“Les Misérables” Opens Thursday at Paris Junior College
Published or Revised November 14, 2013
Stephen Gerrald, a member of the community playing Jean Valjean in the Paris Junior College Departments of Drama and Music production of “Les Misérables”, here portrays his anguish at stealing from someone who trusts him. The large cast features a mix of PJC students and community members, and is the most ambitious production since the music theater concentration was introduced at PJC. The musical will be offered at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 14-16 and 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 16-17 in the Ray Karrer Theater, located in the Administration Building on the northeast corner of the Paris campus.
Beginning Nov. 14, the Paris Junior College drama and music departments are collaborating to produce
Les Misérables at the Ray Karrer Theater.
“I think it’s a wonderful thing. It’s bringing a lot of people together from the community and the school,” said PJC student Ryan Box, who plays Marius. “It’s a good way to show everybody that we're capable of great things like Les Misérables. It's a challenge but this has been the most rewarding and fun thing we've done since I’ve been here.”
Set in 19th-century France, the musical tells the tale of Jean Valjean, a parole escapee pursued by the ruthless policeman Javert. He agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter, a decision that changes their lives forever. Romance is woven through this tale of justice, religion, philosophy, politics and moral redemption. Officially,
Les Misérables is now the longest running musical in the world.
“
Les Misérables has come at a time in our lives when we are all searching for something within ourselves, trying to be who we are rather than how others perceive us,” said PJC drama instructor and director William Walker.
“The collaborative effort between the community and PJC students has been an inspirational experience,” said PJC music instructor/director of choirs Philip Briggs, who is musical director. “We’ve appreciated the community’s involvement and enthusiasm.
“This is one of the best student groups that I’ve had a chance to work with in my four years here, in terms of their collegial spirit and their involvement has been beyond comparison. Not to downplay past casts, but this one has been especially close-knit and hard working from the time we started this in the first week of school. Musically this is one of the most challenging things we’ve done. The students have risen to that challenge admirably.”
The large cast is comprised of PJC music and drama students and local community members. The show lasts nearly three hours, and reservations are highly recommended. Tickets are $10 or free with PJC ID. For information or reservations call 903-782-0488 or email pjcdrama@parisjc.edu.
Cast
Principles
Jean Valjean - Stephen Gerrald; Javert - Stephen Walter; Fantine - Thomasina Hill; Thenardier - Alan Jones; Madame Thenardier - Sydney Young; Cosette - Haley Hines; Marius - Ryan Box; Eponine - Monique Dickerson; Enjolras - Austen Naron; Gavroche - J.J. Shurbet; Little Cosette - Ella Amis.
Ensemble
Andrew Bothwell; Chris Watts; Justin Gallant; Cody Rice; Jonathan Lynch; Dalen Hobbs; Riley Collard; Paige Collins; Gwen Steinecke; Anna Lowrie; Kaytlyn Sims; Samantha Turner; Michelle Hobbs; Tyaisha Allen; Brianna Herndon; Nichole Taylor; Sierra Herndon; and Rebecca Peters.
Chorus: Chance Hiller, Debbie Huff, Heidi Bourcieo, Latisha Perez, Mae Mabry, Selena Johnson, and Shantel Flanery.
Artistic Team
Director - William Walker; Music Director - Philip Briggs
Production Team
Technical Director - Alex Peevy; Production Stage Manager - Taren Sartor; Assistant Stage Manager - Justin Fearn; Sound Technician - Tori Hunt; Light Board Technician - Lisa Martin; Production Crew: Marcus Kraut and Derek Dacus; and Construction Crew: Theatre Practicum.
The Orchestra
Conductor and Piano - Philip Briggs; Piano - Linda Flanary and Katharine Wiebe; Percussion - Greg Morrison; Keyboard - Philip Briggs.
