By Marwan Arafa

(Photo courtesy of Lisa Kruger) 

Enloe High School’s ‘Les Misérables’ play did not fail to deliver on its performance. The show is based on Victor Hugo’s original book, written in 1862. The theater play follows the story of Jean Valjean (portrayed by student Conor Kruger), an ex-convict who is introduced as a man with nothing but disdain for the world. It tells his story as he adopts a young girl and raises her in a bourgeoisie-loathing Paris while being chased by police inspector Javert (portrayed by student Noah Medlin). 

The entire Enloe cast nailed an incredibly difficult piece of theater. With nearly three hours of non-stop singing, the show makes one think that the casts’ vocal cords are made of steel. Supplemented by a vibrant band, the musical lived up to its name. What’s more impressive than being able to pull off the long show is that numerous pieces have polyphonies, which was an admirable factor of the show, captivating the audience every time. Even more, the tone of singing was crafted to convey individual characteristics, such as high-pitched and soft songs for Jean Valjean, deep, resolute songs for Javert, and slow, restrained singing for the vulnerable Fantine (portrayed by student Emma Gaddy).

(Photo courtesy of Lisa Kruger)

The set design and costumes were accurate to the time period, with characters donning long jackets, bicorne hats, and dresses characteristic of the time period. 

The technical aspects of the production were some of the most obvious, elevating the play in an incredible manner. Starting off with a dark and depressing stage to capture the feeling of Jean Valjean’s imprisonment, to the purple lit stage to encapsulate the audience of the romance between characters. The stage lighting’s color changes in choreographed action scenes indicated a sense of tension, whilst those in the final scene, full of relief and love, used dim lighting to indicate the sorrow felt by the characters.

(Photo courtesy of Lisa Kruger)

The play mainly explores the ideas of redemption, love, and injustice. With the play taking place in 19th century France, many characters are swept away with idealistic values in opposition to the French monarchy, similar to the true events of the July Revolution of 1830. Furthermore, the idea of redemption, and specifically redemption through love, plays a significant role in the play, as it is through the love of a character that another redeems themselves.
Enloe High School’s rendition of ‘Les Misérables’ is a fantastic work which includes everything from misery to tenderness and well placed comedy in the form of the innkeeper Thenardier (portrayed by student Nicolas Sanchez). The play will be through Saturday with showings at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at gofan.co.