2018 les miserables
Shasta High’s 49th Annual Musical
Press
Shasta High Set to Spin 'Les Miserables'
By Jon Lewis, Special to Record Searchlight
Published mMay 2018
If you didn’t know any better, you’d think Zane Murphy, a Shasta High School senior, was being a tad presumptuous when he said his role as Jean Valjean is “kind of the Holy Grail of parts.”
But then you realize that Murphy, 17, has an extensive background in theater and music and his parents, Michael and Carrie, are both theater people, and it becomes clear that Murphy is simply being candid as he describes the lead role in “Les Miserables,” the Shasta High spring musical that opens Thursday.
“His story kind of encompasses every kind of emotion a person can feel. He’s one of the most beautiful and tragic characters ever created,” said Murphy, adding that Valjean’s tremendous story arc — from embittered criminal to a kind and virtuous father-figure — is such “that everybody can relate to it.”
Choir director Gavin Spencer is directing his 16th Shasta High musical. “Le Mis” will be the school’s 49th musical and he's more than happy to sing Murphy’s praises.
“He’s been a real blessing to our program. He’s a senior so we only get him for one year, unfortunately. It’s obvious he has a lot of acting experience. He takes direction very well, but he just has a lot of talent.
“He’s one of those kids you don’t have to give a ton of guidance to. He does research and is always prepared and he memorizes his music. He’s been a great leader,” Spencer said.
It’s not just Murphy that has Spencer excited about this year’s production.
“We have so many students that are really taking their roles to a higher level. We have strong singers and strong actors. This is one of the strongest choruses I’ve ever had,” he said. Adding to that strength is Grace Clements, a senior, “and a fantastic soprano,” singing the role of Fantine, the impoverished factory worker. Spencer’s daughter, Madison, has the role of Cosette. Annie Cahill, who has been accepted at Texan Christian University’s lauded musical theater program, has the coveted role of Eponine. “She is killer in this show,” Spencer said. Others in the cast include Anish Wadhwa as Javert; Sam Bowman as Marius; Tyler Wakefield and Grace Googins as Mr. and Mrs. Thenardier; Rorry Cowdin as Enjolras; Seth Huang as Gavroche; and Clare Bjarnason as young Cosette.
A live orchestra will be directed by Lou Polcari.
Based on the novel by French poet and author Victor Hugo, “Les Miserables” is set in 19th-century France and tells the story of an ex-convict, Valjean, who is pursued for decades by the relentless policeman Javert. A kind gesture by a bishop changes the direction of Valjean’s life and his decision to care for a young factory worker’s daughter furthers his redemption.
An international hit, “Le Mis” has been seen by more than 70 million people in 51 countries around the world. It has been translated into 22 languages. “It’s my favorite,” Spencer said. “Shasta High did it 10 years ago and it was special for me back then and I have a feeling it will be special this time as well.”
As it was a decade ago, the musical will be performed on a rotating stage. “It works like a charm, just like it did before. It came together very fast. We had it in and the deck built around it in five days. The entire David Marr stage is 10 inches taller than it used to be.
“It rotates a lot. The show takes place over several years and the stage keeps the story in constant motion the whole time, from place to place and year to year. The stage rotation just pulls it along,” Spencer said.