Groton Drama Club takes on ‘Les Misérables’

“Les Misérables” is the world’s longest-running musical — a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s 1892 novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time.

The school edition has been abridged to a running time of just over two hours while beautifully maintaining the integrity of this musical masterpiece and will be performed by the Groton High School (GHS) Drama Club March 10 through 12 at 7 p.m. nightly.

Ever since the club’s director, Annette Twitchell, brought musicals back to the Groton stage with “The Wizard of Oz” in 2006, GHS’s talented students have presented some amazing musical productions that have rivaled Broadway in our little town. But Twitchell, who is also GHS’s French teacher, has been waiting for years to direct this particular show.

Sarah Dean, who is a senior this year and will play the role of Cosette, said she is “very excited that this is the first year for me getting a bigger part, and it is such an honor to do it because it’s Mrs. Twitchell’s favorite show.”

Dean feels very prepared to meet the challenge because she took voice lessons this past summer and said she has greatly improved her voice range as a result. She predicts the show will be “exciting and very popular.”

GHS junior Leanna Jackson, who plays the part of Éponine, is another who said she is “really excited that Mrs. Twitchell finally gets to do this show.”

Jackson also expressed her excitement at the opportunity to sing a solo, but it takes a lot of effort because there is a lot of emotion in the song.

“People will really enjoy this show,” Jackson said. “The harmonies in the songs give me chills, and some of the scenes are so emotional.”

Donovan Mitchell, also a junior and playing the role of Gavroche, spoke about how powerful and emotional the show is.

“This show is such a powerhouse; it gives me goosebumps,” Mitchell said. “It’s very intriguing and different than any other play I have been in. It’s kind of sad but also full of intensity and excitement. My role is a little intimidating and takes a lot out of me, but I am going to work my tail off to get it the way Mrs. Twitchell wants it.”

There are 35 cast members in the production. In addition to Dean, Jackson and Mitchell, the other leading roles are Jean Valjean, played by Evan Carlo; Marius, by Sam Young; Javert, by Darian Mitchell; M. Thénardier, by Braedy Dilger; Enjolras, by Trey Dwyer; Bishop of Digne, by Drew Bush; Mme Thénardier by Madison Howell; Fantine by Chloe Conger; and Little Cosette, by Corinne Dwyer.

Carlo, who is a senior, said he is pleased with how well the show is coming together and feels that his role of Jean Valjean inspired him to become his own “changed person.”

“It’s such a beautiful story and such an in-depth play and cast of characters,” Carlo said. “It breaks a lot of milestones over anything we’ve ever done, and it’s rare for a high school to pull something like this off. I am humbled to get to be a part of it.”

Young is a junior and also expressed how humbled he feels to be given the chance to play Marius. He said it is his favorite musical and that he always wanted to be able to have any part at all in it. To be given a lead is such an honor, he said.

“It’s been very easy for me to get into the part,” Young said. “Donovan’s character is Marius’ best friend, and Donovan is my best friend in real life, so it’s easy to take on the emotions of my character.”

Young advises the audience to bring tissues to the production.

“There is so much hard work and dedication from the whole cast and so much talent on this stage,” Young said. ”It will be so worth your time to see it.”

Darian, a junior and twin brother of Donovan, said his character, Javert, is “sort of the bad guy” in the play and that “it’s fun to get to yell and scream in song at my fellow cast members.”

Darian said his first year in a lead role is “demanding but exciting” because the character is so opposite to himself.

“Javert believes a wrongdoer can never redeem themself and is full of anger,” Darian said. “And I am happy and carefree. I am so enthused that we’re doing such a high-maintenance show. When it’s performed, it is going to be stunning!”

Dilger, who is a junior, is in his element playing the part of M. Thénardier. He refers to it as “the comedic relief.”

“It’s an honor to be part of the cast and play this character,” Dilger said. “It’s a great experience trying to balance levity with lending to the title of ‘Les Misérables.’ I am very proud to have been given this role. This is one of the most iconic musicals and pieces of literature ever, and it is an honor for the students of Groton to perform it. It shows how far we’ve come as a unit to take on such a great show. It’s incredible the way Mrs. Twitchell matches students to their characters, and she knows how to keep a team together.”

Based upon the excitement and enthusiasm of this talented cast, you will want to mark your calendar for “Les Mis” and keep your eye on this column for details in the coming weeks.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at (607) 227-4922.

In brief:

Pinewood derby

The Groton Cub Scouts in Pack 10 are gearing up for their pinewood derby this month. Visit the Facebook page facebook.com/grotonnycubscoutspack10 the week of Feb. 7 to view the cars and to cast your vote for Best in Show.

TST/GHS Student of the Month

The following Groton High School students were recognized as outstanding students of the month for December at the TST BOCES Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center: Kori Hilker, Outdoor Education, and Austin Hunt, Heavy Equipment.

These students are chosen based on qualities such as character, leadership, citizenship, work ethic and attendance, and should be compassionate, honest, trustworthy, responsible and a positive role model.

Congratulations, Kori and Austin!

Growing culinary herbs

Centurion Farms is hosting an online seminar on how to grow culinary herbs Feb. 16 and 19. Explore growing herbs in pots, both indoors and outdoors, and in your yards and gardens as both edibles and landscape plants.

This is the first of a three-part herb-growing seminar series geared toward beginning gardeners, but even experienced gardeners may find inspiration from attending. The Sunday prior to the seminar, you will receive an email containing a participant guide and the Zoom link. Register at (signupgenius.com/go/10c0c44a4ae2faafec25-growing).