Off the Paper and Onto the Stage Bringing Les Misérables to Life Article By : Audrey Foppes
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wonder if Victor Hugo knew when he published his staggering five-volume novel in 1862 that his story of human suffering, redemption, and love would come to be considered one of the greatest novels of the 19th century and be adapted into one of the most renowned operas in the world. Over a century after its debut, Les Misérables still captures the hearts and minds of audiences. This year, the Buffalo community has the distinct pleasure of seeing the work presented in the UB Center for the Arts Drama Theatre. To better understand what is involved in bringing the show to life, Taylor Gray, Gina Tarrou and Zoë Tchapraste, three leads of Les Misérables, generously met for an interview, expanding on their experience and the dramatic process. Tarrou, who will be performing the role of the tragically broken and beautiful Fantine, described the audition process, which was where her love of her character began. Hopeful actors were asked to audition by preparing a song from the show that corresponded to the character they were auditioning for and performing it in a private trial, which required significant character study and vocal training. Originally, Tarrou auditioned for the younger, yet equally tragic Éponine, but was called back for Fantine. As Tarrou explored this new role in preparation for her second audition, she began to feel connected to Fantine and suddenly realized this
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was the role she must play. “I wanted it,” said Tarrou. “I was Fantine.” Gray plays the show’s protagonist, Jean Valjean, whose harrowing journey to redemption propels the story. He agreed that the audition process was the first step to connecting with his character. In his case, connecting to the story required real dedication. “I read the entire, unabridged novel in two months over the summer,” said Gray. After reading the story, Gray was inspired by Valjean’s capacity for change, which is something he will have to perform in the role. “It came down to how much better I could make myself,” said Gray. Besides honing his acting skills and voice, Gray also underwent significant physical changes required to play the part, including building up muscle mass and growing a beard. Tchapraste, who plays Éponine, is eager to make her debut as a lead her senior