This year’s production of Les Miserables has UT’s theater director Paul Finocchiaro both “excited and freaked out”. It is completely evident that his enthusiasm and copious amount of hard work will shine through in the musical that is premiering this November.
When beginning the vital search process that is casting, Finocchiaro looks for students who exude confidence and a strong stage presence. Aspects also on the musical theatre professor’s checklist are the ability to act while singing (which is no simple feat) and the possession of a strong voice.
This year’s cast is made up of a very diverse crowd; ranging from freshmen students to Senior students, and voice majors to classical piano majors. Possessing as much enthusiasm and vigor as Finocchiaro, these students will be attending rehearsals every Sunday through Thursday at 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. beginning September 23 until the show’s premiere on November the 20th.
When searching for the newest UT theater production, Finocchiaro attempts to present an “eclectic mix of theatre experiences”. With his musical debut at the University of Tampa last year of Thoroughly Modern Millie, Finocchiaro strived for more of a Golden Age appeal with the Broadway classic that took place in New York 1922, and followed the story of a small town girl from Kansas looking to start a new life in the city.
Taking on Les Miserables this coming fall will be no walk in the park, but with his impressive record of directing more than thirty plays and musicals, and having a seventeen-year-run in a professional musical career working alongside stars like Michael Crawford and David Cassidy, Finocchiaro is a shoe-in for the job.
As far as taking on the role of director of Les Miserables Finocchiaro expressed that it was the outcome of a conversation with the speech, theater, and dance chair member, Michael Staczar, who asked him how he would like to direct the musical. Finocchiaro‘s response was riddled with excitement saying: “I’m down with that!’, in my best calmly controlled voice.”
According to lesmis.com, the widely loved classic is the world’s longest running musical and has been seen by over 70 million people. Therefore, when Finocchiaro expresses his nervousness it is well justified, but if anyone can put an exciting and refreshing spin on this classic, it’s Finocchiaro and the eager cast of Spartan students that he has hand selected.
Finocchiaro expressed that although this musical is such a massive one, the key to success will undoubtedly be communication.
“I am in charge of this ship!” Finocchiaro said. The enthused professor stressed the importance of ensuring that his vision for this musical is fully understood by all involved in the production of the play. Going as far to say “all of these people have to trust me and my artistic vision in order to have a successful production. In turn, all of these people need to get on my ship so that we can all take the audience on the journey they came to see.”
Les Miserables will be running at Falk Theater on Nov. 20-23. Tickets are free for all University of Tampa Staff and Students.
Madison Kazar can be reached at madison.kazar@spartans.ut.edu.