SPHS Students Shine in ‘Les Mis’

When one attends a high school musical, especially one as difficult to execute as Les Misérables, some awkward moments are to be expected.

There is usually a song sung off-key, a lead role that is a little weak and some miscues on stage. Overall the performance is usually well done, but it has a few problems you overlook because it is just high school kids.

That is not the case when it comes to Les Misérables at Severna Park High School. The musical opened on Friday night and was so well-done parts of the show actually gave me goose bumps.

If you didn’t make it to Les Mis this past weekend, I highly recommend you go this week and here is why:

Fantine’s (Bronwyn vanJoolen) death scene will put a tear in your eye; Thenardier’s (Evan Bradley-Lewis) "Master of the House" will put a smile on your face, while Mme Thenardier (Kylie Sjolie) will make you laugh out loud, while you remain quite impressed with her talent. 

Eponine’s (Erin Paxton) On My Own will make you remember every lover you ever lost, while Cosette (Madison Sabol) will make you remember the lover that stayed. And while all of that is going on—Javert (Solon Snider) will make you want to start your own revolution.

The entire cast is exceptional. However, Jean Valjean, who was played by Austin Heemstra, will leave you wondering if you just watched a Broadway production.

While Heemstra shined throughout the entire performance, his strongest moment came in Act 2 when he sang "Bring Him Home."

For those of you unfamiliar with Les Mis, the song "Bring Him Home" requires an extremely wide vocal range and a tough falsetto—all of which Heemstra nailed, while remaining seated in a chair. It was so impressive my jaw literally dropped when he finished.

The entire production was so well done it left me singing songs from the show all weekend. So if you haven’t seen it yet here is my advice, it is simple: Go.

Listen to the people sing and I promise you'll consider starting your own revolution yourself.

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Les Misérables will run again this weekend at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at Severna Park High School. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or on the day of the performance.

See Also:

• SPHS Drama Students Preparing for ‘Les Mis’
• VIDEO: Les Mis Cast Sounds Off Before Opening Night
• Part 2: Les Mis Cast Sounds Off Before Opening Night