By Sasha Weintraub and Rianna Morgan
This spring, we documented our first year in the orchestra pit for our school’s musical, Les Misérables. We heard from actors, members of the crew, pit musicians, and some staff members, all providing insight on the “spring musical experience.” We hope that these interviews might inspire you to join in on the fun next year!
Cast:
Asher Glass is a 12th grade actor playing Inspector Javert in Les Mis. It is his 3rd year doing musicals with Nyack, and 8th year in theater.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “I think the music is amazing this time around. [There are] so many iconic songs I can’t get out of my head. And usually I get tired of a lot of the music we listen to repeatedly, but for some reason this show I’m able to listen to it forever.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “I think I’ve made so many good friends from this. It’s a good outlet for outside of school. In school, you do a lot less creative work and here you get to be creative with people. And you're forced out of your comfort zone, with meeting new people which is really exciting. It’s given me so many good friends that I know I’ll keep in touch with.”
Being a senior, how do you feel about this being your last musical with NHS? “It’s sad to be my last musical. It’s just all the memories, even in this specific room [music suite]. In this room I have so many memories of different shows. It’s really a shared experience, and it's unfortunate that it's going to be over. But I’m really happy we're going out with such a good show, and I feel like I’ve gotten a lot from it. It's nice to put a bow on it, and feel like I’ve done something I’m really proud of, so I’m satisfied in a way.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career?
“Yeah, probably. I’m going into film right now; that's the plan. I might want to do acting, but we’ll see. Just knowing how to work with people in this space, a more creative environment, is really useful. And there are so many skills that translate into real life, like getting to know people, putting yourself out there, and getting into someone else’s mindset as an actor. You have some sort of empathy. These are all just skills that develop over time.”
Graham Hershberger is a 9th grade actor playing Foreman and Prouvaire and was an understudy for Mr. Thernadier in Les Mis. It is his fourth year.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “I like the shooting scenes, fight scenes, and the death scenes.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Probably all the friends I have here; they’re all very nice to me.”
How did you feel when you found out you would be playing Thernardier (for the first few shows) in place of the original actor (Max Kern)? “I was really nervous.”
How did you balance playing 2-3 characters? “I made a sheet that says everything and where I'm supposed to go, and all my scenes that I had to be in."
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “Yeah.”
Justin Villanueva is a 12th grade actor playing Enjolras in Les Mis. It is his seventh year.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “It’s more serious; it has a different tone. Other shows are very comical and cartoony, but this one you have to actually act. It's different.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “I like the connections, hanging out with people, and doing cast bonding. Also, singing is fun and showing off your talent.”
Being a senior, how do you feel about this being your last musical with NHS? “It's a little sad but I feel like I’ve served my time. I’m satisfied.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “I think so. The time commitment and discipline. There’s so many skills you get like being able to talk to crowds.”
Ruby Glass is a 12th grade actress playing Fantine in Les Mis. It is her senior year. She played in Little Shop of Horrors, Grease, the Prom, and three outside plays.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “There's so much crazy lore in the show, everything happens for a reason and you know every single character and that character's parents and that character's siblings. It's very complex.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Everyone's really supportive of each other. It's a really good group. This year it's not clique-y and you get to know everybody. You're with people all the time. Theater teaches you a lot about collaboration.”
Being a senior, how do you feel about this being your last musical with NHS? “It's bittersweet. I really like this show, and I think it's a good way to go out, but I'm also sad because it's my last year in high school and I'm unsure what will happen next. It's sad but I'm happy it's this show and I’m happy it's this cast.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “Yes, I will always think about theater in terms of everything. And right now, it's always in my mind apparently. You learn so much, like leadership skills, team building, and collaboration.”
Sonia Bourghol is a 7th grade actress playing Little Cosette and Little Eponine in Les Mis. It is her second year.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “It’s long and I like that. It’s really fun and I also like that my sister is in the show.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “You get a lot more friends and bond with everyone in the cast, which is really fun.”
Being in middle school, how do you feel about being in a high school musical with NHS? “It’s different; a little nerve wracking because there are so many people with so much talent all around me, and I’m just here. It's fun though.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “Maybe, I’m thinking about it. For now I see this more as a side hobby.”
Maddox Stinson is a 7th grade actress playing Little Cosette and Little Eponine in Les Mis. It is her sixth year in theatre.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to others)? “Well, I have my own song, so that’s really cool. And it’s really cool to be in a high school play, so I get to see all the highschoolers.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Well, I’ve made so many new friends and it’s been a really cool experience.”
Being in middle school, how do you feel about being in a high school musical with NHS? “It’s so amazing.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “Yeah, definitely. I love theatre.”
Mary Bourghol is a 9th grade actor playing in the ensemble for Les Mis.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to your others)? “I like the challenges because it's a lot to overcome.”
What is your favorite component of being a part of this musical? “The cast.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “The people in it because everyone's so much fun.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “Yeah, I think singing and learning how to meet new people like this is going to help.”
Kat Dely is a tenth grade actor, playing Madame Thenardier in Les Misérables. It is her 4th year.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to your others)? “I like that it's very impactful.”
What is your favorite component of being a part of this musical? “Forming a community amongst my cast members.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Meeting new people.”
Is this something that will translate to later in your life or career? “For sure.”
Emmelia Amster is a freshman in NHS and plays Babet along with being in the ensemble for Les Mis.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to your others)? “I think it's very bold and I feel like other musicals hop around or avoid specific themes and this one doesn't. I also like how every character has a story, and it's not like every character is irredeemable or completely perfect. They all have their flaws.”
What is your favorite component of being a part of this musical? “My favorite part of being a part of this musical is honestly the community and bonding. I feel like I stepped out of my comfort zone so many times and it feels so nice being able to call everyone here my friend.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Being an actor is my dream, so I like acting.”
Is this something you think will translate to later in your life or career? “Yes, because I want to be an actress.”
Andya Tassy is a Junior and is in the ensemble for the musical. This is her third year.
What do you like about this specific musical compared to your others? “I like that with the amount of songs. A lot of people get opportunities when it comes to solos, and people can be more than one character.”
What is your favorite component of being a part of this musical? “I think my favorite part has to be the singing because the songs are really good this year.”
What do you like most about being in the cast and drama club in general? “Really just making new friends and meeting new people throughout years of drama club. You can learn a lot of techniques from all the people helping us.”
Is this something you think will translate somehow to later in your life or career? “Yeah, because my career is to get involved in music, and I'm hoping this helps me a lot with it since it makes me realize how much I like theater, singing, and the orchestra.”
Harper Duff is a 9th grade actor playing in the ensemble for Les Mis.
What do you like about this specific musical (compared to your others)? “I like that it is completely music.”
What is your favorite component of being a part of this musical? “I really like singing, but I also really like making new friends.”
What do you like most about being in the cast? “I like building connections with people that I wouldn’t get to meet if I wasn’t part of it.”
Is this something you think will translate to later in your life or career? “Maybe, maybe not.”
Crew:
Octavia Francisco is a Junior in NHS and is a part of the crew. She works in sound.
What is the most important part about sound? “The most important part about sound is communication because you need to do everything [and] you need to work with other departments. I'm doing sound effects, so I need to be in sync with the music and people on stage.”
How do you feel about your contribution to the musical? “I feel good about it. My job is very concentrated, so I have a lot of places where I have a lot of work and other places I don't. Like in Act I, I don't have a lot of work and in Act II, I do.”
What made you join crew? “I joined in seventh for drama and did sound, then did stage crew for a year, then came back for 10th. But I always found sound very interesting.”
Sophie Chen is a freshman in NHS and is in Crew.
What was your favorite thing that you’ve helped build? “I think my favorite thing has to be the platforms that turn. They're very intricate and the amount of math that went into them is insane, so it was very cool to see them work out.”
What do you think took the most time or was the most difficult to build? “Probably the platforms. There are four different sides for each platform, and each side has their own designs.”
How do you feel about your contribution to the musical? “I think it's really cool to be part of something so unique, and it's interesting to see everything come together.”
What is the hardest part about what you do? “I think the hardest part is putting yourself out there, especially as someone not that good at socializing.”
Camila Flete is a freshman in NHS and in Run Crew.
What was your favorite thing that you’ve helped build? “I really like the crate I helped build.”
What do you think took the most time or was the most difficult to build? “In general, I would say the spinning platforms.”
How do you feel about your contribution to the musical? “I like being a part of it.”
What's your favorite part of being in the run crew? “I get to see the show for free.”
Sophia Hunter is a freshman in NHS and in lighting and helped the build crew.
What was your favorite thing to build? “Probably the platforms.”
What do you like about lighting? “I like how spotlights aren't necessarily hard; it’s actually pretty easy and the cues can be pretty fun.”
What do you think took the most time or was the most difficult to build? “Some parts of the platforms were hard to do. The bed that Fantine died on was hard because it was hard to get it to stand up without falling over.”
What’s the hardest part about what you do? “Probably forgetting that I have cues.”
Sam Cellini is a freshman at NHS and in the Run crew and helped the build crew.
What was your favorite thing to build? “Probably the bridge piece.”
What do you like about run crew? “It’s fun to watch the play from behind the curtain.”
What’s the hardest part about what you do? “Moving all the stuff when the lights are out because you can’t see.”
What made you join? “I joined in 7th grade because it sounded fun to build the set.”
Pit:
Lilian Lemus is a Junior viola player in the orchestra pit. It is her second year.
How do you feel about the music you’re playing? “At first I found it really difficult, but I think taking Chamber Orchestra with it helps a lot because I'm able to teach myself and others.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I think it's that a lot of my friends do it, and the fact that it's twice the size as last year because I recruited some people.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal class? “Not at all.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “I like The Robbery (Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)).”
How do you feel about being one of the only violas in the pit? “I don't mind; it gives me more confidence.”
Madelyn Nevitt is an 11th grade clarinetist at NHS, and it’s her first year in pit.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “I feel like the music is a little challenging since it's my first time, but I feel like if all the band players can play the right notes and time signatures, we'll be okay.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “What I love about pit is that it doesn't matter if you're good or bad. If we make good music, I feel like everyone will feel included and more confident.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal class? “Yes, because there are a lot of different keys that I barely even touch, and there are rhythms I'm not used to. There are time signatures , for example, 12/8 measures and 3/2 measures, that I'm not familiar with.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “I like playing ABC Cafe (Red and Black), and the hardest one to play would probably be The Docks (Lovely Ladies).”
Lena Bouzgarrou is an 11th grade viola player at NHS, and it’s her first year in the pit.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “It’s challenging, but it (gives me) good experience since I’m going to try out for Chamber Orchestra.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I like the ambience and how much I get to play and how there's a lot of rhythms and tempos. My seat is great because I get to watch the show a lot of the time.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Yeah.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “It’s The Second Attack (Death of Gavroche) because it's all in treble clef, and I don’t know how to play in treble clef. My favorite is the Innkeeper's Song (Master of the House). So fun to play.”
Sam Weber is a 9th grade clarinet player at NHS, and it’s her first year in the pit.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “I think that learning this music has helped me get a better understanding of various key signatures.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I like the snacks and having fun with my friends while playing music.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Yes, it is. There’s 103 pages of music, and a lot less time that we get to learn than in school, so it's more challenging.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “Personally, I like listening to On My Own and I like playing The Innkeeper’s Song (Master of the House).”
How often do you have to practice to learn these pieces? “2-3 times a week.”
Maren Graham is an 11th grade violinist in the orchestra pit.
How do you feel about the music you’re playing? “I think it was difficult, but it was a good growth experience.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “The memories, honestly. Especially with such a sad musical and rough show to do. The fun memories that you make with the people that you're doing it with really help your experience.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Definitely. The music I’m playing in my normal class is nothing compared to this. If you ask any kid in String Orchestra, they’d agree.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “One Day More because there are so many notes you have to hit at the right time, and it’s such a well known song that you don’t want to get it wrong, because people will know you got it wrong. My favorite piece is I Dreamed a Dream or Little Cosette (Castle on a Cloud).”
How often do you have to practice to learn these pieces? “For these pieces, I practiced every day for at least 2 hours.”
Madison Morales is in 11th grade and plays piccolo, flute, and alto flute in the orchestra pit. It is her second year.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “It's really hard, but it's worth it to hear the applause.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I enjoy the opportunity to know more people with the same passion, and to be a part of Drama Club.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Definitely.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “Stars is the hardest for me, and my favorite is The Innkeeper’s Song (Master of the House).”
How often do you have to practice to learn these pieces? “Once or twice a week.”
Noah Aparentado is a 10th grade cellist in the orchestra pit. It is his first year.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “I like how it sounds, but it's really hard to play.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I think I enjoy just playing with other people in general; [it] is a fun thing to do when I'm not in school.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Yes, way more difficult.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “The Innkeeper’s Song (Master of the House) is my favorite piece.”
How do you feel about being the only high school cellist in the pit? “It's really nerve wracking, but it's cool to do it. It feels unique.”
Nathan Wright is a trumpet player in 10th grade. It is his first year.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “I really really like it.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I enjoy the experience. It is a very fun experience and is very different from the other things I've done.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “Yes it is.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “The Innkeeper's Song (Master of the House).”
How often do you have to practice to learn these pieces? “5 times a week.”
Antonio Giannantonio is a 12th grade clarinet and recorder player in NHS. It is his second year.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “I definitely can say it's a challenge, but it requires practice and practice to be perfect. It's a challenging repertoire, but it has an interesting job around.. Personally I enjoy it. ”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I like the growth and connectedness. Also getting things perfect and the final product.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “It definitely is.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “At the beginning of the Cart Crash (The Runaway Cart), there is such a fast opening. It's so chaotic and a quick moment, and I have to switch instruments too.”
How often do you have to practice to learn these pieces? “2-3 days a week.”
Luca Giannantonio is an 8th grade trumpet player in NMS. It is his first year.
How do you feel about the music you're playing? “It's way harder than what I normally play.”
What do you enjoy most about being in the orchestra pit? “I enjoy being with the highschoolers. I also enjoy playing a new instrument and being able to spend time with my friends.”
Is the music more difficult than what you play in your normal music class? “It's definitely hard, especially when playing a new instrument.”
Is there a specific piece that you have trouble with? If not, what is your favorite piece? “Tbe People's Song (Do You Hear The People Sing?) is my favorite.”
Professionals/Directors:
Ms. Jane Lee is a professional violinist playing in the orchestra pit.
How has preparing for the musical been? Do you think your students are ready for the shows? “I listened to the tracks and I looked through the music, and I looked at the complicated music and all the hard stuff. I practiced once or twice. I think the other violins are absolutely ready; sometimes they are better at counting than me.”
Do you have a favorite song or scene in the musical? “I like People's Song (Do You Hear The People Sing?) and One Day More.”
What was the most difficult song to perfect? “The Robbery (Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)). That entire song is not hard, it's just that one part (measures 157-160).”
What is it like to teach others, specifically kids, music? “Helping kids is my job; it’s what I do every day. I give you guys cues or try to help you find where you are when you're lost, and when you get it, it's great. We are a team.”
Why did you decide to work with students? “I started teaching at a middle school, now [I’m] at an elementary school. I really like kids because they’re really cute, and when I teach anyone, it’s very rewarding to me. I teach something and they understand and go ‘oh, this is fascinating.’ Whenever we put together a spring or winter concert and my kids are able to perform and show off what they have learned, it’s very rewarding to me.”
Kathryn Krull is the first pianist and music director for Les Misérables.
How would you describe the musical and music in your own words? “I think it's going well. The students really wanted to strive for their best, and they had to really pull a lot to do their best as far as material. This is really hard to pull off for this age range, and it's known to be really really hard. But I also think the music of the show is so different from what high school education would normally teach.”
How was preparing for the musical? What was the process? Do you think the students you helped teach are ready? “The promise before anyone auditioned was that they had to learn the show on their own, which is something I don't say, but the show is such a big monster that we can play it through only once. So the actual process was me checking with the cast and explaining that every single note in the show has something to do with what's going on on the stage. Understanding operatic arrangements and what is going on in the music and the stage isn't usually normal. I had to come in extra and the students really pushed themselves, the cast and the orchestra.”
Do you have a favorite song or scene in Les Mis? “I really like Drink With Me. My favorite scene is the Innkeepers.”
What was the most difficult scene/song to perfect? “Cart Crash (The Runaway Cart).”
What’s it like to teach others, specifically kids, music? “Its really enriching, especially with a style no one knows about. To teach this specifically, I like that there's no right or wrong way to do it. You can't force someone to do the music perfectly, and for the orchestra, we're not perfect, I'm not perfect, so it makes it our own version of the show.”