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From March 17-19 Dover-Sherborn High put on four performances of Les Miserables to near sellout crowds.
Sixty-six student actors and actresses across all Dover-Sherborn schools were cast in the unprecedented production, with 15 crew and six orchestra members. The surrounding cafeteria was transformed into a French themed ABC Cafe, named after the same venue in the play. Musicians, food, art and all things French provided the backdrop for the grand scale show.
Twenty-two actors, actresses, musicians and crew from the Dover-Sherborn class of 2016 will graduate this spring. It was the last chance to experience their work in a high school musical and many have been part of the drama program alongside longtime director Scott Walker since their early middle school years.
"Watching these talented young men and women grow and develop their unique talents has been my rare privilege,” Walker said. “I simply can't wait to see what they will do next."
Interestingly, this year's performance marks the 10th anniversary of its debut at Dover-Sherborn High, so it's fitting the reprise took place this spring. The production spanned all the schools in the district with performances from actors as young as 10 through young adults age 18.
They say it takes a village, in this case two as Dover and Sherborn unite regularly in support of this well-loved drama program and with the valuable support and guidance of FOPA, Friends of the Performing Arts, led by president Judi Miller in tight collaboration with Janice Barry, K-12 Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair. They support a multi-faceted directorial staff including orchestration by Ardys Flavelle, music direction by Geoff Hermann, choreography by Claire Mackay and production assistance by Carmel Bergeron.
The Dover-Sherborn drama program has never shied from a challenge, having performed shows on a grand scale like Willy Wonka, Grease and Hello Dolly, to name just a few. The communities rally around the show with strong volunteer support for mass set builds, costuming, special effects and choreography, as well as curation of period props.
Standout performances were countless during this performance of Les Miserables. The entire play is performed in song, a challenge to say the least. Two talented casts shared performances across four shows, involving complicated vocals, delivered beautifully and with expression and accompanied by a skilled orchestra. The end result was awe-inspiring.
If you missed this show, don't despair. Dover-Sherborn is already hard at work planning its next big production this summer. August audiences will delight in a "to be announced" show involving students from rising sixth graders to seniors. More details will follow as the date draws near.
