This past weekend, I had the opportunity to go see Les Mis at Wilton High School. Two friends of mine, who are high school sophomores (Caitlin Witty and Gabby Pucci), played the roles of Eponine and Cosette. All 60 cast members were extremely talented and had their moment to shine. From costumes, set design and talent this performance was a success!

Les Mis is a musical based off of the novel written by the French poet and playwright, Victor Hugo. Set in France in the early 19th century, Les Mis follows the story of many characters and their struggle for redemption and revolution. The cast is made up of prostitutes, student revolutionaries, factory workers, etc.

14 year old Sam Patterson says "Wilton's production of Les Mis was very professional for a high school show. There was a lot of young talent and potential and this was shown through the wonderful casting and choreography". Les Mis was certainly entertaining. The students were great and they did a wonderful job in portraying their roles. They sounded like professinals and looked like them too! It was so good, I saw it twice!

 

-Shay LaRusso, Shelby Vetare

Ages 15 and 17

Norwalk High School

 

 

Pictured: Caitlin Witty (Eponine) and Stephen Jones (Marius)

Movie Review: "42 - The True Story of an American Legend"

Last Saturday, a few friends and I had the pleasure of seeing the brand new movie 42. I was a bit skeptical at first, assuming that it would be a rather long and boring documentary-type of film, but after about 10 minutes in I realized that my assumptions were very wrong. 42 had an excellent and entertaining story to it, full of both humor and struggle, and all the while staying true to the actual events that happened to Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Based on my prior knowledge about the story of Jackie Robinson, I could tell that this movie was very realistic, and I also learned a lot about his life that I didn't know before. Although it was sad at times, the majority of the movie managed to be light and humorous. I also really enjoyed the fact that the director, Brian Helgeland, really embraced the spirit of the 1940's and made it seem as if the movie was actually taking place in that time period. I also applaud all of the actors, especially those who played Jackie (Chadwick Boseman) and his wife, Rachel (Nicole Beharie). I was surprised that they could find so many good actors who were also talented at baseball! The only negative critiques I could provide are that the length of the movie, being over two hours long, was a bit extensive, and the fact that it was a bit old fashioned and very sports-involved made it appealing to only select crowds. Overall, I thought the movie was great and I would definitely recommend it to everyone that I know!

- Shaina Arsenault, 15 years old

Joseph A. Foran High School

UMich SMTD presents Crazy For You

I spent my April vacation on a crazy road trip of college tours galore. My final visit was to the University of Michigan, which has a fantastic and very well-known musical theatre program. The original plan was to drive home that night. Instead, we got to see the programs production of Crazy For You at the Power Center. I knew the show was based on the music of George and Ira Gershwin, but that was about all I knew. So it was great to come into the theatre with an open mind. I was completely blown away by the talent among the cast. The singing was top-notch, the dancing was incredible, and the acting, of course, was mesmerizing.The sound from the orchestra pit was amazing and so professional sounding. The quality of the production was even more impressive, knowing that the sets, costumes, lights and sound were all made and run by students. It was a Broadway-quality show. I had the privilege of getting to know the two stars of the show, L'ogan J'ones (who played Bobby Child) and Mary Little (who played Polly Baker). They were so humble and excited that I came to see their show. When I expressed interest in the program, they were more than happy to answer my questions, and told me that I "better audition in the fall, or we'll be mad." College applications are still a few months away, but there's no doubt in my mind what my first choice will be!
-Matt Sweeney, 16, Stamford High School, President of the NPT Youth Board

Sunday Spotlight 5/5/2013 with Gwendolyn Jones

Hope you all took something away from last Sunday Spotlight. Believe us in the NPT Youth Board: We sure did!

This week, The Sunday Spotlight will be on... GWENDOLYN JONES!

Gwendolyn (left) as Mrs. Hannigan

The Sisters of the Nunsense Boulevard National Tour

Take this journey, whether it is your first Spotlight or your fifth, or whatever, you will enjoy Gwendolyn. She has not only been in the National Tour of NUNSENSE BOULEVARD, but she has also played the roles of: Mrs. Hannigan in ANNIE, Mrs. Claus at Radio City Music Hall, and Matron Mamma Morton in CHICAGO.
To register for this, once again, wonderful opportunity, please sign up at the link below.
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3298831001957114368

Gwendolyn is a lovely woman and I know she will give very insightful information. You will not regret tuning in at 8pm.

~NPT Youth Board