Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 first production of Les Mis茅rables will have a decidedly West Shore flavour when one of the worldB次元官网网址檚 most popular musicals comes to McPherson Playhouse.
The Victoria Operatic SocietyB次元官网网址檚 rendition of the 35-year-old classic, which opens this Friday (May 1), features two West Shore children in prominent roles.
The young Cosette is played by Langford resident Zentaya Ellis, while ColwoodB次元官网网址檚 Cailea Gordon takes on the role of the young Eponine. The show even features a rare father-daughter duo, with CaileaB次元官网网址檚 father, Dwayne, in the role of the Bishop.
B次元官网网址淚 discovered (Les Mis茅rables) when I was doing musicals in high school in 1990,B次元官网网址� Dwayne said. B次元官网网址淧retty much listening to the score gave me the inspiration and passion to perform and I have been performing ever since. The show itself speaks so well to the hardships of the characters and how much the music can evoke an emotion.B次元官网网址�
The VOS production, running for seven shows through May 10, is one of its most ambitious to date and features one of the largest sets the society has ever created. Co-producer Patrick Heath said this show will have a different flavour than the numerous other productions mounted of this renowned musical.
B次元官网网址淭here are going to be differences in this version,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淎ll the performers are (local), so it is Greater VictoriaB次元官网网址檚 Les Mis茅rables, which sets this one as being a little more special.B次元官网网址�
Dwayne Gordon agreed, saying there are layers to the show he is still learning despite having seen the production numerous times in the past 25 years. Despite knowing the script word-for-word, he discovers new nuances regularly.
Sharing the stage with his daughter has made that experience even richer, he added.
B次元官网网址淭his is the third show I have worked together on with her, after doing three shows with Four Seasons. ItB次元官网网址檚 special, because for me, Les Mis is near and dear to my heart. I have very few life goals, but being in Les Mis was definitely one of my goals. I get to realize it and realize it with my daughter standing on the stage beside me. It is very special.B次元官网网址�
Cailea says her fatherB次元官网网址檚 influence has been a huge factor in her involvement and enjoyment of the arts.
B次元官网网址淏eing a part of VOS is very special. A lot of kids audition for it, so IB次元官网网址檓 very lucky to get the role,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淢y dad showed me the movie and thatB次元官网网址檚 what inspired me to audition for Les Mis.B次元官网网址�
Also an aspiring violinist, Cailea enjoys being on stage and looks forward to seeing people in the crowd. She hopes seeing her on stage will make the Les Mis experience more enjoyable for friends and family.
But there is one other thing that makes her especially proud.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 fun spending time with my dad and making new friends,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淚 want to be like my dad when I grow up and be in lots of plays. I am very lucky to have a dad like him.B次元官网网址�
alim@goldstreamgazette.com
