The Neptune High School Spring Musical took a big step back in history and stepped right into a subject that is always on somebody’s list of what is current and pressing: Equality.
“Will you join in our crusade? Will you be strong and stand with me? Somewhere beyond the barricade is there a world you long to see? Do you hear the people sing? Say, do you hear the distant drums? It is the future that they bring when tomorrow comes… Tomorrow comes!”
Les Miserables, based on the 1862 novel of the same name, written by Victor Hugo, is the story about the June Rebellion following the French Revolution. This production is the school edition, based on the 2014 Broadway revival. The musical is one of the world’s longest running musicals. To date, it has been performed in 50 countries and 22 languages.
Karen Juliano Watt, Department Chair for Visual and Performing Arts, says over 70 students, including cast and crew, were involved in this production, gaining experience in all aspects of theater including: Performing, backstage, pit, dramaturgy, photography/videography, sound lighting, costumes, props and fundraising.
“It has been a pleasure working with so many talented students and collaborators. It has been a joy to see this come to life” says, Kara Scaramazza, drama teacher. “We took a big swing with this musical and are so proud of the final product.”
“It has been a pleasure working with so many talented students and collaborators. It has been a joy to see this come to life”
Karen Scaramazza, Drama Teacher
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Krry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch Lucender John, as Jean Valdean, takes center stage in a scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch 
Scene from Les Miserables Credit: Kerry Margaret Butch
Father Brian Butch, Pastor of St. Anselm’s Church in Tinton Falls, attended the play to support his cousin, Connor Birkenhauer who played Gavroche, and Isabel Dumois, the costume designer and Connor’s grandmother. Father Brian summed up the theatre going experience, “I knew it would be good. I just didn’t expect it to be this good. The kids were awesome. So talented!”
