Field Guide A Tool for Teachers, Students, Performers, Designers, & Advocates of Live Theatre Guide Compiled by Christina Casella, Education & Outreach Director Casey Weed, Les Miserables Dramaturg Playhouse Interns Madeleine Garcia, Gabriella Melendez, and Daniel Quintero
To the Educators, Students, Actors, Directors, Designers, and any art advocate who may find themselves exploring this Field Guide:
Welcome to The Playhouse San Antonio Les Misérables Field Guide! Here at The Playhouse San Antonio our mission is to produce high quality live theatre that inspires, educates, and entertains audiences of all ages. Our passion is to connect our community to the world at large by telling stories that reveal the truth of the human experience. In the spirit of this mission, we offer our audiences the opportunity to continue their experience at the theater by providing events and interactive resources like this Field Guide. Its purpose can function in many ways—in the classroom, as a series of activities, a resource to artists, and a behind the scenes glance into this amazing, venturesome production. Our goal with this and every production is to educate and inform our audiences, while still providing a level of entertainment and expression through the art of live theatre. We suggest exploring the guide both before and after attending The Playhouse production of Les Misérables running Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. from October 3, 2013 to November 3, 2013. Our Playhouse Education Night, Sunday, October 13, 2013, includes a Post-Show Discussion and Talk Back. We encourage those attending to apply the knowledge and information gained from this Field Guide to stimulate and inspire the evening’s discussion. Additionally, H-E-B has graciously sponsored a separate Education Night on Friday, October 25, 2013. Thanks to H-E-B’s generous funding, we are able to sponsor 400 students to see Les Misérables. Our very own Tribe members and Playhouse Interns will be hosting that evening’s Post Show Talk Back and had a part in compiling this Field Guide. Additional credit to this guide is due to Les Misérables director, Tim Hedgepeth. We appreciate his dedication to educating both his cast and audience. Thank you and Enjoy!
one.
Background Information History of the Student Rebellion
Dramaturg, Casey Weed
July 14, 1789-Storming of the Bastille This event is the start of the French Revolution
September 1793-July 1794-The Reign of Terror Political upheaval resulting in the deaths of thousands, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
October 1797-Treaty of Campo Formio Other nations tried to restrain France, but were soundly defeated. End of the First Coalition
1804-Napoleon becomes Emperor of France After several victories against European powers, Napoleon is declared Emperor of France by the Senate (and himself).
1812-Napoleon exiled to Elba Napoleon loses to the Sixth Coalition
1815-Battle of Waterloo -Napoleon loses again; Louis XVIII (House of Bourbon) restored to the throne
July 1830-July Revolution -House of Bourbon overthrown; Louis-Philippe (House of Orléans) placed on the throne. -Overthrow of hereditary right to rule in favor of popular sovereignty
June 1832-June Rebellion -Republicans (and others) disgruntled by the appointment of another monarch (Louis-Philippe) after the July Revolution planned to overthrow the monarchy. -Barricades were constructed throughout Paris and streets were overrun with revolutionaries (many of whom were members of secret societies) for 2 days. -Began during the funeral of General Lamarque who died during the spring cholera epidemic
Happening Elsewhere… 1826-World’s first photograph 1830-Railroad construction takes off in America 1836-Battle of the Alamo 1840-First use of general anesthesia
two.
Who was general lamarque? Highly honored Napoleonic general
General Lamarque
Supporter of independence in France and abroad Went into exile with Napoleon but returned in 1818 to politics After 1830 revolution, tasked with preventing Legitimist uprisings (supporters of the House of Bourbon) Fell into disagreement with the OrlĂŠans monarchy
Victor hugo February 26, 1802-May 22, 1885 Educated as a Catholic Royalist by his mother but became a republican as he grew older His family followed his father’s military postings until his mother took the children and settled in Paris Playwright, novelist, revolutionary, husband, and father Exiled 1855-1870 due to political opposition
Victor Hugo
three.
The Musical Synopsis courtesy of Mtishows.com Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer Book by Claude-Michel Schönberg Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg Book by Alain Boublil
In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long.
Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through pop opera is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are already standards. A spectacle on Broadway and in London, Les Misérables is equally effective with a minimal set; it is its powerful affirmation of the human spirit that has made Les Misérables a popular masterpiece.
Photo courtesy Dwayne Green
four.
Director’s note Like most people I know, I have a bucket list. Mine is a catalogue of plays and musicals that, if I am lucky, I may one day have the opportunity to direct. Les Misérables is on that list; it’s a show I have longed to do ever since that rainy afternoon in 1985 when I heard the original London cast recording for the very first time. Of course, as any diehard “Les Miz” fan can tell you, the world’ most popular musical suffered a rocky start. Most critics were dismissive if not downright hostile (“Victor Hugo on the garbage dump!” was the now-infamous sneer of The Observer’s opening night critic.) Director, Tim Hedgepeth But the naysayers were quickly silenced by the international embrace of the musical’s millions of fans. And I am one of them. I love its pomp and pageantry, its lush and sentimental score, and of course all of those marvelous, heartbreaking characters. It is a work of 20th century musical theatre that can rightly be considered a modern classic. But, at the end of the day, I believe that the continued success of this work is due largely to its fidelity to Hugo’s original novel. The musical version asks that we ponder the themes of crime and punishment, social injustice, and forgiveness, among others. And, in doing so, we cannot help but see its relevance to our world today. Of course a good chunk of Hugo’s novel has been trimmed away, yet we still have the inspiring story of one man’s journey towards redemption. I have rehearsed this production for only eight weeks, but I have been thinking about it for almost thirty years. Bringing Les Misérables to the stage at The Playhouse—in the company of our remarkable family of actors, designers, musicians and staff – has been a journey I will never forget. Welcome to the Barricade!
Photos Courtesy Sandra Trevino
five.
Cast Jean Valjean
Jason Mosher
Javert
Jesse Enderle
Fantine
Mary Morrow
Thenardier
Isidro Medina
Madame Thenardier
Jane Haas
Marius
Trevor Chauvin
Cosette
Constanza Aileen
Eponine
Carlye Gossen
Enjolras
Chris Berry
Gavroche
Christian Tinajero William Tucker
Young Cosette/Eponine
Anyka Bumgarner Vidhi Sapru Emma Tucker
Ensemble
Tyler Askins Amanda Belscamper Sara Brookes Anthony Castro DesirĂŠe Chappelle Jerry Cordova Anamaria Delperdang Jay Duval Bob Galindo Madeleine Garcia Mark Hicks Matthew Lieber Ginger Martel Gabriella Melendez Katy Stafford Moore David Nanny-Isban Thad Payne Sebastian Pinzon Daniel Quintero Rob Shaver Travis Trevino Gerardo Vallejo Reagan Wilson Laura Michelle Wolfe
Orphans/Young Street Gang
Madison Calderon Milla Check Karsten Palmer Diego De Jesus Martinez
six.
Themes Death by Madeleine Garcia, senior at henry ford academy "So never kick a dog because he's just a pup, we will fight like twenty armies and we won’t give up, so you better run for cover when the pup...grows..." BANG! Being onstage and living in this incredible, heartbreaking, grit-filled masterpiece that is Les Misérables has been absolutely amazing. Before getting cast in Les Misérables, I always loved the show, and I cried like a baby at every song and every heartbreaking death. However, it wasn't until we blocked the death of Gavroche that I realized I have been crying for the wrong reason. For the first time, after listening to the soundtrack and score more than a million times and playing the ABC girlfriend onstage, I actually heard Gavroche's final words. "...We won't give up. So you better run for cover... when the pup... grows…" Every bullet sent my heart on a roller coaster of pain, anger and sadness. I found myself climbing the barricade, hoping to save him before it was too late, but Gavroche met fate before I could. Until that rehearsal, I never truly understood the pain in the anger that the people of France suffered. The grit and determination of these people had been indestructible. Blocking the barricade battles has made Les Misérables so much clearer to me. When the barricade begins to fall, I can see in all of my cast mates faces, the undying resistance that they keep, even in death. And when I finally die, I fight with every fiber to stay alive, to keep our dream alive, and to make sure that even in death I'd "fight like 20 armies" and I won't give up.
DISCUSS DISCUSS DISCUSS
Madeleine in rehearsal for
Les Misérables Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño
BEFORE SEEING THE SHOW…
-What are your thoughts on death? What about death due to war or an uprising? Is it worth it? Why or why not? - Les Misérables takes place in early 1800’s France. How do you think death is viewed then compared to now? -Madeleine talks about her love of Les Misérables before being in the show and after. What are your current thoughts, if any, about Les Misérables? Why?
AFTER SEEING THE SHOW… -How was death represented in the show? How did it affect you?
seven.
love by Gabrielle melendez, senior at henry ford academy Les Misérables: the title of one of the most loved musicals of all time, when translated, means "the miserable ones". While this title evokes feelings of sadness and pity, it certainly doesn't encompass my experience as an ensemble member. Being in this show, I have learned a great many things but perhaps the most important is how to be a part of a team; how to work hard together for a great show. I learned how to "strive towards a larger goal" as Enjolras so greatly sings. One of the main themes of this musical is familial love, which is greatly evident with this amazing cast (both onstage and off). As opening night approaches, I only grow more and more excited for our hard work to finally be shared. I can only hope that the audience will enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed doing it. Love is complex in this show. Does Valjean love Fantine? Why doesn’t Marius love Eponine? Does Javert feel love for anyone? Despite these questions, love is real in Les Misérables. We feel it every night together on stage. gabrielle in rehearsal for
Les Misérables
“A heart full of love, no fear no regrets…”
Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño
DISCUSS DISCUSS DISCUSS “To Love Another Person Is To See The Face Of God…” AFTER SEEING THE SHOW… -Answer Gabby’s questions! -What are some non-conventional examples of love in Les Misérables? Consider Gabby’s idea of “familial love.”
eight.
Redemption by Daniel quintero, senior at keystone school Where is redemption found in Les Misérables? Can such grace be found in the grimy cesspools of the Paris slums, or in the lascivious Parisian docks rifling with prostitution? Throughout the show, we witness character after suffering character smothered by their cruel state of existence. Fantine is unfairly cast out after being labeled as a malicious whore. In "I Dreamed a Dream", she recounts her short life and realizes that she is now void of purpose and happiness. However, Jean Valjean seeks for redemption the entire play, and while praying to God in "Bring Him Home", he realizes that the single most benevolent thing he can do is to save Marius's life. Imagine the plural wishes and dreams of those on the barricade. On that structure made from the homes of the citizens, there is so much hope. And in that concentrated hope we find that love is a pathway to redemption. daniel in rehearsal for
Les Misérables Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño
DISCUSS DISCUSS DISCUSS “If I die, let me die… Let him live…” Consider This… -What does the saying “the ends justify the means” mean to you? -Choose an event that raises a moral dilemma. -Discuss the idea of redemption in Les Misérables. How is it different from forgiveness? Similar?