This is an article I wrote for my high school newsletter, The Cherokee Scout. Cherokee High School’s spring musical, and my last CHS performance, will be Les Miserables.
“Do you hear the people sing?” Do you want to?
Cherokee's esteemed Drama Guild is proud to present this year's musical production of the widely acclaimed musical spectacular, Les Miserables. This stunning, Tony-winning drama follows the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean and his mesmerizing development from eighteenth century rogue to a saintly nobleman caught in the turmoil of a revolution.
So why see a show you can’t even pronounce? (It’s Lay-Mizz-Err-Ahb, by the way.)
Well, first of all, Valjean’s story has inspired many since its publication in 1862, and has dazzled audiences since the musical opened in 1980. Hounded by wayward hero, Javert, a policeman whose “black-and-white” views obstruct all reason, Valjean is constantly on the run after breaking his parole. En route to freedom, he is saved by a Holy Man who believes Valjean has the power to become a beacon of light in a shadowy world.
Years later, Valjean had shed his criminal past and has become incredibly successful while France’s streets are infected with poverty and despair, thick with prostitutes and thieves. As the years pass, he witnesses the horrors that take place and stands beside the young men who have chosen to fight against the hierarchy which created such misery.
The second reason why you should see Les Miserables? Susan Boyle. That’s Right! The song she sang on Britain’s Got Talent was one of the most famous songs from the musical. Are you convinced now? Filled with captivating music and intricate lyricism, brimming with suspense, blazing with romance, and peppered with comedic charm, Les Miserable is an experience that you simply cannot miss.
Tickets go on sale 4/19/10 for show dates beginning on 5/21/10 for anyone interested.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Friday, April 2, 2010
With a smile and a song!
Today was such a beautiful day here in New Jersey! I'm getting ready for my senior trip to Disney in a few weeks and I thought I would dig up an older blog of mine:
Happy Spring!
Snow White had the right idea. In celebrating springtime, we all think about the original morning person, herself. Poor Snow White was almost killed by that Huntsman guy, and yet she
still chose to live in a bubble of blissful ignorance. Or was she really
just a happy person?
I prefer the latter. Snow White is famous for her obnoxious operatic voice, when she should be known for her incredible ability to “fill the world with sunshine.”
Think about it. No one else would be able to survive the evil
queen’s horrid lack of hospitality without some form of sarcastic zinger
or grunt of disapproval. And, when you’re forced to live in a crowded,
dirty cottage with seven old, smelly guys, not a single one of us would
feel the need to gather woodland animals for a spring-cleaning
sensation, complete with a sing-along.
We can all learn a thing or two about our own happiness through Snow White’s example. Though we don’t have to add a sound track to every motion we
make, we should look at every day as a new way to enjoy life. No matter
what we’re up against, we can make our own happiness.
For example, when you have a big project due, a vocab test to take, need to find a ride to school because you missed the bus, and just figured out that you put your underwear on the outside of your
pants, don’t sweat it! Be like Snow White and find a way to get rid of
the Grumpy in you. The first thing to do: take a deep breath. This is a
good idea, whether or not you are having a bad day!
Second, think of what could be worse. You could have a science lab due, or maybe you could’ve completely forgotten your underwear! So, go to step three: think about what you’re grateful for.
Be glad that you studied for that vocab test, and that you are able to
go to school. Step four: smile. Find something good in
your day. Don’t wait for someone else to hand you joy. Celebrate
whatever!
Just whistle while you work, send your dreams down into a wishing well, and use a smile and a song to get through your day, just like Snow White.
“There’s no use in grumbling when raindrops come tumbling. Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. When you smile and you sing,
everything is in tune, and it’s spring, and life flows along. With a
smile and a song.”
Happy Spring!
Snow White had the right idea. In celebrating springtime, we all think about the original morning person, herself. Poor Snow White was almost killed by that Huntsman guy, and yet she
still chose to live in a bubble of blissful ignorance. Or was she really
just a happy person?
I prefer the latter. Snow White is famous for her obnoxious operatic voice, when she should be known for her incredible ability to “fill the world with sunshine.”
Think about it. No one else would be able to survive the evil
queen’s horrid lack of hospitality without some form of sarcastic zinger
or grunt of disapproval. And, when you’re forced to live in a crowded,
dirty cottage with seven old, smelly guys, not a single one of us would
feel the need to gather woodland animals for a spring-cleaning
sensation, complete with a sing-along.
We can all learn a thing or two about our own happiness through Snow White’s example. Though we don’t have to add a sound track to every motion we
make, we should look at every day as a new way to enjoy life. No matter
what we’re up against, we can make our own happiness.
For example, when you have a big project due, a vocab test to take, need to find a ride to school because you missed the bus, and just figured out that you put your underwear on the outside of your
pants, don’t sweat it! Be like Snow White and find a way to get rid of
the Grumpy in you. The first thing to do: take a deep breath. This is a
good idea, whether or not you are having a bad day!
Second, think of what could be worse. You could have a science lab due, or maybe you could’ve completely forgotten your underwear! So, go to step three: think about what you’re grateful for.
Be glad that you studied for that vocab test, and that you are able to
go to school. Step four: smile. Find something good in
your day. Don’t wait for someone else to hand you joy. Celebrate
whatever!
Just whistle while you work, send your dreams down into a wishing well, and use a smile and a song to get through your day, just like Snow White.
“There’s no use in grumbling when raindrops come tumbling. Remember you’re the one who can fill the world with sunshine. When you smile and you sing,
everything is in tune, and it’s spring, and life flows along. With a
smile and a song.”
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