You have been reading my notes for the last 15 years but I took a step back and thought why? Why are my team members not leaving their thoughts regarding the show as well? The team I work with is incredible and works cohesively. Every decision we make is made together. No person is more important than another, just as we tell the kids, all voices matter. There are only small actors, not small parts!
Les Misérables, a beautiful show that speaks to the ideals of courage, love, heartbreak, passion, and the resilience of the human spirit—themes which undoubtedly transcend time and place. The most important theme, in my opinion, is the importance of standing up for the dignity of the human person. Victor Hugo wrote the novel Les Misérables to exploit and criticize the injustice of 19th century France. This novel transcends time and still speaks of ideals that are important today such as rights of women, intergenerational conflict, and conflict with government. This show is meant to renew the human spirit! We hope that this show and these amazing students will help you to reflect on how precious life is and how beautiful it can be even in the darkest of days and nights. Thank you to my family for their ongoing support throughout the years and thank you to this amazing team of kids and adults for bringing art to life together!
Jacqueline McLean, Artistic Director
At first, it seems rather impossible that I have been a part of 18 musical productions here at LeRoy Jr.-Sr. High School. How did this middle school science teacher become so deeply entrenched in the musical program? I can’t even fathom how many hours of my life I have spent in this school after the teaching day is done. But then I think of all the fabulous memories, all the amazing kids I’ve had a chance to work with, all the beautiful scenery designed by Pat Patton, all the time spent with wonderful coworkers, who are also dear friends. And I think about how grateful I am. Any high school musical director will tell you that they don’t choose shows for themselves. They think about what will give that particular group of students the best possible experience on stage. We all have our favorite musicals, those dream shows that we dare not consider, because it’s a “crazy” idea. How could we ever pull off that show? For me, that show was Les Misérables. I truly felt I would go my entire directing career without attempting it. Somehow, the stars aligned this year and it became the right show for the right group of kids. It was the challenge they needed, as vocalists, actors, instrumentalists, and crew members. I can’t tell you how much joy this musical season has brought me, and how proud I am of each and every person involved with this production.
Ten years ago I got to perform in a beautiful production of Les Misérables, with many extraordinary people. I would like to dedicate this production to the memory of my dear friend Lance, who was a Jean Valjean for the ages. Lance was a huge supporter of high school performers and he would have loved this production and would have shared his admiration with our fabulous LeRoy students.
The story that unfolds on the LeRoy stage this weekend is a true work of art, one that our students have poured their hearts and souls into. I hope you treasure every moment of the story they have to tell. I know I will.
Joseph Kusmierczak, Assistant Director
