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FeedDon't "Mis" It
High school theater all stars take on "Les Miserables." Plus, the Blue Rocks' big home schedule, NASCAR revs up at Dover International and The New Candlelight Theatre presents "Gypsy."
The new All-State Theatre Program includes, from left: Amanda
DeFilippis as Young Cosette, Jessica Marrs as Madame Thenardiere,
Nicodemus Williams as Gavroche and Alexander Petit Olivieria as
Jean Valjean. Photograph by Luigi Ciuffetelli, www.luigic.com
“Les Misérables” is the third longest-running show in Broadway history. The touring companies have visited Delaware many times. But “Les Misérables School Edition” will be a first.
From June 20-28, the new All-State Theatre Program, showcasing Delaware’s youngest actors, will mount one of the world’s most ambitious musicals at the DuPont Theatre.
Hundreds of young actors from 80 schools auditioned, knowing director Jeff Santora, of J. Alexander Productions, would treat the whole thing like a chilly New York casting call. They stood before eight judges, endured callbacks, cold readings, tears—all the torment of theater.
“We were going with the best of the best student performers,” Santora says. “This show may be a powerful, emotional roller coaster of Jean Valjean. But the most riveting scenes come from ensemble acting. You’re going to look in these kids’ eyes and see stories upon stories. You’ll see the drama in their faces.”
Santora calls the show “a social cause endeavor.” Proceeds benefit AIDS Delaware and Sojourner’s Place. Families who can’t afford the $15 to $30 tickets can see the final rehearsal for free.
“Ultimately our goal will be to exceed the expectations of the audience,” Santora says. “But the real pressure will come from me.”
For tickets, contact The DuPont Theatre at duponttheatre.com or 656-4401. —Maria Hess
Monster Mania
Dover Downs International Speedway should be nothing short of spectacular May 30-June 1, thanks to the Monster Makeover. Visitors will see monster additions, including the 46-foot Monster Monument. This year marks the mile’s 40th anniversary. Highlights will include autograph sessions by legend Rusty Wallace and Craftsman Truck Series drivers, as well as the rowdy “Trackside Live” party at the SPEED stage. Another driving legend, Bobby Allison, will host a dedication ceremony for the Monster Monument on Saturday, before the Heluva Good NASCAR Nationwide Series race. The big Dover 400 starts at 2 p.m. Sunday, with 43 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series cars trying to tame the monster. There’s nothing like it. For more, visit www.doverspeedway.com
Courtesy of the Wilmington Blue Rocks
Batter Up
Take a break from politics this month to enjoy another American pastime—baseball. The Wilmington Blue Rocks will play 12 home games at Wilmington's Frawley Stadium in June. New this season is whacky themes. A few highlights: Salute to Facial Hair on June 3, Nerd Night on June 5, Hasselhoff Night on June 17, and Beatlemania on June 19. Tip your stalks to Mr. Celery at his birthday bash on June 28. Then again, you might just want to watch the game. For more, visit www.bluerocks.com.
Most stages are dark now, but everything’s coming up roses at The New Candlelight Theatre. Through July 27 catch “Gypsy,” the Broadway smash that chronicles archetypal stage mother Rose as she pushes her two daughters to such madness that one becomes Gypsy Rose Lee, the real-life stripper. The score, with bouncy tunes like “Let Me Entertain You” and “Wherever We Go,” was a crowing achievement for Jules Styne. “Gypsy” was a good career move for Ethel Merman, too—she originated the role of Rose in 1959. Let’s hope the show does the same for Delawareans Beth Wheeler, Daisy Zimmerman, Gina Santare and Lyndie Moe, all lead players. For more, visit www.newcandlelighttheatre.com or call 475-2313.
