging part of playing your character?
LB: Fantine represents and personifies so much of the struggles of the time, especially for women in lower classes, who were repeatedly objectified and needed to fight for any penny they earned. She does everything for her child Cosette, and portraying that motivation while being a representative for such an upsetting era for women in France has been the most challenging part for me.
CC: The most challenging part of playing Eponine is that there is more depth to her than it may appear. She is constantly seeking out love and attention, but never seems to get it. Despite being on stage with other people, she is somehow still alone.
RM: How does Les Mis compare to past Theatre 308 productions?
LB: On a structural level, Les Mis is different from our previous shows because it is all sung, so there are very few spoken lines in the show. There are also so many different opportunities in the show for people to show their immense talent, and it is so wonderful to see the sheer amount of talent and passion in the 308 community.
RM: Do you have a favorite number in the musical, whether or not you are in it?
LB: Even though I am not in it, I think that “One Day More” might be the best number in the show. It showcases the talents of so many wonderful people, and it’s a full cast number which is impactful and exciting. The song itself is popular and renowned, so being able to perform it is incredible.
CC: My favorite number in the musical is “The Robbery”. There is so much going on at once, and it’s one of the most thrilling moments of the show in my opinion.
RM: As seniors, what about your Theatre 308 experience has been most memorable or impactful?
LB: As cliche as it sounds, after doing 8 shows with 308, I really feel like we have created a family. I love acting with and being surrounded by so many people whom I love and are so passionate and wonderful.
CC: As a senior in Theatre 308, I feel that doing shows has given me the confidence to try new things.
RM: WHY should people see Les Mis?
LB: Other than the fact that it is such a renowned show, the people working on it are so passionate and so incredible, and we have all worked so hard, and the show will be incredibly interesting and beautiful.
CC: People should see Les Mis because its universal message of perseverance and togetherness can be applied to almost anything in life.
Tickets for Theatre 308’s production of Les Mis are on sale now! Shows run from Thursday, March 13th through Saturday, March 15th. All shows are at 7pm and there is a 1pm matinee on Sunday. You can buy tickets online through Theatre 308’s website or at the door. I know that I speak for many when I say that opening night of Les Mis cannot come any sooner. See you there!
