The international hit musical Les Misérables will open the 2013-2014 season at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled,” said JCC’s Director of Cultural Arts Krista Blackwood. “Les Misérables has been a worldwide smash for more than 25 years, but only just now became available to regional theaters. We jumped at the chance to finally bring it to our stage. Les Mis at the White Theatre will be a must see for the 2013-2014 theater season.”
Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score includes the classic songs I Dreamed a Dream, On My Own, Stars, Bring Him Home, Do You Hear the People Sing? One Day More, Empty Chairs at Empty Tables, Master Of The House and many more.
Making their directorial debut at the White Theatre are stage director Barb Nichols and music director Martha Risser. The dynamic team has worked together many times in the past, most recently to produce the musical Chess at the Barn Players. “The White Theatre is a tremendous space and lends itself well to the power and expanse of a show like Les Misérables,” Nichols says. “Directing a show in a new space always comes with new challenges, but working with such a talented staff and crew has set the stage for a really special performance.”
The production team also includes prop design by Bill Christie, who worked for American Heartland Theatre until it closed in August. “Les Misérables is a beautiful, thrilling show being produced by a very talented and giving company in the exciting and compelling White Theatre,” Christie says. “I am so pleased to have been asked to contribute to this beautiful effort and be part of such a proud theater family.”
The cast is chock-full of local talent. “Most of these local actors have been preparing for these roles since they first saw Les Misérables on Broadway 25 years ago,” Blackwood says with a smile. “We’re proud to be able to highlight the vast pool of local talent in the Kansas City area as we bring this show to life.”
Les Misérables opens November 9 and runs through November 24. For ticket information, go online to www.jcckc.org/lesmis or contact the White Theatre Box Office at 913-327-8054.
Production Team
Director – Barb Nichols
Music Director -Martha Risser
Asst. Music Director -Michalis Koutsoupides
Choreographer – Ann McCroskey
Asst. Choreographer -Heide Harrelson-Williams
Prop Design -Bill Christie
Cast
Jean Valjean – Robert J. Hingula
Javert -Paul Secor Morel
Fantine – Julie Kaul
Marius – Joel Morrison
Eponine – Jennifer Cannady Thezan
Cosette – Katie Bartow
Enjolras – Brian King
Thenardier – Reed Uthe
Mme. Thenardier – Jeannette Bonjour
Combeferre -Milan Naster
Courfeyrac – Rob Reeder
Feuilly Cory -James Dowman
Grantaire – Alex Bigus
Lesgles – Josh Krueger
Provaire – James Wearing
Bishop / Ensemble – Russ Barker
Gavrouche – Ryan Sanford
Young Cosette – Olivia Loepp
Young Eponine – Margo Roberts
Sniper / Asst. S – Don Arnott
Joly – Brad Clay
Ensemble -Kathryn Major, Chuck Chambers, Chip Buckner, Ali Watson, Lauryn Hurley, Andrea Strickler, Ron McKeown, David Martin, Rebecca Brungardt, Whitney Harper and Katie Meador
Students – Chris Gleeson and Michael Peterson
Lovely Ladies -Meagan Edmonds, Jessica Loschke, Whitney Armstrong, Stasha Case, Cara Hampton, Trudy Hurley, Rebecca Johnston and Vanessa Harper
