MANSFIELD – The celebrated story of heartbreak, passion and resilience of the human spirit embodied by “Les Misérables” is coming back to the Renaissance Theatre in an all-youth production.
The Mansfield Youth Theatre tackles a slightly abridged version of the challenging musical by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel. But according to director Dauphne Maloney, her actors have handled the school version of “Les Misérables” like professionals.
“The school edition version isn’t a lot different than the full version, and the kids are singing at the level they need to be to be able to do this,” Maloney said. “I think people will expect good things, but I don’t think they know how good.”
The all-student production of “Les Misérables” will be performed on the stage of the Renaissance Theatre starting at 7 p.m. on April 15. Additional performances include 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. on April 16 and 2:30 p.m. on April 17. Tickets are general admission and on sale now for $15 each at the Renaissance Box Office, by calling 419-522-2726 and online at MansfieldTickets.com.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, “Les Misérables” tells the story of Jean Valjean after his release from years of unjust imprisonment, and his lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert.
Local student actors bring to life beloved songs such as “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own” and “One Day More.”
Though the Renaissance Theatre performed a full-scale version of “Les Misérables” in 2013, Maloney said Mansfield Youth Theatre couldn’t pass up the opportunity to showcase some of their best senior voices.
“We felt more motivated toward it because a lot of the kids with these incredible voices are graduating this year,” she said. “Five of our men and a few of our ladies who consistently auditioned for us since they were little kids are graduating. A lot of these young men have worked their way up to being lead-role potential.”
One of those young men is Tucker Boggs, a senior at Clear Fork High School playing the lead role of Jean Valjean. Boggs said his excitement level of playing Valjean ranked at 12 on a scale of 1-10.
“It’s definitely unreal, because Les Mis has always been a hard show,” said Boggs, who was part of the chorus during the 2013 show. “When I found out we were doing it I was excited, but it’s so vocally challenging. I’ve made sure to talk to my vocal teachers to make sure the singing is coming from the right place.”
Maloney said Boggs was around the age of 10 when he first auditioned for Mansfield Youth Theatre as a “wide-eyed” child. Boggs said he remembers watching other seniors in the program come and go and wishing to be like them.
“Dauphne tells us every day that all the little kids want to be you, and it’s true because I was one of those little kids,” Boggs said. “It’s kind of weird because I don’t see myself as that, but I guess now I am what I looked up to.”
Another actor who grew up in Mansfield Youth Theatre is Jessica Miller, a junior at Lexington High School. Miller plays the role of Fantine, one of the most tragic characters in the “Les Misérables” story.
“When Jessica would read for roles she was too young for, I would always think I just need to wait longer,” Maloney said. “She always had such good inflection and she read well.”
Miller said she feels a lot of pressure to do justice to such an iconic role. She also participated in the chorus of the 2013 “Les Misérables” performance alongside Boggs.
“It’s so incredible to be able to come back and play a lead, especially one that is so well known,” Miller said. “It feels like I’m walking through a dream. I’ve found with this role I’ve never felt so connected to the music I’m singing; for some reason with this character I feel so connected to it.”
Interspersed with Mansfield Youth Theatre veterans is a number of students who have never auditioned before. Maloney said she is always happy to add new students like Eli Novak, also a senior at Clear Fork High School, to the theatre family.
Novak said he was introduced to Mansfield Youth Theatre through Boggs, who had always encouraged him to audition ever since they became friends in eighth grade.
“I never thought I’d be good enough, but then Tucker said ‘Les Mis’ was the last show I could do with youth theatre and that he would hurt me if I didn’t audition,” Novak said with a laugh. “Even though I was really scared, it’s ended up being a phenomenal experience. I’m definitely glad I still took advantage of this opportunity.”
Novak plays Enjolras, the charismatic leader of the French revolutionaries. He said his biggest challenge has been to bring the same level of energy to his character.
“Enjolras is such a passionate character, a true face of liberty,” Novak said. “It’s really been a challenge to bring that character to life and have that never-ending passion, and it’s definitely been surreal to be part of that story.”
Maloney said after more than a month of rehearsals, she continues to be amazed at the performances of her student actors.
“There’s a different section that makes me cry a little bit every night, because it’s such a poignant show anyway and such a good story,” Maloney said. “Every single night there’s something else that strikes me as being the moment of that particular rehearsal.
“I’m so proud, and I have no right to be because it’s all them. They’re so unbelievably talented, every single one of them – there’s nobody on this stage that shouldn’t be on this stage.”
“This is going to be unlike anything anyone has seen from the youth theatre in this area,” Boggs said. “They’re going to think it sounds like adults up there because we’ve all worked really hard, and the whole show sounds and looks amazing.”
