The theater program has officially begun the process for the 2023 musical, Les Misérables, one of the most well-known musicals of all time. The musical takes place after the French Revolution and follows a man named Jean Valjean, who is finally freed after being locked away for nineteen years for stealing a loaf of bread. When on parole, he doesn’t get a job that he wants, so he breaks his parole and takes on a new identity as a successful mayor. However, a police officer named Javert knows of his escape and hunts him down.
The show has a special meaning for director Mr. Darren Hengst.
“I’ve wanted to do this for a long time. I grew up listening to this show and seeing this show, and I was lucky enough to be in this show. It’s just something that’s always been on the bucket list here at Haverford,” Mr. Hengst said.
He also emphasized how much talent there is at the school now.
“Watching the talent we had last year in Something Rotten!, there were so many juniors and sophomores that were really talented, and obviously you need a boatload of talent for this one, and I thought finally we had enough talent across the board to cast it, so I pulled the trigger,” Mr. Hengst said.
“This is an incredibly ambitious musical because it’s one of those musicals where there’s no dialogue, it’s just singing.”
Sebastian Golderer ’24
Many students are looking forward to the show’s first rehearsals.
“I decided to audition for Les Mis because I really enjoy theater, and the theater program at Haverford is really great, and Les Mis is a great show,” said Fourth Former Luke Ganley.
Les Mis is no easy task to put on.
“This is an incredibly ambitious musical because it’s one of those musicals where there’s no dialogue, it’s just singing. I’m really excited to see how Mr. Hengst, the cast, and the crew all handle that and bring whatever vision Mr. Hengst has for the show to life,” said Fifth Former Sebastian Golderer.
Theater is an incredible part of the community, and many people inside and outside of the school clearly want to be a part of it, especially after the success of last year’s musical. This year had almost ninety students sign up from around the area.
“I was amazed at all the new people who signed up. I can’t wait for them to get to experience Haverford theater,” Sixth Former Julian Caesar said.
Many who participate in these shows feel a sense of community that they find to be integral to their school experience.
“Doing the shows allows me to form close bonds with people, even those I share little in common with,” Caesar said. “Theater provides a brotherhood like no other extracurricular at Haverford does, and that’s what makes it so great and unique.”
Those working on the show outside of the cast also feel a sense of brotherhood.
“I love how much of a family we are. We all work together and help each other out,” Fifth Former Samuel Jiru said.
Many students say they feel fully comfortable to express themselves and explore their passions.
“I think it’s a really great community, and it also allows me to do something I really love, which is acting,” Fifth Former Sebastian Golderer said. “Being in this theater program allows me to do that, so I can improve and perfect my craft.”
Mr. Hengst sees the passion in the students as well.
“I think one thing we showed in Something Rotten! last year was that we have a lot of dedicated students to this program, and I think that’s something that continues this year. I think it will be most exciting for the audience to come and see the genuine passion students have for performing here,” Mr. Hengst said.
While it is always exciting to get started on a new show, many Sixth Formers—who have been a part of the theater program for all of high school, and some even throughout middle school—find it bittersweet.
“I know that once we near the end of the show emotions will hit me like a truck, so I’m gonna try to enjoy everything about it until the very last moment,” Caesar said.
“When I was in high school, I remember sitting in the fourth row of the Forrest Theater and I saw the show, and it just changed my life to see what is possible on stage.”
Mr. Darren Hengst
Sixth Former Thomas Pendergast said, “It’s sad to leave the Haverford theater department, and I will really miss Mr. Hengst, but it’s not going to be my last show ever, and I think I’ll be ready to move on from here.”
As the audition process comes to a close and the start of rehearsals quickly approaches, Mr. Hengst looks forward to seeing the show come together.
“When I was in high school, I remember sitting in the fourth row of the Forrest Theater and I saw the show, and it just changed my life to see what is possible on stage. I’m excited to bring the feeling that I had when I first saw the show to the students who are lucky enough to perform it,” Mr. Hengst said. “I’m excited to watch everyone fall in love with it the way I did when I was in high school.”
Performances will take place on March 10, 11, and 12.
