Wittenberg’s Halley Innes is back on the big stage, now cast in one of two child roles in Central Wisconsin Children’s Theatre’s “Les Misérables: School Edition.”
She will perform the role of Gavroche, the young street boy who joins the student revolution and gives his life for the cause.
The show opened in Wausau on Feb. 14-16. Innes performs on closing weekend, Feb. 20-23.
“I love Gavroche. He’s a spunky kid who joins the revolution and fights so hard, even though he’s younger than the rest of them. He stands up for his rights, and I feel like I do that, too,” Halley said. “He’s so much fun to play, and I get to have a big dramatic scene at the end – no spoilers – that I was so excited to do for the first time. I’ve also gotten to learn about a time in history, the French Revolution.”
More than 30 children younger than 12 from the region auditioned for the roles of Gavroche and Young Cosette.
This musical tells the story of Jean Valjean, a man striving for redemption amidst the backdrop of revolutionary France.
“We’re excited to bring this iconic musical to life with such a dedicated group of high school performers,” said director Randy Hansen. “Their passion, energy and commitment to the show are truly inspiring, and we can’t wait to share this remarkable production with the community.”
For Halley, part of that commitment is memorizing her lines.
“Learning lines isn’t really that hard for me; I actually really like doing it,” she said. “Plus, we rehearse this show five days a week for more than two months, so it’s been a lot of work. We just do it over and over so we really know it by heart.”
The piece of musical theater hasn’t been done in the area for many years and features a regional cast from more than 10 schools. The show features a live pit orchestra, a hand-built set and handmade costumes.
“From the first note from the orchestra to the last triumphant song, you will be transported to France in the early 1800s, experiencing historical events of the June Rebellion of 1832,” said assistant director Cindi Strobel. “The joy, heartbreak, love, loss and redemption that tells the beautiful story of ‘Les Misérables’ are not to miss. Everyone should see ‘Les Mis’ at least once in their life.”
Halley played the young Kangaroo in “Seussical the Musical” in the fall and last February played the role of Chip in Central Wisconsin Educational Theater Alliance’s “Beauty and the Beast” at the Grand Theater in Wausau.
“The best part is getting to be with the high school friends I made last year in ‘Beauty and the Beast’ one more time. For the seniors, this is their last musical, and I really wanted a chance to do a show with them again,” Halley said. “It was really competitive to get in this show, because there are only two roles for younger kids, so I feel really honored I get to be a part of it. I’ve learned that ‘Les Mis’ is one of the most famous musicals of all time and that Gavroche is a really iconic child role in musical theater.”
In addition to Halley, the show has a second connection to the community. Wittenberg’s Kristine Lato is one of the vocal directors.
She is a vocal director for the Wittenberg-Birnamwood High School musicals and just wrapped up “Cinderella.” Lato’s been doing double duty and has been on “Les Mis” since the beginning.
Performances will be held at the Veninga Theater at UW Center for Civic Engagement, 625 Stewart Ave., Wausau.
“My favorite part about being on stage is getting a chance to be in the spotlight and let people see me do what I love,” Halley said. “I love the ending bows, when everyone is clapping and cheering for you, because you know they really loved your performance, and it’ just the best feeling.”
For tickets, visit https://cwct.booktix.com. The cost is $15 for adults and $13 for seniors and youths.
kpasson@newmedia-wi.com
Wittenberg student to take the stage in Wausau
