Brandon Twp.-Bre’ann Davert is the daughter of rock music lovers. Her parents listen to bands like Fleetwood Mac and sing songs like ‘When the Levee Breaks? by Led Zeppelin. But Davert, a Brandon High School junior, has musical tastes that run a little different.
‘I came out of the womb singing opera,? Davert says, laughing. ‘I listen to Broadway hits and classical music.?
Davert will soon be singing in Brandon High School’s version of the hit Broadway musical ‘Les Mis’rables.?
The musical is based on Victor Hugo’s novel. Set in 19th century France against the backdrop of a student uprising, it is the tale of Jean Valjean, a fugitive seeking redemption and pursued by Inspector Javert.
‘It very much informs and enlightens about the poor people of this time and what they went through daily,? said Jeff Hughes, BHS drama director.
Dr. Deborah Sebetic, BHS choral director, chose the musical because it is one of her favorites and she felt she had the cast members in place to ‘pull it off.?
Auditions began in early December. Sebetic estimates that 130 students tried out. She was looking for vocal range? strong baritones and strong sopranos.
Hughes said they also looked for good workers.
‘If they’re a great singer but unreliable they won’t work for us,? he said. ‘Good acting and singing is good, but doesn’t always guarantee a spot. We needed students with good grades who are dependable.?
They eventually chose 86 students from the fourth through 12th grades to be in the cast, but are still looking for stagehands.
Davert was tapped to be Madame Thenardier. She describes her character as a stupid, ignorant, frivolous woman who loathes her husband.
‘It’s a pretty big role, fun to play,? said Davert, a soprano who wants to go to college to be a Broadway or opera singer and whose dream is to play Christine Daa? in ‘Phantom of the Opera.? ‘I can get up on stage and it doesn’t matter what I do, I can be as crazy as I want because it’s a character. I’m nothing like her, but the minute I hit the stage I am Madame Thenardier.?
Doug Dorda, a BHS senior, auditioned for and got the part of Inspector Javert. He does not identify with his character either, but for a different reason.
‘It’s different than what I think I’d normally be cast as,? said Dorda of his role. ‘It’s very structured. But it’s interesting to play someone so diverse.?
BHS senior Zac Misener was chosen for the role of Enjolras. He had originally auditioned for some other parts. But once he began playing his role, he found he liked it better than the other characters.
‘My character is one of the more heroic characters,? said Misener. ‘He’s very brave and outspoken, critical of those who abuse power.?
This is the fourth musical Misener has been in and his biggest role to date. The baritone has sung, untrained, since the age of 3 and would like to have a career on Broadway.
The students are currently rehearsing after school for up to five hours per day to make the show a success.
Sebetic acknowledges the work is ‘pretty intense,? but she said it is rewarding to see the excitement and growth of the students as well as the increase in self-esteem they gain from performing.
‘I like watching them succeed and be proud of what they have accomplished,? Sebetic said.
Dorda has a job and hasn’t been able to work as much, but said he makes time because he’s dedicated to the musical.
‘This musical is special because so much is personal,? Dorda said. ‘There’s a level of depth that isn’t seen often today. You laugh, you cry, it’s an all-around drama.?