Les Miserables (Concert version)

LES MISERABLES IN MACKAY IN 2002

The Musical, Les Miserables, written by Alain Boubil and Claude-Michel SchÁ¶nberg, has literally swept the world, and, in the process, captured the imagination and the emotions of millions of people.
The Mackay Choral Society (MCS) will be presenting this wonderful musical, in the concert version, at the Mackay Entertainment Centre (MEC) from Thursday, November 7 through Saturday, November 9.
There will be four shows in all, with a matinée at 2pm on the Saturday, finishing with the final production at 8pm on Saturday, November 9.
The MCS has successfully presented many musicals in Mackay, since its inception in 1945, however its main thrust has always been towards the annual Eisteddfod, where they throw down the gauntlet to the whole of North Queensland.
To date, the Mackay Choral Society has secured the Aggregate and Championship trophies for Medium Choirs, almost every year.
The President of MCS, Ken Martin, is directing this production and he has been lucky to secure the services of Dimitri Kopinakis as the Musical Director.
Dimitri is presently teaching at the Central Queensland University Conservatorium of Music (affectionately known as the 'Con') and he possesses a long list of achievements and qualifications.
He will, for this production, not only be conducting the orchestra, which comprises many musicians drawn from both the Mackay Symphony Orchestra and from the 'Con', but also the 80 strong Mackay Choral Society, whose members will sing the ensemble or chorus parts of the show.
The two major Principal roles are that of Jean Valjean and Javert, and they will be sung to perfection by John Haddock and Geoff Stewart-McLean respectively, who both have a wealth of stage experience.
The majority of the students in Les Mis are being played by students from the Conservatorium of Music and the part of Fantine is being sung by Helen Schaffer, who is a Batchelor of Music, is a music specialist assigned to five regional schools, is the Conductor of the Mackay Choral Society's Young Chorale, and she recently won the Champion of Champions' Voice at the North Queensland Eisteddfod.
While the other Principal roles are being played by singers who may not be known on the national circuit, it is credit to Mackay and district that we have so many talented and experienced artists in our midst, all home grown.
Les Miserables In Concert will most certainly be a show to put on your MUST SEE list.