Performers sought for 'Les Misérables'

When Rick Johnson, vocal music director for Sisters schools, found out that a production of "Les Misérables" was in the works for Central Oregon, he knew right away that he would be auditioning; and he's encouraging others to do so, as well.

"'Les Misérables' was the first professional musical production that I ever saw," said Johnson. "I was 14 at the time and sitting in the fifth row of the London Palace Theatre; and, after the second act, I turned to my parents and said, 'This is what I want to do for the rest of my life.'"

The producer for this unique Central Oregon production of "Les Misérables" is David Simpson, president of Shore Thing Productions. Simpson has spent many years participating in and supporting the performing arts in Central Oregon, both as a producer and as a performer.

The musical will be presented by the Tower Theatre Foundation. Last year, Simpson was a prominent figure at the Tower Theatre in Bend, first producing "1776 In Concert With An All Female Cast," then starring in the leading role of "The Producers."

Simpson's choice of "Les Misérables" was undoubtedly influenced by the fact that, as he explained, "It has become the world's longest-running musical." The musical opened in London in 1985, and objections were raised as to whether serious literature and social issues were appropriate for a musical forum. The public, however, had the final say; and the musical has become one of the longest-performed and most popular productions of all time. The London production has been running continuously ever since.

The story of "Les Misérables," with its themes of romance, revolution, and redemption, is set during the social unrest in France during the first half of the nineteenth century and is based on the 1862 book of the same name by French novelist Victor Hugo.

The novel came out during the American Civil War and was well-received in this country. As a curious footnote, downtrodden Confederate soldiers who were familiar with the book took to calling themselves "Lee's Miserables," in a back-handed tribute to their commanding general.

"I am so pleased to have such a talented and creative team to help me present this wonderful production," said Simpson. "We will hold open auditions with the hope of attracting and finding the finest voices in Central Oregon to be a part of our cast; and all roles are open!

"I hope to see many of my friends from Sisters at our auditions. I would love to see people from Sisters' talented and artistic community be a part of the cast for this one-of-a-kind experience."

Simpson, who lives at Eagle Crest, has extensive roots in Sisters.

Johnson, who directs both the high school and middle school choirs in Sisters, has a degree in musical theater from Oklahoma City University, which, he said, was one of only three universities in the country offering a musical theater degree at that time.

"I'm really excited about the possibility of doing this show," Johnson said, "because it means so much to me and it started my musical career. The production team that David Simpson has put together is incredibly strong, and Central Oregon is very fortunate to see Micheal Gesme conducting the orchestra."

Gesme is in his 18th season as conductor of the Central Oregon Symphony; he is a Professor of Music at Central Oregon Community College.

Simpson added, "I am working with the founders of Opera Bend, Jason Stein as music director and Nancy Engebertson as vocal director. They understand how to train and manage the voices of our cast members who will be in a show that has non-stop singing for three hours."

Auditions will be held, by appointment only, on Monday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 5, from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Pinckney Center for the Performing Arts at Central Oregon Community College. The show itself will be presented with a full orchestra conducted by Gesme, September 14-20, 2014. It is part of the Tower Theatre's Marquee Series.

Those wishing to audition must email [email protected] to reserve a time slot. Additional information can be found at www.

shorethingproductions.com.

"My goal," said Simpson, "is that, when audiences see 'Les Misérables' at the Tower Theatre next September, they will realize they are witnessing a community theater musical production at a professional quality they have never previously seen and, as a result, will talk about and remember it for many years to come. I consider that to be my obligation to the musical's legions of fans and to Victor Hugo, himself."

The Tower Theatre Foundation is a non-profit organization with a mission "to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians."

Throughout the year, the foundation presents a variety of live performances for Central Oregon audiences, along with educational outreach programs through area schools and community organizations.