For this year’s spring musical, The Mendham Players performed their adaptation of Les Misérables, which evoked emotion for many. After receiving a standing ovation on opening night, their next two performances sold out. The story follows Jean Valjean (Samu Geller), who has just been released from 19 years of prison on parole. He acts as an adoptive father to Cosette (Abigail Zaccone) because her mother, Fantine (Emily Madinabeitia), passed away. Madinabeitia evoked intense emotion when singing “life has killed the dream I dream,” expressing how society has crushed the life she intends to make for herself and her daughter. The roles of Thenardier (Daniel Malikov) and Madame Thenardier (Leah Miskiman) contributed comedic relief to such a serious plot. The duet between the two characters created such a fun atmosphere that was reflected through the expressions of the other cast members on stage.
Les Misérables is a reputable and popular musical based on a novel, which was initially written by Victor Hugo. It was first published only thirty years after the June Rebellion, on which the plot is based. The rebellion occurred in June of 1832, and began when riots erupted from an army commanders funeral, who opposed the monarchist government. The violent rebellion allowed for Hugo to create an emotional and moving story. Les Miserables was first performed in September of 1980 at the Palais des Sports in Paris. It was later adapted into English and brought to Broadway in New York City in 1987. The title translates to “The Miserable Ones,” which is symbolic of those who live in poverty in society. The themes of social reform and redemption aid in the creation of such a moving and emotional story. The elaborate setting constructed by the Mendham Players Production team created a tense atmosphere, which contributed to the dramatic factor of the performance. This dramatic factor would not have been possible without the casts’ well-executed performance.
The creation of the production was the result of several encouraging factors that helped each cast member fully step into their roles. First, the environment created helped each individual flourish as a result. For one specific cast member, this was true. Abby Zaccone, who played Cosette, expressed, “Once I started to focus on having fun on stage, and making the most of every fleeting moment, I was able to put on my best performances and overcome the obstacles I’d faced in the past.” The comfortable environment created by the crew and the advisors fostered the growth of each student.
Additionally, the support from all the cast members helped as Abby was “cheered on by everyone in the cast [they] made [her] feel encouraged in a way that [she] hadn’t felt anywhere else.” The encouragement from others helped each member of the cast be the best version of themselves. Ultimately, the unwavering support and comfort of the cast allowed the production to become so moving.
The themes of redemption, love, and social injustice are highlighted, creating a moving production. This ultimately would not have been possible without the help of Mendham Light and Sound. Additionally, the support of Mr.Barthel, Ms. Gagliano, and Ms. Gilmett contributed greatly to the production. The Mendham Players followed this event with a fantastic display at Broadway Night on May 29th.
