By MATT MALE
LES Miserables kicked off with a bang last Thursday, showcasing an array of talent from all year levels at Kooweerup Secondary College.
The phenomenal musical, in production since May, followed the adventures of characters such as Jean Valjean, Cosette and Marius, played by Harry Lewis Fitzgerald, Rhiannon Jack and Josh McNiff.
Valjean was locked up for stealing bread to feed to his sister’s child. He tried to escape but was caught and sentenced for another 14 years.
Eventually he is released but can’t help himself and steals again, this time from a bishop. The bishop is questioned and plays along, giving Valjean a chance to reclaim his soul.
Eight years later, Valjean is the mayor of Montreuil sur Mer and owns a factory. He adopts Cosette and struggles with accepting her lover, Marius.
Les Miserables showed off some of Kooweerup Secondary’s most talented students, from the band, to the lighting and sound crews, to the cast on stage.
Shane Woon, director and producer of the musical, said students became more focused closer to the shows.
“In rehearsals, it’s not the same energy. With the week leading up to the show, the rehearsals became a lot more focused.
“There is a lot of character acting on stage. I think they did a really good job in the shows,” he said.
Next year’s production is yet to be decided.
