Tomorrow Youth Repertory (TYR) tackles the classic musical Les Miserables with grit and passion. The summer mainstage show is their only audition-based program. This three-week intensive is designed to challenge students artistically, emotionally, and physically. An ambitious show, beyond the scope of their regular programming, is selected each summer. Les Miserables delivers every desired challenge, and the students deliver a top-notch show.
Set in 19th century France, Les Miserables is the story of Jean Valjean, who attempts to rebuild his life after serving 19 years in prison for stealing bread. He breaks parole and is doggedly pursued by Inspector Javert. Jean Valjean becomes the guardian of Cosette, the young daughter of one of his former employees, and vows to protect her. Later Cosette falls in love with a young student who is part of the June Rebellion of 1853, and Javert tracks them down again. Justice, redemption, and forgiveness cloud the choices they all must make, and the lines of who and what is both right and noble begin to blur.
TYR uses two casts, Red and Black, each of which offers three performances of the show. The two casts follow the same general blocking, but each actor presents their own individual interpretation of their characters. The result is two productions of a great show, each with its own merits.
The show’s main focus is the relationship between Jean Valjean and Javert. In the Red Cast performance, Nora McNish’s portrayal of Jean Valjean is full of empathy and laced with a gentle spirit. Colby Tong’s Javert is one of meticulous precision, decisive, icy, and unyielding.
In the Black Cast, Austin Forder gives Jean Valjean an everyman quality as if asking why generosity and sacrifice are considered exceptional. His interpretation is one that challenges everyone to be a better man. Zoe Bruce as Javert brings an urgency to the role, and you feel her growing unease with moral ambiguity. Mona Friedland’s Fantine is full of passion, while Chloe Evjen presents a broken-hearted Fantine with an ethereal quality. Isla Vessali moves with specificity, and her vocal phrasing pulls the maximum emotion from every word from Eponine’s mouth. Adeline Wong’s Eponine tells the story with every glance, hesitation, and deeply-rooted sign. Henry Ruggiero’s Marius is star-struck and falls easily into love with Cosette. Delilah Schirag’s gentle version of Cosette mirror’s back the fast attachment.
In the Black Cast, Adeline Smith’s Cosette and Marius by Clark X Burrows hone in on the special relationship they both have with Jean Valjean. The Thenardiers are the vital comic relief of the show. Elliot Judson brings the mug face with aplomb, and Tabby Kadel adds a delightful playfulness and just the right amount of kookiness. Ilyas Kurtulush reminds us that Thernardier is a serious criminal, and Ella Zabarsky has great physicality and timing.
Both casts are full of wonderful performances, and there is always something interesting to notice at any spot of the stage. Kylie Franco as Enjolras is who I’m hiring when I need someone to lead a charge. Karissa Pate’s Lovely Lady makes us wish there was more dancing in the show. Lucy Paskins as Grantaire, Eddie Dunn as Feuilly, and Megan Springer-Sullivan as Montpartnasse show up with beautiful solos that remind you how strong the entire casts really are. Eli Wickline brought spunk and precociousness to Gavroche, and Aaron Bruce gets the award for best death scene.
Throughout the ensemble there were constant moments of beautiful acting and emotional storytelling without speaking a single word. A quick shout out to Jay Boardman and Amaya Wanigatunga for their intensity and energy and to Siri Weston for their haunting eyes and gentle gestures. These are the bits that make a show complete.
Directors Tyler Null and Kara Perrino do an amazing job of teaching such a complicated show to two casts in such a short time. Their work is most evident in the storytelling, as both casts dug deep to present the heavy themes and connect with their characters’ struggles. Having the live music provided by the talented Phillip Harris, Jason Totzke, Sadie Scott Jones, Arturo Rodriguez, Justin J Smith, and Tyler Null elevated the show, and they are just as fun to watch as the actors on stage.
Charlie ten Holt pulled double-duty, providing both choreography and amazing wigs for the show. Amy Dunn was practically a magician, creating multiple complete looks for every character in the show, with every item thoughtfully chosen. The student crew running sound and lights are simply amazing. The scene changes are quick and effective, and the entire show runs smoothly.
Les Miserables has three remaining performances: the Black Cast on July 17 and 19, and the Red Cast on July 18. Presented at the Academy of Alameda, 401 Pacific Avenue, Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m., and the Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Youth and senior tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. Adult tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Tickets are available online at the Tomorrow Youth Repertory website.
Les Miserables is huge in scale and scope and thus not widely produced. Don’t sleep on this opportunity to catch a great show right in your own backyard.
Kelly Rogers Flynt contributes reviews of theatrical productions and feature articles to the Alameda Post. Reach her via [email protected]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Kelly-Rogers-Flynt.
