Niwot High School
BY TINA EDEN
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Les Miserables

The Niwot High School auditorium was transformed into Victor Hugo’s 19th century Paris during the students’ four presentations of Les Miserables.

The cast was led with strong performances by seniors Parker Fowler as Jean Valjean, Ian Moore as Javert and John McQueen as Thenardier. The three appeared in all showings of the double-cast play.

Fowler poignantly depicted Valjean from the first scene, in which he is a laboring convict, until his death at the play’s end. In his final scene, with his hair dyed grey, Fowler portrayed Valjean with the appropriate amount of both weariness and contentment.

Moore appeared menacing throughout his scenes, and captivated the audience with Javert’s final soliloquy and death.

McQueen and Nicole Sharpe, as Monsieur and Mademoiselle Thenardier (Green Cast), led the company in a vigorous rendition of “Master of the House,” and then continued to engage the audience with their adroitly portrayed facades of goodness. Their elaborate costumes were a visual feast, depicting the couple’s rise and fall in society well.

Over 100 students in the cast, orchestra and crew participated in the musical. Seniors Emma Dell and Greta Rieder served as student directors. Choir teacher Kim Watkins directed the play, and art teacher Jason Watkins served as technical director.

Keith Ellison led the orchestra, and Scott Hamlin, artistic director of the Longmont Chorale, accompanied on piano. Tracy Warren of the Boulder Dinner Theater served as staging director.

Ed Foundation Events Ramp Up

The Niwot High School Education Foundation will host three performances of Warren Miller’s latest movie “Like There’s No Tomorrow.” Miller’s films of extreme skiing have been in production for 62 years and are only available on a special release basis.

The Education Foundation has partnered with Warren Miller Entertainment for a Friday night showing on Jan. 20, at 8 p.m.. and then two shows on Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Student tickes are $10, and adult tickets are $15. For more information see www.NHSEF.org.

February will see the Foundation host its annual banquet featuring a cabaret showcase from the school’s music departments. All community members are invited to attend the Feb. 25 event at Longmont’s Plaza Hotel (formerly the Radisson.)

Since 1994, the education foundation has funded the purchase of school equipment, field trips, scholarships, and staff development programs.

Photo by Tina Eden
The cast performs its final song of Les Miserables at Niwot High School. Niwot High School put on four performances of the Boublil–Schonberg musical based on Victor Hugo’s epic novel of the same name.