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Health & Fitness

'Les Miserables' at TriArts Sharon Playhouse - My Review

A massive production of 'Les Miserables' is running in Sharon CT.

The TriArts Sharon Playhouse kicked off its 25th Anniversary Season on June 19 with a magnificent production of Les Misérables, making its long awaited Sharon Playhouse premiere. Many of the lead performers in this ambitious undertaking are making their Sharon debut as well. Artistic Director John Simpkins, in his fourth year at TriArts Sharon Playhouse, and Managing Director Justin Ball took to the stage before their first Friday performance to accept a proclamation from the governor recognizing the playhouse's anniversary and recognition from the state assembly as well that was presented by Roberta E. Willis (Democrat.) 

Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award-winning musical masterpiece Les Misérables is beautifully directed by Mr. Simpkins. The uber talented Eric Kang returns to Sharon as musical director and conducts the nine-piece orchestra. Thomas J. Coppola, the production stage manager, shared that the musicians are hidden behind a wall house right. Nathaniel Shaw makes his Sharon Playhouse debut as choreographer of some simple but effective dances.

All of the production elements of this show are up to the TriArts standard of excellence. The set designed by Michael Schweikardt features lots of wood slats and despite its size is easily turned to various angles; of course it also forms an impressive barricade. I loved it. Michelle Eden Humphrey's costumes were period perfect and sound by Brad Berridge was very well done for the most part. At a few points, at least from my complimentary seat, I thought that the orchestra (especially the timpani) was just a tad too loud, but thankfully they never overpowered the voices.

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Lighting Designer Chris Dallos deserves special mention because the lighting for this production was stellar. I have never seen some of the cues that Mr. Dallos employed to light some crucial scenes. Stars appeared on cue, the sewers were suggested and Javert's death scene was amazing. The TriArts stage has never looked better in my opinion.

The cast is comprised of such amazing talents in the lead roles mixed in with some great local talent. Brian Cali (Encores! The Most Happy Fella and Master Class with Tyne Daly) is a magnificent Jean Valjean. His beautiful tenor voice served him well and he gave a fine nuanced performance. Justin Patterson (Broadway’s Annie, A Little Night Music, Memphis) blew us away as Javert; his performance as the tortured inspector was flawless.

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The rest of the 35-member company were equally as impressive. Tenor Patton Chandler was a wonderful Marius and soprano Katie Weiser of Litchfield brought an operatic quality to the role of the adult Cosette. I loved Kalli Siringas as Eponine. Sergio Pasquariello was strong in the role of the student Enjolras and Sarah Cline was the best Fantine that I have ever seen on any stage. The amazing voice of Luke Garrison, making his Sharon debut in the role of the student Grantaire, was a joy to hear. Mr. Garrison appeared in the Landmark Community Theater's production of Les Mis as Enjolras and will be playing Gabe in Next to Normal at Brookfield Theater for the Arts with his mother Juliette Garrison Koch. I can't wait to see this one.

Travis Mitchell (an excellent Sheriff Ed Earl Dodd in Best Little... two years ago) returns to Sharon to master the comic role of Thernadier and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Jamie Schraff, a Connecticut native, played his Madame Thernadier and her every move was calculated for comic relief. 

Evan Fine and Giaco Traggio share the role of the  heartbreaking Gavroche and four young ladies share the role of Young Cossette and Young Eponine: Charlotte Clulow, Lorelei Gnerre, Akira Golz, Leah Schraff. 

Ensemble members are Rose Bisogno, Dave Cadwell (Montparnasse,) Sam Everett, David Fanning (Babet/Foreman,) Gabbie Fried, Elizabeth Gerbi, Morgan Grambo, Taylor Johnson, Alan J. Kelly (Feuilly,) Lauren Krauss, Christian Lange (Jean Prouvaire,) Delaney Parker, AnnMarie Powers, Peter Reyelt (Claquesous,) Nikhil Saboo (Courfeyrac,) Thomas J. Schindler (Brujon/Bishop of Digne,) Ian Shain (Combeferre,) Sarah Treanor, and Josh Zacher (Joly.) The male students sang together beautifully for all their numbers, as did the women in "Turning." And the production numbers were almost overwhelming, in a good way.

Selected performances are followed by a Piano Cabaret where patrons are treated to some more casual (and wonderful) performances by members of the Les Mis cast. Bring a sweater.

Sharon Playhouse (49 Amenia Road/Route 343).  Performances of Les Misérables run through June 29 and are Wednesday at 7pm; Thursday at 2pm and 7pm; Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 3pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 5:30pm.  Please note the Wednesday, June 25 performance is a 2pm matinee.  Tickets are $47-$16, Call the Sharon Playhouse Box Office at 860-364-7469 or purchase online at www.triarts.net.
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