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Scottsdale 10-Year-Old Steps into the Spotlight as Young Cosette
Photo Courtesy of Places! Productions
At just 10 years old, Laney Hoekstra is no stranger to the spotlight, but she’ll soon step into her biggest role yet in Places! Productions’ “Les Misérables School Edition.”
“I wanted to audition for this show because I’ve dreamed of playing Young Cosette in ‘Les Mis’ and love watching the 25th concert show from London over and over again,” says the Scottsdale fifth grader, who has already performed in six musicals in her short life.
When the cast list was posted in August, Laney was thrilled to learn she’d won this dream role, a part she shares with Farrah McArthur of Gilbert. And for the last few months, she has been hard at work learning her lines, developing the character of Young Cosette and polishing her solo, the iconic “Castle on a Cloud,” a hopeful and heartbreaking ballad about a life filled with joy and free of tears.
The musical will be on stage Dec. 17 to 20 at East Valley High School, located at 7420 E. Main St. in Mesa, with a second run planned Jan. 20 to 22, 2023, at the Mesa Arts Center.
“Les Mis” is one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. It focuses on the tumultuous world of Jean Valjean, a former convict who spends a lifetime seeking redemption. Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France and the aftermath of the French Revolution, this timeless story of intertwined destinies reveals the power of compassion and the quiet evil of indifference to human suffering.
The role of Young Cosette is central to the story. Valjean adopts the little girl, rescuing her from a life of cruelty and neglect at the hands of the Thénardiers, and changes the course of her life.
“I play a young girl whose mother is unable to care for her, so she sends her to live with some mean innkeepers,” Hoekstra says.
All the passion and drama of the original Broadway production is replicated in the student version of “Les Mis.” Indeed, despite its weighty themes, Hoekstra and her castmates, most of whom are in high school, are pulling it off with a maturity and talent that bely their youth.
“I think audiences will be amazed by the emotion and voices of these young performers,” says Allison Houston, director and music director for “Les Mis” and founding artistic director for Places! “I hope they will be moved by the message of this powerful piece.”
Tim Mills, the show’s assistant director, is quick to agree. Beyond its deep storyline, the musical is challenging in other ways, too. Nearly every word in the two-hour show is sung, every scene is carefully staged, and every performer plays an important role in bringing the story together. This attention to detail can be seen in the set design, costuming, character development, and choreography.
“This was such a fun project,” says the show’s choreographer, Lily Saba. “We really wanted it to look natural so the dances blend in rather than everyone just breaking out in a dance.”
“We have spent a lot of time going back to the source material, the masterpiece that is Victor Hugo’s novel,” adds Houston. “Many of the details you see in the costumes, props, set, and staging are from the book.”
With music by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg, “Les Mis” is famous the world over for its score, which includes beloved ballads including “On My Own” and “Bring Him Home” as well as high-impact ensemble numbers like “Do You Hear the People Sing.”
Tickets for “Les Mis” are $15 and can be purchased at placesproductionsaz.com. The run includes both matinee and evening performances at East Valley High School and at the Mesa Arts Center. Discounts are available for teachers, seniors, veterans, first responders, and students. Group discounts are also available.
Laney Hoekstra as young Cosette.
“This is probably the most talented cast we’ve ever assembled, and we’ve had some very talented casts in the past,” he says. “I think audiences will be deeply moved by our production of ‘Les Mis.’”
Community
89-year-old Artist Inspires Her Hospice Team
By Lin Sue Flood
Avinell MacDonald isn’t kidding when she says, “it’s never too late to try something new.” She was 60 years old when her husband asked if there was anything in life she wanted to do but hadn’t tried. MacDonald chose two things: play the piano and take up painting. Before she knew it, he’d bought her a piano and paint supplies.
She learned to play a few tunes before giving the piano to her granddaughter but has never put down the paintbrush in nearly three decades. “I didn’t think I had any talent,” the Hospice of the Valley patient confesses, “but my husband had faith in me, so I kept going. I bought some books and taught myself to mix colors and suddenly, I just took off.”
Her determination ignited something in hospice chaplain Ken Collins, who is quite possibly her biggest groupie. At 63, he decided to give painting a try.
“Avinell is one incredible artist and one incredible person!” Collins says. “The beauty of her paintings is only matched by the beauty of her inspiring life. She’s my biggest encourager and has unleashed in me a long-held passion.” The two enjoy sharing their latest projects and discussing color and technique. “I never dreamed what I was doing would get him so excited,” MacDonald laughs. “He’s got talent and if he pursues it, he’s gonna be a lot better than I am someday!”
The 89-year-old loves sharing the framed collection that fills her bedroom studio. Her hospice care team, which includes Collins, nurse Cheryl Adams, and social worker Susan Dabreo, enjoy watching the creative process unfold, as MacDonald transforms a blank canvas into a beautiful landscape, floral arrangement, or family portrait.
Right now, she’s painting a mountain scene from one of her favorite photographs. “I used the same colors of the photo, but it doesn’t suit me, so I’m going to change them,” she quips. “Don’t know what I’ll end up with, but when I finish, I hope I like it.”
“We always say that hospice care includes making the most of life, enhancing it with what you love,” Collins says. “With Avinell, that means nurturing her artistic side too.”
Her fan club can’t wait to see what she paints next.
“They all encourage me, especially when I mess up. They’re just so kind and generous and don’t make me feel old,” she jokes. “I’ll be 90 in a few months and look at me. I’m still at it!”
To learn about Hospice of the Valley programs and services, call 602-530-6900, or visit hov.org.
Avinell MacDonald and her protégé, chaplain Ken Collins.
Scottsdale Charros Announce 2023 Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade Call for Entries
Photo Courtesy of the Scottsdale Charros
Entry admissions are now open for the 69th Annual Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade presented by Oliver Smith Jeweler.
Taking place in Old Town Scottsdale on Sat., Feb. 4, 2023, at 10 a.m., this historic parade typically features more than 150 entries including colorful floats, mounted horse-riders, horse-drawn carriages, marching bands, wagons, and stagecoaches representing many cultures from Mexican to Native American to Arabian to Western.
“Since assuming management of the Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade two years ago, we have dedicated ourselves to making each year’s event bigger and better than ever,” says Joe Deka of the Scottsdale Charros. “But we can’t do that without the parade entries that make this event such a well-attended and memorable experience. We invite you to come and be a part of this dynamic piece of Scottsdale history.” The Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade is one of the longest-running community events in the city and the Scottsdale Charros have been riding in the parade for nearly as long as it has been in existence. The Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade Committee has been invaluable in producing this epic event for nearly seven decades.
The Charros along with the Parade Committee have also announced the theme of this year’s parade — “Cowboy Kickoff.” While Arizona draws incredible global sports events such as the Super Bowl, the area is also rife with history and culture — much of which is represented and highlighted during the Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade. With that in mind, “Cowboy Kickoff” serves as a fun way for visitors and locals to “kick off” this Western tradition and kick up their heels during the event.
The parade follows a route from Drinkwater Blvd. along Scottsdale Rd. and culminates at Brown Ave. and Indian School Rd. The Trail’s End Festival takes place immediately following. This event transforms Scottsdale’s Historic Old Town District into a family-friendly Old West street party featuring a kids’ zone, food trucks, beverage vendors, merchandise, arts and crafts booth, and multiple stages with live entertainment including concerts from today’s popular bands as well as traditional performers.
To submit a parade entry, or for more information about the Scottsdale Parada Del Sol Historic Parade and Trail’s End Festival, visit scottsdaleparade.com.
