Huntley youth theater tackles 'Les Mis'
Christian Youth Theater's young actors are bringing the message of love, redemption and revolution to the stage at Huntley High School this weekend with their performance of "Les Miserables: School Edition."
Because the musical is so well-known, the company is looking forward to putting on the production.
"It was time for CYT to do 'Les Mis' again," said director Teri Leman. "It's my favorite show. It's a beautiful story of redemption."
Jim Gritschke, who plays reformed criminal Jean Valjean, appreciates the variety and change his role allows.
"Throughout the show, Valjean does a complete 180 on his view of the world," said Gritschke. "It's interesting to see how one thing going into your life can change the course of your life and change your mind. One thing comes into your life and you discover that everything you've known has another side to it."
"Les Miserables" is the story of Jean Valjean, who is set free from jail after 19 years, his punishment for petty theft and an attempt to escape. Valjean finds that life outside prison is almost as challenging as it was within the walls of the jail; he is condemned for being a criminal.
But when he realizes that he has the chance to turn his life around, he takes on a new identity and does what he can to help others in need.
With the charge of caring for a young orphan and an impending revolution on the minds of the city's young students, Valjean must do what he can to keep peace in his own life. But his new conscience insists that he makes the right choice, no matter the cost.
The original production of "Les Miserables", based on the Victor Hugo novel with the same title, was first performed in 1985. It ran on Broadway for 16 years with almost 7,000 performances. In 2006, "Les Miserables: School Edition" was the best selling play for high schools.
The actors are proud of the production they've been working on and there's great talent involved, explains Tina Naponelli, who plays Eponine.
"The whole cast is amazing," said Naponelli. "Everyone is just so strong (with their talent). I've been in the show before and there are definitely a lot of things we looked at (and changed) that I don't think anybody will expect to see."
The actors also make the show unique and special, explains Leman, and their diversity is what helps to ultimately bring the show together.
"There are new twists," said Leman, "and it's not totally traditional in certain ways. When you see this done on high school stage you see students from that high school. We have many students in the chorus that have played many lead roles and typically you don't get that in the chorus. Many kids are used to playing solo roles and you don't typically get that with high school."
Overall, the actors are happiest with the cast's bonds, rather than focusing solely on how everyone performs.
"(The best part) is getting to know a lot more people through CYT and getting closer with my friends who I've made before," said Naponelli.
And even with a show that's more serious than comedic and light, Gritschke is confident that the audience will be appreciative of its value.
"If you're a parent, you can relate," said Gritschke. "It's very powerful. This is the story, this is what happened, and there's meaning behind the whole show."
The show runs Friday through Sunday, May 14-16, at Huntley High School Performing Arts Center. For tickets, visit cytchicago.org or call (847) 516-2298.
If you goWhat: Christian Youth Theater of McHenry County's production of "Les Miserables: School Edition"When: 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday, May 14; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 15 and 16Where: Huntley High School Performing Arts Center, 13719 Harmony RoadTickets: $8-$12 in advance, additional $2 at the door. Group, children, and senior discounts available.Info: (847) 516-2298 or cytchicago.org'Les Mis' castAlgonquin: Samantha Baran, Trent Bauman, Aaron Caldwell, Danielle Klein, Nicholas Klein, Phillip Klein, Vincent Klein, Rachel Matthys, Matthew Silar, Christian Stilwell, Kevin Stoffel, Kory WilliamsBarrington: Colin MillerBarrington Hills: Kitty HoffmanCarpentersville: Lauren Menzer, Kimber PrittsCary: Cooper Agar, Kaelin Agar, Kelsey Blodgett, Lauren Blodgett, Laura Mae Estry, Sophia Poole, Kaysi Radek, River SheridanCrystal Lake: Kaylie Bienert, Robbie Cartwright, Elaine Cotter, Becca DiVenere, Samantha Freres, Kara Gardner, Jim Gritschke, Jessica Hillmann, Cody Hochstatter, Emme Jones, Randy Luken, Briana Marsalla, Anne Rose Mihm, Christina Naponelli, Aimee Oliver, Kelsey Palmquist, Lauren Patinella, Giselle Relic, Ali Roche, Jessica Stengel, Mary Taylor, Chelby Vause, Alexandria Viegas, Tristan Viegas, Victoria Viegas, Kelly Wood, Claire YarmoEast Dundee: Elliot SimmonsElgin: Jenn SchmidtGrayslake: Connor HigginsHuntley: Deanna Golema, Zachary Lawrence, Jonathan TlapekIsland Lake: Brittany O'Brien, Christopher O'BrienJohnsburg: Jim Nicholas-Christensen, Symone SeylerLake in the Hills: Mick Gehr, Emme McKeown, Kat McKeown, Tim McKeown, Lauren Simek, Dominick Pietro, Allison WellnitzLake Zurich: Jason LongLakemoor: Hannah PayneLakewood: Justine YentschMarengo: Claire PerhamMcHenry: Devin Auld, Kate AuldRockford: Megan Mahan, Andrew Trotter, Sydney Rae TrotterSleepy Hollow: Abigail Bjork, Erin UlbertSpring Grove: Aaron Brown, Molly BrownSt. Charles: Rachel WhitesideWonder Lake: Gina BianchiWoodstock: Jane Layoff, Micah MuhlenfeldUnion: Cassidy Reich, Jake Reich, Taylor Reich, Alyssa WeiseFalse19201080Cast members, front from left: Trent Bauman, Andrew Trotter, Kevin Stoffel, Colin Miller; and back row from left: Nick Klein, Zach Lawrence, Jonathan Tlapek, Jake Reich, Cooper Agar, Christian Stilwell, Matt Silar, Randy Luken, Chris O'Brien, and Tim McKeown.Courtesy Christian Youth TheaterFalse