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Field Guide A Tool for Teachers, Students, Performers, Designers, &
Advocates of Live Theatre
Guide Compiled by
Christina Casella, Education & Outreach Director
Casey Weed, Les Miserables Dramaturg
Playhouse Interns Madeleine Garcia, Gabriella Melendez, and Daniel Quintero
To the Educators, Students, Actors, Directors, Designers, and any art advocate who may find themselves exploring this
Field Guide:
Welcome to The Playhouse San Antonio Les Misérables Field Guide!
Here at The Playhouse San Antonio our mission is to produce high quality live theatre that inspires, educates, and
entertains audiences of all ages. Our passion is to connect our community to the world at large by telling stories that
reveal the truth of the human experience.
In the spirit of this mission, we offer our audiences the opportunity to continue their experience at the theater by
providing events and interactive resources like this Field Guide. Its purpose can function in many ways—in the
classroom, as a series of activities, a resource to artists, and a behind the scenes glance into this amazing, venturesome
production.
Our goal with this and every production is to educate and inform our audiences, while still providing a level of
entertainment and expression through the art of live theatre.
We suggest exploring the guide both before and after attending The Playhouse production of Les Misérables running
Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. from October 3, 2013 to November 3, 2013.
Our Playhouse Education Night, Sunday, October 13, 2013, includes a Post-Show Discussion and Talk Back. We
encourage those attending to apply the knowledge and information gained from this Field Guide to stimulate and inspire
the evening’s discussion.
Additionally, H-E-B has graciously sponsored a separate Education Night on Friday, October 25, 2013. Thanks to H-E-B’s
generous funding, we are able to sponsor 400 students to see Les Misérables. Our very own Tribe members and
Playhouse Interns will be hosting that evening’s Post Show Talk Back and had a part in compiling this Field Guide.
Additional credit to this guide is due to Les Misérables director, Tim Hedgepeth. We appreciate his dedication to
educating both his cast and audience.
Thank you and Enjoy!
Background Information
History of the Student Rebellion
July 14, 1789-Storming of the Bastille
This event is the start of the French Revolution
September 1793-July 1794-The Reign of Terror
Political upheaval resulting in the deaths of thousands, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette
October 1797-Treaty of Campo Formio
Other nations tried to restrain France, but were soundly defeated. End of the First Coalition
1804-Napoleon becomes Emperor of France
After several victories against European powers, Napoleon is declared Emperor of France by the Senate (and himself).
1812-Napoleon exiled to Elba
Napoleon loses to the Sixth Coalition
1815-Battle of Waterloo
-Napoleon loses again; Louis XVIII (House of Bourbon) restored to the throne
July 1830-July Revolution
-House of Bourbon overthrown; Louis-Philippe (House of Orléans) placed on the throne.
-Overthrow of hereditary right to rule in favor of popular sovereignty
June 1832-June Rebellion
-Republicans (and others) disgruntled by the appointment of another monarch (Louis-Philippe) after the July Revolution
planned to overthrow the monarchy.
-Barricades were constructed throughout Paris and streets were overrun with revolutionaries (many of whom were
members of secret societies) for 2 days.
-Began during the funeral of General Lamarque who died during the spring cholera epidemic
Dramaturg, Casey Weed
Happening Elsewhere…
1826-World’s first photograph
1830-Railroad construction takes off in America
1836-Battle of the Alamo
1840-First use of general anesthesia
1861-U.S. Civil War begins
ONE. one.
two.
Who was general lamarque?
Highly honored Napoleonic general
Supporter of independence in France and abroad
Went into exile with Napoleon but returned in 1818 to politics
After 1830 revolution, tasked with preventing
Legitimist uprisings (supporters of the House of Bourbon)
Fell into disagreement with the Orléans monarchy
General Lamarque
Victor hugo
February 26, 1802-May 22, 1885
Educated as a Catholic Royalist by his mother but became a republican as
he grew older
His family followed his father’s military postings until his mother took the
children and settled in Paris
Playwright, novelist, revolutionary, husband, and father
Exiled 1855-1870 due to political opposition
Victor Hugo
The Musical
ONE.
Synopsis courtesy of Mtishows.com
Lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer
Book by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Book by Alain Boublil
In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust
imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment.
He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for
redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to
believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of
1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of
the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted
daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last
attains the peace he has sought for so long.
Epic, grand and uplifting, Les Misérables packs an emotional wallop that has
thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through pop opera is ideal for a cast
of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are already standards. A
spectacle on Broadway and in London, Les Misérables is equally effective with a
minimal set; it is its powerful affirmation of the human spirit that has made
Les Misérables a popular masterpiece.
three.
Photo courtesy Dwayne Green
four.
Director’s note
Like most people I know, I have a bucket list. Mine is a catalogue of plays
and musicals that, if I am lucky, I may one day have the opportunity to direct.
Les Misérables is on that list; it’s a show I have longed to do ever since that
rainy afternoon in 1985 when I heard the original London cast recording
for the very first time. Of course, as any diehard “Les Miz” fan can tell you,
the world’ most popular musical suffered a rocky start. Most critics were
dismissive if not downright hostile (“Victor Hugo on the garbage dump!”
was the now-infamous sneer of The Observer’s opening night critic.)
But the naysayers were quickly silenced by the international embrace of
the musical’s millions of fans. And I am one of them. I love its pomp and pageantry, its lush and sentimental score,
and of course all of those marvelous, heartbreaking characters. It is a work of 20th century musical theatre that can
rightly be considered a modern classic. But, at the end of the day, I believe that the continued success of this work is
due largely to its fidelity to Hugo’s original novel. The musical version asks that we ponder the themes of crime and
punishment, social injustice, and forgiveness, among others. And, in doing so, we cannot help but see its relevance to
our world today. Of course a good chunk of Hugo’s novel has been trimmed away, yet we still have the inspiring story
of one man’s journey towards redemption. I have rehearsed this production for only eight weeks, but I have been
thinking about it for almost thirty years. Bringing Les Misérables to the stage at The Playhouse—in the company of our
remarkable family of actors, designers, musicians and staff – has been a journey I will never forget.
Welcome to the Barricade!
Director, Tim Hedgepeth
Photos Courtesy Sandra Trevino
five.
Cast
Jean Valjean Jason Mosher
Javert Jesse Enderle
Fantine Mary Morrow
Thenardier Isidro Medina
Madame Thenardier Jane Haas
Marius Trevor Chauvin
Cosette Constanza Aileen
Eponine Carlye Gossen
Enjolras Chris Berry
Gavroche Christian Tinajero
William Tucker
Young Cosette/Eponine Anyka Bumgarner
Vidhi Sapru
Emma Tucker
Ensemble Tyler Askins
Amanda Belscamper
Sara Brookes
Anthony Castro
Desirée Chappelle
Jerry Cordova
Anamaria Delperdang
Jay Duval
Bob Galindo
Madeleine Garcia
Mark Hicks
Matthew Lieber
Ginger Martel
Gabriella Melendez
Katy Stafford Moore
David Nanny-Isban
Thad Payne
Sebastian Pinzon
Daniel Quintero
Rob Shaver
Travis Trevino
Gerardo Vallejo
Reagan Wilson
Laura Michelle Wolfe
Orphans/Young Street Gang Madison Calderon
Milla Check
Karsten Palmer
Diego De Jesus Martinez
Themes
six.
Death by Madeleine Garcia, senior at henry ford academy
"So never kick a dog because he's just a pup, we will fight like twenty armies and we won’t give up, so you better run for cover when the pup...grows..." BANG! Being onstage and living in this incredible, heartbreaking, grit-filled masterpiece that is Les Misérables has been absolutely amazing. Before getting cast in Les Misérables, I always loved the show, and I cried like a baby at every song and every heartbreaking death. However, it wasn't until we blocked the death of Gavroche that I realized I have been crying for the wrong reason. For the first time, after listening to the soundtrack and score more than a million times and playing the ABC girlfriend onstage, I actually heard Gavroche's final words. "...We won't give up. So you better run for cover... when the pup... grows…" Every bullet sent my heart on a roller coaster of pain, anger and sadness. I found myself climbing the barricade, hoping to save him before it was too late, but Gavroche met fate before I could. Until that rehearsal, I never truly understood the pain in the anger that the people of France suffered. The grit and determination of these people had been indestructible. Blocking the barricade battles has made Les Misérables so much clearer to me. When the barricade begins to fall, I can see in all of my cast mates faces, the undying resistance that they keep, even in death. And when I finally die, I fight with every fiber to stay alive, to keep our dream alive, and to make sure that even in death I'd "fight like 20 armies" and I won't give up.
Madeleine in rehearsal for
Les Misérables
Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño DISCUSS DISCUSS
DISCUSS BEFORE SEEING THE SHOW… -What are your thoughts on death? What about death due to war or an uprising? Is it worth it? Why or why not?
- Les Misérables takes place in early 1800’s France. How do you think death is viewed then compared to now?
-Madeleine talks about her love of Les Misérables before being in the show and after. What are your current thoughts,
if any, about Les Misérables? Why?
AFTER SEEING THE SHOW… -How was death represented in the show? How did it affect you?
seven.
love by Gabrielle melendez, senior at henry ford academy
Les Misérables: the title of one of the most loved musicals of all time, when
translated, means "the miserable ones". While this title evokes feelings of
sadness and pity, it certainly doesn't encompass my experience as an
ensemble member. Being in this show, I have learned a great many things
but perhaps the most important is how to be a part of a team; how to work
hard together for a great show. I learned how to "strive towards a larger
goal" as Enjolras so greatly sings. One of the main themes of this musical is
familial love, which is greatly evident with this amazing cast (both onstage
and off). As opening night approaches, I only grow more and more excited
for our hard work to finally be shared. I can only hope that the audience
will enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed doing it.
Love is complex in this show. Does Valjean love Fantine?
Why doesn’t Marius love Eponine?
Does Javert feel love for anyone?
Despite these questions, love is real in Les Misérables. We feel it every
night together on stage.
“A heart full of love, no fear no regrets…” gabrielle in rehearsal for
Les Misérables
Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño
DISCUSS DISCUSS
DISCUSS
AFTER SEEING THE SHOW… -Answer Gabby’s questions!
-What are some non-conventional examples of love in Les Misérables? Consider Gabby’s idea of “familial
love.”
“To Love Another Person Is To See The Face Of God…”
eight.
Redemption by Daniel quintero, senior at keystone school
Where is redemption found in Les Misérables? Can such grace be found in the
grimy cesspools of the Paris slums, or in the lascivious Parisian docks rifling
with prostitution?
Throughout the show, we witness character after suffering character
smothered by their cruel state of existence. Fantine is unfairly cast out after
being labeled as a malicious whore. In "I Dreamed a Dream", she recounts her
short life and realizes that she is now void of purpose and happiness.
However, Jean Valjean seeks for redemption the entire play, and while
praying to God in "Bring Him Home", he realizes that the single most
benevolent thing he can do is to save Marius's life.
Imagine the plural wishes and dreams of those on the barricade. On that
structure made from the homes of the citizens, there is so much hope. And in
that concentrated hope we find that love is a pathway to redemption.
daniel in rehearsal for
Les Misérables
Photo courtesy Sandra Treviño
DISCUSS DISCUSS DISCUSS
Consider This… -What does the saying “the ends justify the means” mean to you?
-Choose an event that raises a moral dilemma.
-Discuss the idea of redemption in Les Misérables. How is it different from forgiveness? Similar?
“If I die, let me die… Let him live…”