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les miserables

Les Mis cast buzz - hear about their experiences, rehearsals - And why YOU should see the show!

By Leah Stacy

Trevor Lee | Age 16 | Junior at Batavia High School


His role: Thenardier

"Les Miserables has been an phenomenal experience and I can confidently say that others share the same sentiments. I have met some many wonderful new people and I am enthralled to have shared this experience with everyone.

Les Miserables is a very profound and heart wrenching show, but despite all of the strife, there are glimpses of comedy which my character and his "charming" wife provide. Every cast member has something to bring to the stage, allowing our production to really shine."
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Alex Black| Age 18 | Nursing major at SUNY Brockport

His role: Javert 

"Rehearsals are fun because we MAKE them fun. Lynda (Hodgins) is a great director and likes to get things done and get down to business, but us kids like to loosen her up. The good thing about the cast is we usually know when to get serious and when to mess around. Either way, rehearsals always turn into a fun time with friends. 

People should come to this show because even though it is set in a time much earlier than 2010 it is still very relatable to most audiences. What I personally love about this show is how emotionally attached everyone gets to the characters. 

You can't help but feel bad, sorry, a whole spectrum of emotions for each individual character. It makes for quite the heart wrenching performance but thats what people look for in a show. Even a cold hearted audience member could shed a tear watching Les Mis."
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Sydney Alexis | Age 17 | Senior at Notre Dame High School, Batavia

Her role: Factory girl/ensemble

"Rehearsals are great. After a long, irritating day at school they're just what I need. I get to actually be somewhere with people who share the same interests as me and who don't judge. My favourite part of the whole thing has got to be the process of thinking up and the making of a big secret surprise that won't be revealed until Halloween night! I can't say much more... Stay tuned!

Les Miserables is, without a doubt, power in musical form. The show is filled with tough, painful lessons on love, revenge, failure and hope. There is a lot to get from the story and everyone will leave with a piece of it- from a song in their heart to a tear on their cheek. You're going to learn something from this show. And I guarantee you're going to love it."
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Jake Bortle | Age 17 | Senior at Leroy Jr./Sr. High School 

His role: Jean Valjean

"Above all, rehearsals have been extremely rewarding. Watching the show come together even in the past few days really puts my dreams into reality. I have always wanted to play this role and having it finally come true, and with such a talented cast, really makes everything worth while. 

My favorite experience in the show would have to be my favorite song, 'The Confrontation.' I love singing this song with Alex (Black, who plays Javert). Being onstage with sets, costumes, hair, and make-up, this scene really intensifies. Every single time we sing it, it gets more and more intense. 

But to keep this short, people should come see the show because it's awesome. But really, the talent in this cast is something you would not expect from people our age. Every single person is putting all they can into the show, and it really shows. The quality of this show really is fantastic and will blow anyone out of their chairs."

For more info, including ticket prices and show dates, on Les Miserables School Edition, click here or become a fan Encore! Theatre Arts on Facebook by clicking here.

Auditions held this month for 'Les Miserables'

By Billie Owens

This month Encore! Theatre Arts will hold auditions for its Fall 2010 show selection and 2010-11 season opener, "Les Misérables" (School Edition).

Auditions will be held at Holy Family School, 44 Lake Road in Le Roy at 4 p.m. Wednesday, July 21 and at 7 p.m. Thursday, and at noon, Saturday, July 24.

Callbacks to follow at 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 24.

All rehearsals will be in Le Roy beginning at the end of July. Rehearsals will be
from 12 to 3 p.m. during the summer.

"Les Miserables" is an epic story recounting the struggle against adversity in 19th Century France. Imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread, petty thief Jean Valjean is released from his 19-year term and not only becomes an honest man, but the mayor of a prosperous town and a loving adoptive father - violating his parole in the process.

The relentless Inspector Javert, who makes a decent life for Valjean impossible, consequently pursues him. Only years later, after Valjean proves his mettle during a bloody student uprising and saves the life of a young man hopelessly in love with Valjean’s adopted daughter, does the ex-convict finally feel fully redeemed.

For this unique production, Encore! Theatre Arts seeks actors/singers from ages 10 to 19, no older than recent high school graduates. Please prepare 32 bars of a classical musical theatre song (no pop/rock musicals, please). Bring a copy of the music for the accompanist. There will be no a cappella auditions allowed.

The show will be directed by Lynda Hodgins with vocal direction by Eric Traugott. Encore! Theatre Arts is planning Oct. 29, 30 and 31 performance dates at Wolcott Street Auditorium in Le Roy. For more information, audition pieces and show dates, visit
<http://encoretheatrearts.com>.

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