Les Miserables at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School

Theater: Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School
Show: Les Miserables
Seen: March 8, 2008
Reviewer: Charlotte Fieldcamp
Submitted: March 9, 2008

Les Misérables represents many things: hardship, human suffering and the cry
for justice. It represents the promise of revolution and the sacrifice that
inevitably follows the battle for freedom. But most of all, Les Misérables
stands for love, be it romantic, filial, or love for one’s country. Plymouth
Whitemarsh High School recently presented the legendary musical.

Les Misérables opened in September 1981 at the Palais des Sports in Paris.
Although it did not achieve success until the English version debuted on
October 8, 1985, it quickly gained popularity through word-of-mouth. The
original Broadway production began its run on March 12, 1987. It was
nominated for twelve Tony Awards and won eight — including those for Best
Musical and Best Original Score. The musical, which is based on Victor
Hugo’s novel of the same name, follows the life of a convict named Jean
Valjean who skips parole, yet becomes honorable and charitable after being
released from prison. But his unsavory past and the relentless pursuit of
the Inspector, Javert, are forever on his heels.

Plymouth Whitemarsh High School’s production found its strength mainly in
its vibrant ensemble and a few standout voices among the leads. Some numbers
were particularly memorable because of the vibrancy of the ensemble.

Dave Meashey performed well in the role of Jean Valjean. He was completely
submerged into his character, expressing himself with the passion and
conviction. A.J. Harnak’s Javert provided a good counter to Meashey’s
Valjean. John Matkowski, who played the student Marius, was a joy to watch
and hear. Matkowski portrayed Marius’s feelings for Cosette perfectly with
a lovely voice. Kristin Dale and Jill Schwab were equally enchanting as
Cosette and Éponine.

The dynamic interaction between Kevin Minehan and Lexie Tabachnick brought
the Thénardiers to life with hilarious results, and Vivian Altopp was a fine
Young Cosette whose striking performance of “Castle on a Cloud” will not be
forgotten by this reviewer.

Several of the problems this production faced concerned the sound quality.
Sometimes words were cut off or garbled, and while technical troubles are
never easily avoided in a high school show, this production suffered from
too many of them.

Overall, Plymouth Whitemarsh’s take on Les Misérables was a good one. Some
of the leads had difficulty hitting the high notes, but they persevered and
managed very well. Due to their admirable efforts, the entire cast got a
well-deserved standing ovation at the end of the show.

by Charlotte Fieldcamp of Lower Moreland High School