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View Winners → I Dreamed a Dream of Les Mis in Monrovia
Arcadia Weekly Apr 03, 2015
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Les Misérables by Centre Stage, International Full Gospel Fellowship (IFGF)
As our esteemed correspondent Susan Motander wrote last week, “It is possible to view a semi-professional production of Les Misérables in Monrovia …”
What a production! Though semi-professional—no, in defiance of being only “semi” professional—this staging at IFGF is a triumph in every way.
It highlights local talent. It uses creative yet traditional costuming and design. And most of all it is beautifully, and professionally, performed.
Director Keely Milliken of Centre Stage, Inc. and Executive Producers the Rev. Daniel and May Hanafi of IFGF have put together a labor of love. Their efforts, and the efforts of the talented cast and supporting crew, make this local musical production worthy of the stage at the Pantages Theatre.
Most of us know the story through osmosis alone: Convict Jean Valjean has been released from 19 years of forced labor in post-Revolutionary France. He is an outcast, given kindness by only one man: a bishop, who Valjean heartlessly robs. But the Bishop both forgives and sets Valjean on a journey to becoming something rare and powerful in this world: a good man, full of self-sacrifice and courage. He weaves his destiny on the run from Inspector Javert, a ruthless and cold lawman who doesn’t believe in second chances. Valjean tries to save Fantine, a single mother forced to prostitution to provide for her child, and ends up raising her daughter as his own. And their story intertwines with students, revolutionaries, greedy innkeepers, star-struck lovers, and all of those who were “the wretched” (a translation of misérables) in mid-1800s France.
Scott Priest led as “Jean Valjean.” His tone was often gentle and kind, but at moments he showed his operatic power with full-throated notes that conquered the entire theatre. His final scene was tender and heartbreaking, and perfectly performed. Nemesis “Javert” (Andrew Karnadi) was a dramatic contrast. His voice was sharp, ringing, and at times almost roaring. Smart choice for the relentless character of Javert.
Our leading lady was Amanda Velez (a kindergarten teacher at Wildrose Elementary!) as “Fantine,” she of “I Dreamed a Dream” fame. Velez’s amazing voice—even with an unexpected American accent (why do the French characters have British accents, anyway?)—was striking in its raw beauty and power. Though on stage only a few scenes, she made her presence worthwhile.
But—we have to be honest—the standout performance in the trifecta of singing, acting, and spot-on comedic mugging was Maelyn Cacho as “Mme. Thenadier.” The audience nearly died with laughter every moment she was on stage. She could have stepped straight off a Broadway stage. Or … straight on.
Cacho was matched in almost every way by Raymond Barcelo as “Thenardier;” a delightful duo and a bright spot of humor in a musical that is mainly a tragedy.
The love triangle between street rat Eponine (Carly O’Neill), revolutionary student Marius (Dillon Klena), and Valjean’s dearly loved Cosette (Kylie Molnar) was surprisingly well-performed. The talented actors looked quite young—indeed, just about the actual age of the original characters from Victor Hugo’s novel—but sang and performed with a heartbreaking maturity. The giddy young love felt real. The unrequited longing felt real. And Klena’s performance of “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” was probably the best I’ve seen.
Though this review is coming to a close, we really want to give credit to a few more wonderful performances, some large, some small: Eric Smith as “the Bishop” was calm, gentle, and deep in both voice and character; Samantha Sacks as “Young Cosette” was charming; Andreas Pantazis as “Enjolras” was commanding in voice, conviction, and presence; and Micah Sanders as “Grantaire” was droll, delightful, and moving.
The entire cast is to be applauded; the entire crew and behind-the-scenes supporters are to be commended.
This event has “cathedral seating”—snugly close to your neighbor on a blue-cushioned pew.
Tickets are only $20 with $50 for VIP seating. All tickets are available via phone at (828) 400-7915.
Only one performance remains: Saturday, April 4 at 2 p.m. Should you go? If you like powerful stories of redemption; stunning performances both touching and hilarious; or seeing a work of love that your neighbors happily present to you—what are you waiting for? The answer is YES!
