June 2014: Archive information about the performance. A production of BOUBLIL and SCHÖNBERG’S musical masterpiece, live, was in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Les Misérables. The performance, directed by John DeGaetano took place on June 30th, 2014. North Bay Stage Company produced the show at what was then called Wells Fargo Center for the Arts. As a result of funding, they have since changed their name to Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA.
Les Misérables is a sung-through musical based on the novel by French poet and novelist Victor Hugo.
Music by Claude -Michel Schönberg, original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, with English libretto by Herbert Kretzmer. Directors Notes • "Tonight we celebrate the magic of 30 years of Les Misérables, a time-honored musical tale of survival, hope, and courage."
The History
- Though the lives of the French people in the early 1800’s were horrific, they never gave up hope for a better life. "Choosing to produce Les Misérables while knowing all along this would be a challenging project to say the least. Above all, a musical of this size is 21st century learning at the highest level for all involved, and nothing builds community like producing a musical… the important part to me," said DeGaetano.
- Victor Hugo’s novel depicts what is known as the June Rebellion, which took place a full generation after the French Revolution. The storming of the Bastille sparked the Revolution in 1789 but the principal events of Les Misérables take place 43 years later in 1832.
"Victor Hugo wrote, painted, and drew what he saw"
- Actually, the June Rebellion might only be a footnote in history if a 30-year-old Victor Hugo had not been sitting in the Tuileries Gardens writing that morning when he heard gunfire. He ended up trapped between barricades as fighting erupted so he wasn’t able to go to Starbucks or Text anyone. So, Hugo wrote, painted, and drew what he saw, in fact you’ll see some of his images tonight, along with watercolors depicting the actual locations of the events leading up to the rebellion.
- John DeGaetano, artistic director of NBSC and director of the production said; "Our goal is that you leave our production of Les Misérables uplifted and reminded that, in the face of adversity, there is always hope. More importantly, as we’ve seen just recently, those who take hope and make it reality, change the world forever."
Acknowledgments of Les Misérables 30th Anniversary Celebration
Therefore, acknowledgments of the terrific cast, crew are in order and to Les Misérables Orchestra, with Les Pfutzenreuter – Conductor. Cast included: Rachel Brogdon, Evan Cullens, Jacki DeCoster, Kathleen Escude, Danielle Fisk, Tomas Gonzales, JD Gordon, Madison Griego. Andrea Holland, Paul Johnson, Alan Kafton, Madigan Love, Steffanie Luekens, Nate Mack, Paul Mackinnon, Christine Naber, Leslie Oslin. Bret Palmer, Adam Paulsen, Lauren Post, Frances Rennie, Pedro Rodelas, Tory Rotlisberger, Cai Shaotian, David Strock, Lauren Trettin. Alyssa Villareal, Charlene Villareal, John David Vozaitis, Ari Vozaitis, and Garet Waterhouse.
North Bay Stage Company presents a limited number of musicals, comedies, dramas and revues. Special acknowledgement to: Terry Atkinson, our sponsors; Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Laguintas Brewing, and our countless volunteers.
Director, Artistic Director and Advisor, John DeGaetano director credits include productions of Evita, Cats, Pirates of Penzance. Also, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Chicago to name a few. In contrast, John has written several full-length plays and a selection of Sherlock Holmes 10 Minute Plays. The works are designed primarily for students to build experience in performance skills. Available on Amazon.
For more information, visit the Books and Artwork website
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