Arrowhead’s Drama Department Puts On Les Miserables

Last Wednesday, February 2nd, 2022, was the opening night for Les Miserables put on by Arrowhead’s Drama Department. The show ran from Wednesday, February 2nd through Sunday, February 6th, with one show each day.

According to the Arrowhead drama department website, “In nineteenth-century France, Jean Valjean is released from years of unjust imprisonment but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways.”

The lead actors of the cast were: Nathan Duty (grade 12) as Valjean, Stefan Gamino (grade 11) as Javert, Annie MacLean (grade 11) as Fantine, Christian Carter (grade 12) as Marius, Vivian Powers (grade 12) as Cosette, Aidan Folvag (grade 12) as Thernardier, Gabby Woida (grade 10) as Madame Thenardier, and Nora Perugini (grade 11) as Eponine. 

Along with this, in the ensemble were seniors Rachel Faessler, Caroline Frost, Carly Hytinen, Ursula Rose, Laynie Walloch, Kara Jorgensen, and Sam Harkavy.

Arrowhead Drama has been preparing for this production since practices began on the week of November 15th, 2021. 

During this time, Arrowhead’s stage crew was also working on the show to create an intricate set that enhances the production. The set featured two ramps, two bridges, two simple units, and four portals with each of the pieces being mobile. There were also parts to the set that weren’t always used such as the pieces of the barricade, the cathedral door, and the gate.

Powers says she was most excited about “the barricade scenes because the set is so grand and [is] a big part of the show.”

Not only was the set grand, but the cast itself. With 50 members of the cast along with 16 crew members and four directors, students and faculty worked towards a successful production. 

Powers expresses gratitude for everyone taking part in the production saying, “I want the audience to see how great drama musicals are and how much all 50 members of the cast plus crew put into this show.”

With all the work put into the show, the cast and crew were ecstatic that the performance ran smoothly, says Powers. 

Powers says the show “went really great! Everyone knew their parts and cues.”

In reflection of all the performances, the Arrowhead Drama Facebook page posted, “So incredibly proud of this show! And so incredibly sad that it is over.” 

If you missed the performance here is a link to a recording of “One Day More,” the Act One finale.