Blake High Taps Into Famous French Work

"Les Miserables" is one of Lauren Thompson's favorite theatrical productions.

"It's a show that just touches you, and it's something I've always wanted to do," said the 15-year-old Blake High School sophomore from Town 'N Country.

Lauren and several of her classmates in the magnet school's performing arts program will have just that opportunity Friday and Saturday. On stage at the Masque Community Theatre, they will perform in the school's concert production of "Les Miserables."

Based on an 1862 novel by French author Victor Hugo, the story examines the nature of good and evil, moral values and the intricacies of romantic and familial love among a cast of diverse characters. It follows the twists and turns in their lives during the early 19th century, a period of restoration following the French Revolution.

Glenn "Jordy" Hines, the school's musical director who has performed in and directed countless plays, also considers the show to be among his favorites. It is one that also has been his longtime dream to direct.

"It has a lot of adult themes, but these kids really seem to have dug deep and have a remarkable understanding of the French Revolution," said Hines, a former Key West resident who is in his second year at Blake.

Samantha Murray, 16, a junior from Temple Terrace who plays Fantine - a college student who bears a child out of wedlock and is forced to leave the child with someone she assumes will take good care of her while she works to support her - considers it an honor to be in show.

"It means a lot that we can tell the story," Murray said.

Sophomore Catherine "Katie" Gonzalez, 15, of Carrollwood, who has been singing publicly since age 6, plays the role of the young Cosette - Fantine's daughter whom ex-convict Jean Valjean raises as his granddaughter - is also delighted to be in the cast.

"It shows that I not only know how to sing but that I can also act," said Katie, who has visions of pursuing musical theater at Stanford University in Palo Alto, Calif., or at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh.

Performing in "Les Mis" is especially meaningful to sophomore Luis Herrera, 16, of Riverview, who has been in school choruses for six years.

"I'm a bass singer, and there are not many roles for basses," said Luis, cast in the role of Javert, whose mission is to put Valjean back behind bars. Temple Terrace resident and senior Justin Gonzalez, 17, is familiar with Masque. But the longtime classical guitarist - who is soon to play Thenardier, the epitome of evil in the show - admitted to his inexperience as a singer/actor until last year when his interest began to move more toward performing in plays.

"It's a little scary, but I'm glad to have found a niche," Justin said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Blake School of the Arts concert production of "Les Miserables"

WHERE: Masque Community Theatre, 8825 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace

WHEN: 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday

ADMISSION: $12 for adults, $7 for students. Tickets may be purchased at www.masque theatre.net or at the door.

INFORMATION: (813) 980-3321