LES MIS: Cast earns big ovation

I've been living in Coeur d'Alene for the past five years. Besides my family in North Idaho, I was also attracted to its beauty and the fact that there was great theater! I attended both Friday and Saturday night plays of "Les Miserables," which I had seen previously in Los Angeles and North Idaho College. I couldn't imagine how a high school could manage to put on such a great production! 

The main character, Jean Valjean, played by Caleb Ratelle, was right up there with the pros in Los Angeles and New York. He wore the role like it was a comfortable garment. He showed the humbleness, empathy, compassion, strength, love and forgiveness and soul of Jean Valjean. His voice gave me chills up my spine and he sang songs of forgiveness, God's grace, love for the people of France and his prayer to God to bring the men of war safely.

Cosette, Jean Valjean's adopted daughter, played by Christine Mullaly, had a range to her voice that was haunting. Her acting skills were of someone far beyond her years. Nick Pratt and Summer Hershey played Thenardier and Madame Thenardier, added laughter and joyous humorous tone to a much serious play. My hats off to the director, Jared Helm. For someone so young he has talent beyond belief! I'm sure he will be ready for Hollywood soon.

Thank you to the rest of the cast and great orchestra for bringing joy into the hearts of Coeur d'Alene. My daughter and I thank you.

JANICE SHARON

Coeur d'Alene