MEET THE CAST

Come backstage with cast member Drew Williams as he talks to some of the talented actors of StarStruck's production of Les Miserables. The cast members let their hair down about the characters they play, some of the unexpected things that happen in a live performance, advice for other young aspiring actors, and post-Les Miz dreams. 

MICHAEL JON LANDRETH (Jean Valjean). This is Michael's first show with Starstruck, where he is excited to be reprising the role of Valjean; he was first seen in this role in Newark High School's spring production of LES MISERABLES. Michael is grateful for the experiences he has gained, and the new people he has met. Michael would like to thank his best friend Brittany for always being by his side no matter how many miles apart. He would also like to thank the amazing directors of Starstruck who all have given Michael the opportunity to be on this stage! Finalement, Il espére que vous apprécierez ce spectacle à grand et beau, parce qu'il l'aime beaucoup. Salut!

BENJAMIN HALL (Javert) is honored to be performing in his sixth production with StarStruck. Recent credits include 'Pete' in CRAZY FOR YOU and 'The Rum Tum Tugger' in CATS. Come fall, he will be returning to Azusa Pacific University to study Theatre. He'd like to thank his parents, who are consistently loving and supportive, as well as the Artistic Staff, who have been unbelievably helpful and dedicated during this rehearsal process. Enjoy the show!

CONNOR STOKES (Thenardier) is more than happy to be performing in his sixth StarStruck Show.  His more recent StarStruck roles include Mayor Shinn in THE MUSIC MAN and Gus the Theatre Cat in CATS. A recent graduate of Mission San Jose High School, he was also Antipholus of Syracuse in the school's production of COMEDY OF ERRORS. He would like to thank his family and girlfriend for being so awesome!

KIMBERLY CHATTERJEE (Madame Thenardier) has had an incredible time in LES MISERABLES, her fifth show with Starstruck. She was last seen in CATS last summer. A recent graduate of Washington High School, she will be attending New York University in the fall to study musical theatre at the Tisch School of the Arts. She thanks Lori, Nancy, and Jeanne for giving her the tools and inspiration to make her dreams come true, and the Starstruck family for the wonderful memories. Finally, she thanks her family for their unwavering support and belief in her. She hopes you enjoy the show!

JAMES M. JONES (Marius) is pleased to return to StarStruck Theater once again. His previous roles include Harold Hill in THE MUSIC MAN, Scarecrow in THE WIZARD OF OZ, and Snail in A YEAR WITH FROG AND TOAD. He will miss his friends and family at StarStruck for their constant support, for always believing in him. He would like to dedicate this show to his parents, for being a part of his life and making him the person who he is today. Thank you mom and dad, con much amor.

CHELSEY SUE (adult Cosette) is thrilled to be performing in her third Starstruck show. You may recognize her from her previous Starstruck roles: Marian Paroo in THE MUSIC MAN, and Jellylorum in CATS. She would like to thank her family for the time and effort they have put into her performance and also everyone involved with the music, movement, costumes, set, and other theatrical aspects for helping us look and sound as amazing as possible. She would especially like to thank Lori for the opportunity to act in such a challenging musical. Now she hopes you will sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!

KARINA SIMPSON (adult Eponine) is a homeschooled thirteen-year-old. She has been involved in theatre for five years and has been singing for eight. This is her sixth show with StarStruck Theatre and she is elated to be a part of such a phenomenal cast. Previous Starstruck productions include HONK!, SEUSSICAL JR., and THE MUSIC MAN. She is happy to be able to share these wonderful experiences and memories with people she loves.

LANCE SMITH (Enjolras) would like to welcome you all to this amazing production of LES MISERABLES. Previous roles include: Alonzo/GrowlTiger in Starstruck's CATS (2009), Conrad Birdie in Mission San Jose High School's BYE BYE BIRDIE (2009), and Curley McLain in MSJHS production of OKLAHOMA! (2010). He would like to send much love to his friends and family and, to his outstanding directors Lori, Nancy, Jeanne, Jeff and Lee who gave myself, and the rest of this wonderful cast a chance to shine. Enjoy!

CALLIE GARRETT (Fantine) thanks you for reading her bio. You might recognize her from previous StarStruck shows: 42nd STREET (Ensemble), THE WIZARD OF OZ (Dorothy), and CATS (Jemima). Perhaps you've seen other shows she has been in at Fremont Christian School such as LITTLE WOMEN (Beth) or THE MUSIC MAN (Marian Paroo). She's loved every one of them and hopes you enjoy her most recent challenge, Fantine.

ANDREW APY (Gavroche) is ecstatic to be in his second StarStruck show.  Prior roles include Charlie in WILLY WONKA JR., and member of the River City Boys Band in THE MUSIC MAN.  He enjoys theatre very much and hopes to someday be paid for what he loves to do.  He would like to dedicate his performance to Ms. Gina Ali, his former music teacher, who inspired him to be on stage.  He thanks Mom, Dad and all of the friends and family who came to see the show.

RACHEL SUE (Young Cosette, Ensemble) will be entering 7th grade in the fall. She is thrilled to be part of LES MISERABLES. Her previous roles with Star Struck include: Mayzie in SEUSSICAL JR., Amaryllis in THE MUSIC MAN, and one of four narrators in JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT. She would like to thank Lori, Jeanne, Nancy, Anthony, Lee and Jeff for making this an amazing experience. She hopes you enjoy the show.

Special thanks to Eponine stand-in, July 29 performance:

KATHERINE DELA CRUZ (Factory Worker #5, Lovely Lady, Revolutionary) was born in British Columbia, Canada and moved to California 3 years ago. She recently graduated from Irvington High School where she was seen in the role of Sandy Dumbrowski in GREASE and the title role in AIDA. Besides her achievement in acting and singing, she has also appeared in many piano and dance festivals. This is her first Starstruck show and she would like to thank the cast and directors for a great first experience!