Do You Hear the People Sing?

Les Misérables is known for its beautiful sets, creative costumes and tragically wonderful story, but above all it is known for its music.  With 50 songs, the musical is almost completely sung with next to no speaking dialogue.  Adapted from Victor Hugo's brick of a novel, Les Misérables was cut down to just 2.5 hours of musical goodness that sustained all the impact Hugo felt about the French Revolution.

The longest running musical of all time, Les Misérables has won many awards for its beloved music, including eight Tony awards in 1987, the year it premiered on Broadway.  Tragic, compelling and always easy to sing along to in the car, the music of Les Misérables is timeless.

Some of the show's shakers and movers shared why they were inspired to participate in this show and how its fantastic music affected them.

Les Misérables is known for its amazing soundtrack - what is your favorite song to sing and why?


Jodi Vaccaro (Innkeeper's Wife/Whore 1):  The rousing ensemble numbers like "One Day More" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" are pretty special. No matter how many times I sing a chorus like that, I definitely feel a rush of energy in the moment.

Joseph Dignoti as Javert
Joseph Dignoti (Javert): I guess my favorite song to sing is "One Day More" because that is the song I sing with the entire company. It's the final number in the first act, and everyone's hope or dream is represented there: whether it's the students for the rebellion and the hope of a new world; or Cosette and Marius with their newfound love; Eponine's desire and unrequited love for Marius; the Thenardiers for their ill-gotten wealth; for Valjean it's another day on the run from Javert; and for Javert it's all about crushing the revolution. Musically, it's powerful with all of the voices together and all the different themes layering on top of each other.

Abbey Stewart (Eponine): My favorite song to sing is "On My Own" because I relate to it the most. The song brings an emotional quality out of me that is sometimes difficult to find.

What is your favorite singular musical moment in the show?


Jodi:  I think it'd have to be Valjean's "God on high" at the start of "Bring Him Home." It's hard to not get chills!

Joseph: That's hard. Choosing one is hard; there is a lot we haven't seen yet. At this point, I would say "The Confrontation" because you have the two sides of Valjean and Javert. Just their polar opposition. Or it could be "Bring Him Home" with Valjean's heart cry and fervent prayer to God to bring this man home and let him survive. Or it could be ["Little Fall of Rain"] with Eponine when she is back at the barricade and dying. So the answer is: there isn't one. It's impossible to choose.

Abbey: The last chord of "One Day More." It is so mind-numbing and powerful and gives me goosebumps every time!

When you heard that the Omaha Community Playhouse was putting on Les Misérables, what made you want to audition?

 
Jodi Vaccaro - an ensemble member of Les Mis

Jodi: I couldn't imagine quietly watching this one from the audience; this is the kind of music I just have to sing along with if given the chance. I also knew that an effort of this scale would create worthwhile memories and was excited to be part of another show with Susie and Carl at the helm.

Joseph: This show, and in particular the role of Javert, has been on my bucket list for many years. Also, a huge factor was the opportunity to work with both Susie Baer Collins and Carl Beck at the same time in their final season at the Playhouse.

Abbey: After seeing my brother Quinton perform in Altar Boyz, I knew I wanted to try out for something at the Playhouse. So when Bailey Carlson encouraged me to try out for Les Mis, I knew this was something I had to do. I couldn't stop thinking about how incredible an opportunity it is to be a part of the world's most beloved musical.

 Did you find it challenging or simple to perform an entirely sung musical? Why?

Jodi: It's challenging because every bit of blocking really has to be choreographed so that the musical timing is spot on. It's a joy because the music is so incredible.

Joseph: I think it may be easier to perform an entirely sung musical because there is a meter to the words. There is a pattern that has to be observed. The rhyming in the structure of the wording makes it a littler easier to remember versus, say, straight dialogue that can go anywhere, and the thought process doesn't follow the same parameter. The one example I can think of where the dialogue follows that kind of rule would be Shakespeare.

Abbey: It's definitely a challenge because we have to take really good care of our voices all the time. However, singing the lyrics makes the acting and emoting so much easier and more genuine.

When did you first see/hear Les Misérables

Jodi: I saw it with my family on Broadway in March 2000 as a senior in high school, while auditioning for schools in NYC.

Abbey Stewart who plays Eponine

Joseph: I first saw Les Misérables in Los Angeles in the late 80s or early 90s.

Abbey: I first heard about Les Mis in high school; we sang "One Day More" in choir. It wasn't until later when I actually researched the musical's story and fell in love with it.

Any other thoughts?

Jodi: There's an amazing exchange that occurs in live theatre between performers and audience members. I can't wait to experience that with this show; I think it will be palpable.

Joseph: I am very excited to work with this cast. It is some of the best voices in musical theatre in the Omaha area. This cast is not just made up of "the regulars" who perform at the Playhouse. It represents a whole, brand new influx of people who have never performed musical theatre here.

Abbey: The people I get to perform with are all incredible. While I am new to the Playhouse, I feel like I've known this cast for much longer because of how friendly and welcoming everyone is. I have learned more from this cast, including the production team, than I could have ever imagined. I'm incredibly grateful for the privilege of getting to know them and for the opportunity to grow as a performer.

The Omaha Community Playhouse's performance of Les Mis is running Sept. 20-Oct. 27, 2013; Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800, visit the Box Office, click here or check out our Facebook page.

Story by Shannon Kern

A Deeper Look: Jimmy Friedlander

A doctor and an actor is not a combination you often see, but Jimmy Friedlander is a very large exception to that thought. Playing the role of Courfeyrac/Constable 2 in the Omaha Community Playhouse’s performance of Les Misérables, Jimmy says that he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to try out, for any part, “I just wanted to be part of this amazing show.”

An Omaha native, Jimmy graduated from Burke High School before leaving to pursue medical school, residency and a fellowship. After completing all of that education, he is now a physician specializing in children and adults with allergies, asthma and immune system disorders.

Now back in Omaha as of 2012, Jimmy sees patients at Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. In Omaha he is much closer to family and now has the opportunity to be involved with OCP.

Playing piano for fun for over 30 years, acting and singing in high school musicals for four and being the musical director of his a cappella group in college at the University of Pennsylvania, Jimmy is really no stranger to the musical and theatrical world. He says that Les Misérables has always been his favorite show and he’s so excited to be a part of the OCP’s production.

The most exciting thing right now for Jimmy (other than the show, of course) is his wedding on September 1 in Omaha, “right in the middle of rehearsal, yikes!” Sorry ladies, the doctor AND singer is taken. Jimmy looks forward to being a part of Les Misérables and the full cast of talented people.

You can see Jimmy Friedlander in his role as Courfeyrac and the Constable at the Omaha Community Playhouse's , running Sept. 20-Oct. 27, 2013; Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0900 or click here.

Story by Shannon Kern

September Metro Arts and Culture Pass Deal



Enjoy the arts with a Metro Arts and Culture Pass! If you are a season subscriber to the Omaha Community Playhouse, in the month of September, you can receive $10 tickets to Kaneko premiere of COVENANT and $10 off any workshop at Omaha Creative Institute.

The Metro Arts and Culture Pass features various nonprofit arts organizations around Omaha. In order to be a Metro Arts and Culture Pass member, you only must be a member or subscriber to one of the participating organizations. Every month, OCP members can enjoy a discount at a different featured Omaha arts organization.

Other participating organizations include:
Omaha Children's Museum
Omaha Performing Arts
Bemis Center
Durham Museum
Opera Omaha
El Museo Latino
The Rose
Film Streams
Nebraska Shakespeare
Joslyn Art Museum
Fontenelle Forest
The Arts Center
Ballet Nebraska
Love's Jazz and Arts Center
Lauritzen Gardens
Bluffs Arts Council
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Nebraskans for the Arts
BlueBarn Theatre
Kaneko
Omaha Creative Institute

For more information about the Metro Arts Pass, contact the director of sales at lkaup@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 147.

A Deeper Look: Daniel Denenberg

Turning down a rarely-offered spot at Interlochen, a famous camp for the performing arts, in order to be in Omaha Community Playhouse’s performance of Les Misérables is just a taste of Daniel Denenberg’s commitment to and love of one of his favorite musicals.

At only age 10, Daniel has become a very talented performer, having been in many theatre performances as well as receiving one of the 30 spots at Interlochen over 470 other applicants. His mother, Tippi, remembers how, as a baby, Daniel sang all the time, “The babysitters would be amazed that he basically put himself to bed singing.” Daniel felt that taking the role of an Urchin and understudy of Gavroche would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Currently a fifth-grader at Friedel Jewish Academy, Daniel is very excited about the fact that his entire class (the fifth- and sixth-graders) are coming to see the show. He first began acting at the age of four with dance recitals and musical theatre at the Jewish Community Center on 132nd Street. He remembers that his first class was technically at OCP, "but I could barely participate unless my parents stayed the entire length of the class because I was young and shy. Now I can't wait to get there!"

The eldest of five, there is always something to do at the Denenberg house. “We are constantly putting on shows for our family and friends - mysteries, comedies, musicals," said Daniel. "I usually direct and compose everything.” Daniel says that growing up with four siblings is a blessing and that he likes to help his mom with the baby. His hobbies include collecting foreign money and acting like Jim Carrey (which he says makes his mom cringe).

Daniel’s favorite characters to perform have been Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls and Winthrop in Music Man, saying that the music in both of those shows is outstanding. Concerning his other theatre interests, Daniel enjoys “the olden stuff” like black and white movies and old radio shows. Truly much more mature and wordly than the average 10-year-old, Daniel seems to be able to fit theatre and family together quite well, always appreciating both.

When asked why he wanted to audition for Les Mis, Daniel said that he just couldn’t resist the story and the music. He also talked about how the Omaha Community Playhouse was a draw for him, saying that just being there makes him feel special.

You can see Daniel Denenberg in his role as an Urchin and Gavroche Understudy at the Omaha Community Playhouse’s Les Misérables, running Sept. 20-Oct. 27, 2013; Wednesday-Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $24 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800 or click here.

Story by Shannon Kern

August Metro Arts and Culture Pass Deal


Enjoy the arts with a Metro Arts and Culture Pass! If you are a season subscriber to the Omaha Community Playhouse, in the month of August, you can receive $1 off admission and tram combo to Lauritzen Gardens.

The Metro Arts and Culture Pass is sponsored by The Reader and features various nonprofit arts organizations around Omaha. In order to be a Metro Arts and Culture Pass member, you only must be a member or subscriber to one of the participating organizations. Every month, OCP members can enjoy a discount at a different featured Omaha arts organization.

Other participating organizations include:
Omaha Children's Museum
Omaha Performing Arts
Bemis Center
Durham Museum
Opera Omaha
El Museo Latino
The Rose
Film Streams
Nebraska Shakespeare
Joslyn Art Museum
Fontenelle Nature Association
The Arts Center
Ballet Nebraska
Love's Jazz and Arts Center
Lauritzen Gardens
Bluffs Arts Council
Strategic Air and Space Museum
Nebraskans for the Arts
BlueBarn Theatre
Kaneko
For more information about the Metro Arts Pass, contact the director of sales at lkaup@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 147.

21 & Over presents 'Exit, Pursued by a Bear'

Omaha Community Playhouse's 21 & Over program presents Exit, Pursued by a Bear.

Monday, August 19, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Omaha Community Playhouse
Free and open to the public, with an opportunity for donations. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

Exit, Pursued by a Bear, by Lauren Gunderson
Nan and Kyle's marriage has never been picture perfect, but lately things have gone from bad to worse. Inspired by one of the most enigmatic and provocative of all stage directions, Nan is about to unleash some Shakespearean-style revenge. With the help of friends Simon and Sweetheart and a little fresh venison, Kyle has a front row seat to Nan's re-enactment of where things went wrong. A theatrical, ridiculous, and emotional dark comedy.
The 21 & Over productions are intended for a mature audience and discretion is advised. For more information on 21 & Over and other OCP alternative programs, contact Amy Lane, Resident Director, at alane@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 164.

21 & Over is sponsored by Omaha Steaks and media sponsored by Omahype.

21 & Over hosts OCP Improv Night!



Omaha Community Playhouse's 21 & Over program hosts OCP Improv Night!

Monday, September 9, 2013
7:30 p.m.
Omaha Community Playhouse
Free and open to the public, with an opportunity for donations. No tickets or reservations are necessary.

OCP Improv Night!
Introducing OCP's newest comedy troupe, the Omaha Playhouse Players, in a fun-filled night of quick wits and belly laughs. Showcasing the talents of Stephanie Hillier, Matthew Pyle, and Max Sparber.
The 21 & Over productions are intended for a mature audience and discretion is advised. For more information on 21 & Over and other OCP alternative programs, contact Amy Lane, Resident Director, at alane@omahaplayhouse.com or (402) 553-4890, ext. 164.

21 & Over is sponsored by Omaha Steaks and media sponsored by Omahype.

Love songs, greek mythology and technology.


Described as a quirky story full of witty banter and fun, Sirens tells the tale of Sam and Rose, a couple experiencing their 25-year marriage’s romantic spark smoldered. While on their anniversary cruise, Sam is lured by a video Solitaire-playing Siren, a mythological creature now in modern times. She helps Sam remember why Rose is, and always has been, the love of his life.

This production wouldn’t be possible without the creative mind and innovative ideas of director Amy Lane as well as the superior talent of Ablan Roblin and Judy Radcliff. Based upon the show, we asked them a few questions on everything from social media to song success to relationship advice.
  1. In the play, Sam likes Facebook. Do you have a favorite social media site or do you stay away from Twitter/Facebook/etc.?
Amy- Facebook is a fun way to keep in touch with friends around the world; I enjoy that aspect of it, feeling closer to people far away. My parents are very leery of Facebook, as with most social media, similar to how the character Rose feels in the play. It’s a generational thing.

Ablan- I enjoy Facebook. I don’t tweet, but I find Facebook really interesting. It’s an opportunity to catch up with a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time, from high school friends to childhood friends to college friends, you got it.
  1. If you could have written one love song like Sam did 25 years ago, which one do you wish it would have been?
Amy- A love song that exists that I wish I had written? OK, I am a sucker for "Unchained Melody."  But I don’t know if I wish I had written it, or if I wish someone had written it for me.  Probably the latter!

Ablan- It would have to be a U2 song, “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For.” But I’ve found what I’m looking for now, and I feel like it’s an appropriate song for this show too.

Judy- "Something" by the Beatles (George Harrison)
  1. If you could be a god or goddess of one thing, like in Greek mythology, what would it be?
Amy- Well, being a Siren would be tough…I wouldn’t choose any of those vengeful, violent gods.  So something like a goddess of happy things? Music? Flowers? Or maybe something important like goddess of Wisdom? 

Ablan- It would have to be Dionysus, why not! You know he did invent theatre.

Judy Radcliff as Rose, Ablan Roblin as Sam and Regina Palmer, who plays the Siren

  1. Sam and Rose could have used some good relationship advice. What’s your best tip?
Amy- Make each other laugh.  Decide to be happy.

Judy- Remember that every relationship has peaks and valleys. If you ride out the valleys, the peaks are unbelievable. Also, (from my momma), never go to bed angry.
  1. Would you rather write tons of songs that others cover and are successful or just ONE song that gives you a hit (like Sam)?
Amy- I would rather be prolific and just write whether or not they became “hits” or made any money.  I think Sam has put a lot of pressure on himself to succeed instead of focusing on expressing himself through music.  I wouldn’t want that pressure; I would want to write for pleasure/fulfillment.

Judy Radcliff as Rose, Ablan Roblin as Sam

  1. Sam and Rose have been married for 25 years. What has been your greatest accomplishment in your past 25 years?
Amy- Our son. Definitely.

Ablan- That would have to be my wife and kids, definitely. Everything else has been cool but that has been great.

Judy-  My husband, Cliff, and I were married for almost 30 years -- he passed away just before our 29th anniversary. We raised two brilliant and beautiful children together -- David and Maddie.

See if Sam and Rose can once again find each other in a sea of technology and past loves.
The show opens in the Howard Drew Theatre, Aug. 16 through Sept. 15, 2013; Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $21 for students. For groups of 12 or more, tickets are $23 for adults and $15 for students. To purchase tickets, or for more information, call (402) 553-0800, visit the OCP Box Office or click here.

Story by Brittany Locke