Behind the scenes of the Bellevue Society for the Arts’ Les Misérables
Forty-five performers and a multilevel set with a turntable are ready for the BSA's biggest musical, opening Oct. 11.
When the Bellevue Society for the Arts held auditions in August for Les Misérables, 60 to 70 people showed up. Producer John Meyers said 45 were cast in the lead roles and a large chorus, including teachers, choir directors, singers with professional stage experience and many first-timers at the BSA.
The cast began rehearsing Aug. 15 for the Friday, Oct. 11 opening. Meyers said Jimy Foreman of Whites Landing, who has performed in East Coast productions, was the obvious choice to direct. Foreman told the BSA the set had to be worthy of the show, and he designed one with several levels, freestanding steps and catwalks, and a turntable for scene changes. Mel Miller of Janotta & Herner was brought in to make sure the structures were sound.
The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel about Jean Valjean and the Paris uprising of 1832. Show times and tickets are through the Bellevue Society for the Arts.
More from the BSA stage: Teen Theatre’s 13. More in Community.