Children’s theater group set to perform ‘Les Miserables’
The Academy of Children’s Theatre will present the popular Broadway play “Les Miserables” on June 5-7, 12-14 at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse at Centenary College.
Cynthia Hawkins-Whitaker, artistic director for “Les Miserables” and founder of the Academy of Children’s Theatre, said she is looking forward to the show. “‘Les Miserables’ is a modern-day classic with the most beautiful score ever written for a Broadway musical,” Whitaker said. “We have an incredibly talented cast of over 50 performers and a full orchestra. It’s going to be a
wonderful production!” The production stars Barry LeBlanc as Jean ValJean, Donovan Roe as Javert, Mike Martindale and Reagan Cassanova as The Thernardiers, and Christian Dantes as Marius. The show will feature a full orchestra with musical direction by Daniel Ley. Sets are by Justin Williams and costumes by Sara Archer, with lights by Austin Jennings.
“Les Miserables” is a classic, relatable tale, uplifting and soul-stirring as it features the struggle to maintain hope in a despairing world. The true modern classic is based on Victor Hugo’s novel of 19th century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean, who was unjustly imprisoned and pursued by Inspector Javert. Claude Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil provide an awardwinning score in the play.
Barry LeBlanc, who is playing the lead role of Jean Valjean, said he is eager to perform.
“I’m excited to be singing alongside great vocalists such as Donnovan Roe and working with great actors such as Mike Martindale, Reagan Cassonova and the young Jack Walker,” LeBlanc said.
“The story of ‘Les Miserables’ is hard, yet beautiful,” LeBlanc said. “It shows the gritty and ugliness of sin and the overbearing nature of the law, which is portrayed in the role of Officer Javert. However, there is a wonderful, redemptive thread that runs through the story that gives hope. The beauty and transforming power of mercy and grace is seen in the life of Valjean’s character once he has been forgiven.”
LeBlanc, who is also an engineer and a worship pastor at his home church, loves acting – and is especially excited about this particular role.
“My favorite part of acting is getting to portray the role of a character that I can relate with,” LeBlanc said. “Personally, I love the character of Jean Valjean, who was a prisoner for 19 years and then found forgiveness, grace and mercy. I, too, was a prisoner to my sins until I was 19 years old. God showed me His grace and mercy and His forgiveness. Since then, my life has not been the same.”
Other cast members for the production include Olivia Zeagler as Fantine, Bailey Fielder as Eponine, Grace Thaxton Barrett as Cosette, Dylan VanEaton as Enjorlas, Carter Whitaker as Grantaire, Colby Ewert as Combferre, Ryan Walker as Bamatabois, Ric Humphries as The Bishop, Jack Walker as Gavroche, and Catherine Elston as Young Cosette.
Interestingly enough, this won’t be LeBlanc’s first time in the role.
“It was an incredible experience being in ‘Les Miserables’ at Emmett Hook two years ago,” LeBlanc said. “We sold out all nine shows, added another and sold out again. The energy, the voices, the directing, as well as many prayers from friends and family made it remarkable. It’s a time in my life that I will never forget. My prayer is that everyone that comes to see the show will be blessed in some way.”
The ACT is one of the oldest continually running children’s theater group in Louisiana. Whitaker said even fundraisers at ACT are learning opportunities. “We just recently held a fundraiser, and our emcee was ‘Mad Men’ actor Kevin Rahm. He was the most gracious, kind and encouraging person,” Whitaker said. “The kids and I were so overwhelmed and excited to get to work with such a talented professional actor.
“Productions like ‘Les Miserables’ benefit our city by exposing people to quality theater,” said Whitaker, who once won the American College Theater Festival and used to work on the TV series ‘Mama’s Family’ before starting her directing career. “Many people can’t afford to travel to New York to see a Broadway show, but they can still enjoy the production locally through community and regional theatre experiences. Shreveport has a rich history of producing talented actors, directors, writers and technical artists.”
LeBlanc said ACT performers put their hearts into their shows. “The excitement is already building,” LeBlanc said. “I cannot wait!” –Betsy St. Amant
Want to go?
Tickets are $25. Reservations can be made by calling 212-2822 or reserving online at ACTtickets. info. Show times are 7 p.m. June 5-6,12-13, and noon June 7 and 14. To learn, more go to www. academyofchildrenstheatrela.com.
