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A Little Older and Wiser: Swick Performs Les Mis Again
Ryan Swick is no stranger to "Les Miserables." When the Norwalk high junior was in sixth grade he was selected to play Gavroche, a street-wise boy for NHS's 2005 production of Les Mis. Now five years later, the talented singer is back on stage for the same play, this time as Marius, a student revolutionary.
Ryan still remembers his experience clearly as a sixth grader. His string and music teachers at Nathan Hale suggested that he audition. "I wasn't even in choir, but I think they thought I was musical since I played the viola. I remember going to Norwalk High and singing to a radio in the dark."
So much about that first Les Mis experience is memorable, says Ryan, especially how nice all the upperclassmen were to him. He also remembers specific cast members particularly well. "I had a crush on the girl who played Cosette. I would get jealous anytime she talked to other guys." The love affair with Cosette continues, this time on stage. (Marius is in love with Cosette.)
Ryan also recalls the matinee performance when kids from his middle school came to watch the performance. "I got so much attention. I had to tell myself to be humble." If it weren't for that experience, Swick says that he might not have pursued singing and theatre. "I might have been in the band or orchestra."
Age and experience are serving Ryan well as he prepares Les Mis this time around. "It has definitely helped me with the preparation of the music. I have a foundation and feel prepared. Also, I understand the story more and the reasoning behind why the characters act the way they do."
This year, the production seems to be more elaborate, according to Ryan. He also believes this year's cast is especially talented. "We are a very close knit group of people and the quality of this cast is very high."
The Invisible Man
Chris Martinez has a crucial role in Les Miserables--to be as invisible as possible. Martinez, a senior, is stage manager and his job is to maintain the set and make sure that the scene changes during the play go smoothly. "If you don't really notice the scene changes, then I'm doing my job," he says. Martinez has been stage manager since his sophomore year and before that he was assistant stage manager. Martinez plays drums for the marching band in the fall and winter and come spring, he is always looking for something to do. "I really like being backstage. I think its easier than being onstage."
Martinez manages a crew of 10 people and says the challenge this year is the size of the sets. There are seven large sets that need to be managed. "I have to plan out every detail, who can move each piece and when," says Martinez who keeps a notebook close at hand to jot down the details of set direction. Martinez also knows that not everything always goes perfectly in live theatre. "I also have to be quick on my feet in case something goes wrong and I have to wing it."
Martinez is sentimental about his last year working on the musical and about the fact that Mr. Smith is retiring. "We are graduating with him. It's cool that we are putting on his favorite musical."
After graduation, Martinez is going into the U.S. Navy. "I don't see myself in a classroom setting. I am very active and like challenges." Martinez hopes the Navy will pay his way through college so that he will be the first member of his family--who came to the U.S. from Colombia--to graduate from college. "The play has taught me about leadership skills, thinking quick on my feet and managing a team. It's prepared me for the future."
This years performances of "Les Miserables" will be April 30, May 1, 7, 8, 14 and 15 at 8:00 p.m. in the Norwalk High School Auditorium. There will be a special matinee performance on Sunday, May 2 at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available for $12.00 for adults, $10.00 for students and senior citizens. Ticket order forms are available at the Norwalk High School front office or on the web at www.norwalkhighmusical.com. You can also purchase tickets at 6:30 p.m. the night of the performance.
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