NOTES FROM THE DIRECTOR
When the Board of Directors for OC Performing Arts.org met to discuss our next production; we wanted to do something that was bigger than all of us. In choosing a musical production, many decisions have to be made before making announcements. Our goal is to always choose a musical that has not been done so many times before (in our geographical region) and one that has several roles so our cast members have a chance to for a speaking/singing role. A significant amount of time and work goes into that decision making process.; from obtaining the license to perform the show, to which venue to use (of course La Mirada is always the choice,) how to find sets, costumes, rehearsal space, make-up artists, prop building/buying, lighting and sound requirements, sceanery requirements and cast party plan; all within the budget designated by the Board of Directors.
We chose “Les Miz” because of the astounding music and story. I had seen this musical done at La Mirada by the McCoy Rigby team, and was amazed. “Les Miserables” has great characters and a message that resonated with my soul; “To love another person, is to see the face of God.” It occurred to me that what there is too little of in today’s world is - love for humanity, love for your fellow man, love for your neighbor. The Board felt that by doing “Les Miz”, we could share the message of love that comes through so clearly with this show; love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.....Love Never Fails.
When we had our auditions, we were showered with such awesome talented young people who had a deep desire to be the part of something greater we were looking for. Along this journey, not only did each cast member exceed my expectations, but they showed us love for one another. Every person in our cast is a world changer; they have the ability to lead the next generation in creating a world where demonstrating love becomes second nature. There are several stand outs that I want to share here and tell each of you how much I love you and appreciate your dedication to our production; your passion for this show has been etched in my memory and written on tablet of my heart:
Robert – you were the first to bring me to tears with your wonderful voice and exceptional acting. Carmen – watching you act your way from beautiful Fantine to destitute and dying Fantine, was simply amazing. Connor – you have grown so much in all your musical theatre abilities and maturity. Your voice carries all of your songs as well as the ensemble songs; you demonstrate excellence. Sophia C – you have always shown exceptional vocal qualities, but you stepped up your game in both singing and acting for “Les Miz”, dear sweet Eponine, the heroine of this musical. John David (JD) – hard to believe this is your first musical! You have done a great job capturing the complexities of the character of Javert. Kiley – seeing you grow so much from where you first started as “Flounder” in Little Mermaid, to the soaring vocal quality you have shown as “Adult Cosette”, well, as I shared; you have exceeded my expectations! Wayne – your dedication to being “tribute” anytime someone had to miss rehearsal was so endearing. And, you have shown you can act and sing too!!! Sofia S – Madame, your comedic abilities can carry a show!!! Thank you for being there to help me with production Cole – I am grateful for your humanity and humility. You showed us all, right from the beginning, a friendliness and ease with theatre that set the stage for all rehearsals; thank you! Patrick – WOW!!! You have improved soo much and demonstrated your versatility to play any role, including being understudy for every male lead role – you are appreciated. Jamie – no one could have captured the character of Gavroche better than you! Your performance will be remembered. Aurora – when you auditioned, it was obvious you were the perfect Young Cosette; thank you for being willing to step in wherever needed; such professionalism for a young person! Leah – what a trooper! Literally slipping on a banana peel and breaking your ankle, and then still coming to rehearsal and doing your part… on crutches!!! That is professionalism at its best. Alina – your standout performance in every rehearsal puts you right up there with professional actors on Broadway; thank you. Celeste, Alexis, Alyssa, Brooklin, Noelle, Jennalyn, Sydney, Eden, Cielo, Faith, Chloe, Grace, Kaitlyn, Tori, Melaeni and Landon – each of you are very good actors and shared talents I cherish; I look forward to seeing your continued growth and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your commitment to the show.
Lastly, my deepest appreciation for my family; first my husband Dan; you are the love I always knew God had planned for me and the treasure beyond measure in my life. Robin my sister, thank you for your assistance; I had a wonderful time working with you! And Rocko, my handsome pooch who was waiting patiently at the door, with unconditional love, to greet me after every rehearsal.
May you all see the beauty in love through the eyes of "Les Miserables"
Kal Paviolo
