Les Miserables

March 21, 2014 Past Productions

May 2014

Performances:
May 2, 3, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24
Fridays/Saturdays @ 8:15pm, Sundays @ 3:00pm

Book and Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Directed by Darnell Morris
Music Direction by Stuart Y. Weich
Produced by Sue Goldberg

Location:
Kensington Town Hall / Armory
3710 Mitchell Street, Kensington, MD 20895

There will be a talkback session with the cast and production staff after the May 10th performance.

Press/Reviews:

Set in early 19th-century France, Les Misérables is the story of Jean Valjean, a French peasant, and his quest for redemption after serving nineteen years in jail for having stolen a loaf of bread for his starving sister’s child. Valjean decides to break his parole and start his life anew after a kindly bishop inspires him by a tremendous act of mercy, but he is relentlessly tracked down by a police inspector named Javert. Along the way, Valjean and a slew of characters are swept into a revolutionary period in France, where a group of young idealists make their last stand at a street barricade.

	Sharon Elizabeth Debbage Alexander (Ensemble) is happy to return to KAT after appearing as Emma Goldman in the 2013 production of Ragtime! Other favorite productions include A Tale of Cinderella (Cinderella) and Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal) with Soldiers Theater in Vicenza, Italy; Godspell (ensemble) and Oklahoma! (Gertie) with Oakwood Summer Theater in Salem New Jersey; and plenty of other odds and ends in school and community theater over the years. Sharon is especially happy to be performing for the first time with her daughter Zoë (young Eponine). Love and thanks to the better three-quarters, Nick, Isabel, and Zoë.
	Zoë Alexander (Young Eponine) is a fifth grader in the Spanish immersion program at Rock Creek Forest Elementary, where she sings in the chorus. Zoë is also a member of the South County Elementary School Honors Chorus. When not singing or acting, Zoë keeps busy with wrestling, gymnastics, reading and other activities. She is thrilled to be performing for the first time with KAT! Special thanks to voice coach Mayumi Griffie, and to Darnell Morris for giving her this special opportunity!
	Catherine Callahan (Ensemble) So happy to be a part of this amazing musical and team. Recent credits include Martha in Spring Awakening (KAT), Mary Phagan in Parade (KAT), and Natalie in Next to Normal (MCP). Love to my family especially my Grandpa who dearly loves this musical. Enjoy!!
	Brad Carnes-Stine (Ensemble) is thrilled to back with old and new friends. Past roles include KAT: Parade (Watson), Ragtime (Father); RMT: Crazy for You (Bela), All Shook Up (Jim), Evita (Peron), Forever Plaid (Sparky), Joseph..Dreamcoat (Pharaoh), Meet..St Louis (Warren); FTP: Carousel (Billy); Toby’s DT: Unsinkable Molly Brown (Prince Delong), Follies (tango dancer/u/s Ben), State Fair (Fairtone); WOB: Meet..St Louis (John); HSS: Bye Bye Birdie (Albert); Renaissance Cruise Line: singer/dancer.
	Theo Dittmer (Courfeyrac) lives in Silver Spring, MD and is a Corpsman in the United States Navy. He currently works at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD. Before that he was stationed in Catania, Sicily where he volunteered at the Department of Defense High School. He was heavily involved in the choir as an assistant director and helped direct their spring musical, Annie. He also played the role of Rooster. He separates from Active Duty in August 2014 and will be moving to Denver to pursue massage therapy and finish his B.A. in music.
	James Dorsey (Ensemble) is thrilled to return to KAT with this amazing cast and crew. He teaches music and dance in Maryland, and is excited to be part of this moving and important story. He sends best wishes to all of those involved with the show, and thanks to his family and friends for their support.
	Dylan Echter (Combeferre/Ensemble) is a recent transplant to Washington, D.C. from New Jersey, and he is thrilled to be appearing in his first show with KAT. He is a recent graduate from the College of William and Mary where he studied music, sang with The Gentlemen of the College and Botetourt Chamber Singers, and appeared onstage in The Gondoliers (Marco), Thoroughly Modern Millie (Bun Foo), and Patience (Dragoon) with the Sinfonicron Light Opera Company. Finally, Dylan would like to thank his friends and family for all their support, and especially Rebecca and Hannah for all their help.
	Cole Edelstein (Gavroche), in 5th grade at Chevy Chase Elementary, is thrilled to be in this show! Recently, he appeared as Ainsley in Appropriate at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and in WNO’s The Lion, the Unicorn and Me at The Kennedy Center. He also performed as Jesse in a reading of Spin at Signature Theatre, and as Little Boy in KAT’s Ragtime. Other roles include Louis in The King and I (BSMF), Winthrop in The Music Man Jr, Motel in Fiddler on the Roof Jr and, upcoming, Jack in Into The Woods Jr (Bravo). Cole studies voice and dance and has performed in ATMTC’s ensembles. Cole also loves soccer and hanging out with his brothers.
	Jonathan Evans (Ensemble/Constable/Feuilly) is excited to be performing once again with KAT and the excellent cast of Les Miserables! Some of Jonathan’s credits include Benny in Guys and Dolls (Mini Musicals on the Move), Murder Mystery (WhoDunnitForHire LLC), Marshall in Kidstuff Family Theatre (Mclean Bible Church), and Baloo in Jungle Book KIDS (KAT 2^nd Stage). Jonathan would like to thank his family, friends, and cast mates for their love and support his theatre pursuits!
	Anna Fagan (Cosette) is thrilled to be making her KAT debut! She is a graduate of the University of Rochester, where she minored in Theatre. Anna studied acting at The Theatre Lab’s Honors Acting Conservatory in Washington, DC. Most recently, she appeared as Catherine in LTA’s production of Proof. Other credits - University of Rochester: Cordelia, King Lear; Ustinya, A Family Affair; Mrs. Martin, The Bald Soprano. University of Pennsylvania: Hope, Urinetown; Edna, The Good Times Are Killing Me. Thanks to the cast and crew!
	Michelle Hill (Fantine) is so excited to be returning to KAT! Michelle is a graduate of Marymount Manhattan College where she received her BA in Theatre Performance with a Musical theatre minor. She was last seen in St. Gabriel Miracle Players production of Little Women The Musical as Jo March. Her last show here at KAT was Ragtime where she played Miss Evelyn Nesbit. Some of Michelle’s favorite past roles include Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown), Christine (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), Nancy (Oliver!), Cinderella (Cinderella), and Gloria (Damn Yankees). Lots of thanks and love to her supportive family, friends, and the full Les Mis company! Xo
	Kaitlin Hitchings (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the cast of Les Mis at KAT. Kaitlin was last seen in A Man of No Importance at Keegan Theatre, and is a graduate of Catholic University- BM, Musical Theatre. Kaitlin works as a special education teacher, and is excited to graduate with her Masters in the middle of the run of this show!
	Kyra Koh (Prostitute, Woman 3) Originally from South Korea, Kyra is a classically trained soprano who has been singing in public for as long as she can remember. She received her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Benjamin T. Rome School of Music at Catholic University. In 2003, Kyra was a winner in Urban Philharmonic’s Paul Robeson Vocal Competition and was voted audience favorite. As a singer, her experiences include solo performances at numerous Department of State ceremonies and singing with the David Tauler Music Group. Kyra’s previous musical roles: New Rochelle Woman (KAT’s Ragtime) and Christmas Eve (ASGT’s Avenue Q). Thank you to her family and friends in VA and CA for all of their love and support.
	Malinda Markland (Madame Thénardier) holds a BA in Theatre Performance from the University of MD, College Park. She is thrilled to be back at KAT after playing Mother in Ragtime last Spring. Other recent credits – Stillpointe Theatre Initiative: Chiffon in Little Shop of Horrors; ASGT: Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods and Kate Monster/Lucy The Slut in Avenue Q; QTC: Lily/Young Julia in James Joyce’s The Dead- The Musical; RCP: Kitty in The Drowsy Chaperone. Huge thanks to the amazing Les Mis cast and crew – you are gems and pearls. Momma Rose, Louise thanks you for letting her sing out. Big love to family and friends (especially JPM)!
	David Merrill (Jean Valjean) is excited to be making his KAT debut. David received his MM in Voice from Shenandoah Conservatory. He received his BM from Methodist University in NC. Recent musical theater roles include Adam/Noah in Children of Eden, Sam in Street Scene, Lamar in Godspell, and Mr. Snow in Carousel. Recent opera roles include Don Ottavio in Don Giovanni, Alfred in Die Fledermaus, and Camille in The Merry Widow. David would like to dedicate these performances to his inspirational mother, his wonderful girlfriend, his family, and his father and brother who have both touched the face of God. dbmerrill.com
	Ethan Miller (Gavroche), 13, is in 8th grade at Herbert Hoover MS. Ethan is thrilled to have been chosen to perform as Gavroche. Other professional roles have included Eugene/Newsboy in Signature Theatre’s Gypsy and Wulfie in the developmental reading of Signs of Life at AU. BRAVO@KAT roles have included Beast in Beauty and the Beast, Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, Marcellus in The Music Man, and Horton in Seussical JR. Ethan will also be a Prince in Bravo Production’s Into the Woods. When Ethan is not performing he enjoys taking theatre classes, boating, fishing, biking and hanging out with his friends. He would like to thank his parents for helping him pursue his musical theatre dream!
	Shira Minsk (Young Cosette) is a 7th grade student at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School and is thrilled to be back at KAT with new and old friends after appearing last year in Ragtime. Past performances include A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre, Beauty and the Beast, Jr., Fiddler on the Roof, Jr. and The Music Man, Jr. at BRAVO@KAT, and MTC productions of Guys and Dolls, Seussical, Jr., and Once on This Island, Jr. She is a member of Take the Stage Performance Company.
	Gabriel T. Potter (Thenardier) is excited to make his KAT Mainstage Debut! He has previously appeared in KAT 2nd Stage performances of A Year With Frog and Toad (Toad), and The Jungle Book (King Louie). His favorite previous roles include Judas (JCSS), Birdie (Bye Bye Birdie), Seymour (Little Shop), and Freddy (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels). He would like to thank his wife Hillary for endlessly supporting him, convincing him to audition, and taking care of Olivia, our very first child during the entire rehearsal process. To love another person is to see the face of God.
	Joshua Reaves (Joly/Ensemble) is a junior at Northwest. He is a lifetime 4-H member, winning many awards for his dramatic interpretations. Bow hunting is one of his favorite hobbies; unfortunately, the deer always seem to elude him! Recently, he performed as Radames in the musical, Aida, at NW High, which was one of his favorite roles. Joshua also played Ace in Caught in the Act. For the Covenant Life Drama Program, Joshua had fun with his roles as Asher in Joseph…, as well as playing Lazarus in the original play, Acts. At a Shakespeare camp, he was able grow as an actor. Joshua would like to thank his parents for being supportive of his endeavors.
	Diana Rodriguez-Tylka (Ensemble) is a full-time mom on leave from Montgomery County Public Schools. She has her BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, and an MAT from American University. Past shows with Kensington Arts Theatre include Sunday in the Park with George (Celeste 1/Elaine), and Once on This Island (Andrea). She would like to thank her husband Ben for being such an excellent partner in life, and her son Tomás for being ridiculously cute.
	Camryn Shegogue (Eponine) KAT debut. NWHS: Aida (Amneris), In the Heights (Carla), Footloose (Wendy Jo). RMT: Annie (Pepper). DTC: Gypsy! (Baby June). Other local roles: Bye Bye Birdie (Kim MacAfee), Seussical (JoJo). Camryn is a rising senior at Northwest High School, and she aspires to pursue a musical theatre career in her near future. She is so thrilled to be playing her dream role in her favorite show. Hugs to my amazing castmates (Victor Hugo would be quite proud), and especially to my family and friends for their support and love!
	Rich Shegogue (Ensemble) KAT debut. DTC: A Little Night Music (Carl-Magnus). RMT: Nunsense A-Men (Sister Mary Amnesia), Forever Plaid (Jinx), Annie (Rooster), Evita (Magaldi), The Full Monty (Malcolm). Other local roles: Oliver (Mr. Sowerberry), Damn Yankees (Mr. Applegate), Seussical (Cat in the Hat). He is especially thrilled to share this production with his daughters Camryn (Eponine) and Jamie (stage crew), and wife Marci (keyboardist), whom he met while doing theatre at Univ. of MD. Break a leg family!
	Harrison Smith (Marius) is humbled to be back on the KAT stage for Les Mis. Previous KAT credits include Moritz in Spring Awakening, Frankie Epps/Young Soldier in Parade, Younger Brother in Ragtime (2013 WATCH Award-Best Musical), and Henry in Next to Normal. Other credits include: ASGT: Jack in Into the Woods, Nicky in Avenue Q, and Male Authority Figure in Hairspray. This summer, Harrison is excited to be working with New York’s Infinity Theatre Company in Annapolis. Love as always to friends, family, and cast. Special thanks to Mom, Darnell, Stuart, and SMT!
	Lane Smith (Ensemble) graduated with a BA in music from Davidson College where he performed the title role in Le Nozze di Figaro. After moving to DC, he performed the role of Frederick in Pirates of Penzance with The Arlington Players. He has also performed with the Choral Arts Society of Washington, Washington National Opera, and numerous small ensembles in the DMV.
	Paul Tonden (Javert) is excited, grateful and humbled to be making his KAT debut in one of his dream roles! He is originally from the greater Philadelphia area and, after moving around quite a bit, really enjoys living in the DC metro area. Locally, Paul played the role of Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde at MCP. Some of his favorite credits include John Adams in 1776, Sid Sorokin in The Pajama Game, Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, Adam/Sanjar/Flip in The Apple Tree, Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance.
	Michael Van Maele (Enjolras) is thrilled to take the stage in his second KAT production in one of his dream roles. He was last seen as Georg in Spring Awakening (KAT) and Che in Evita (Johns Hopkins University). He thanks the amazing team and cast that made this production possible!
	Bill Walker (Ensemble) is honored to make his KAT debut in this revered tale, to which he was first exposed in high school French class (il y à longtemps). Local stage credits include Guys and Dolls (RMT, TAP), Follies (TAP), Thoroughly Modern Millie (TAP), Schoolhouse Rock Live! (ESP), Mame (RCP), among others. Thanks to James for his solidarity (and walking the dogs), his friends for enduring an abridged social schedule, and Mrs. Yeatts for encouraging passion for all things françaises. Ça c’est bon!
	Vanessa Williams (Ensemble) is so glad to be returning in her second production on the KAT Stage. Her first show was in Ragtime as a Harlem Woman. She would like to thank her friends and family for their support. She would like to thank the cast and crew of Les Mis for making this production unforgettable. And most of all, she would like to thank Darnell for taking a chance on her and working around her crazy schedule.

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