‘Les Misérables’ Production by Havelock North High School Outstanding´
Convicts' Chorus
"High School musical productions can often be a mixture of talent and inexperience which leaves the critic feeling that whilst a show had its moments it did not quite satisfy the audience.
Havelock North High School’s production of ‘Les Misérables’ disproves this view. From the opening convicts’ chorus and throughout the show the chorus of sixty students were strong and dramatically focussed. The full chorus opening number, ‘At the End of the Day’ typified the energy and precision of both the singing and the careful choreography of the cast.
Soloists in ‘Les Misérables’ are expected to perform some very challenging numbers. They did not disappoint. Christopher Clarke, as Jean Valjean was outstanding. The emotion and yet purity of voice in his rendition of ‘Bring Him Home’ was for me the highlight of the show. His whole portrayal of Jean Valjean was both musically and dramatically centred. Valjean’s protagonist, Javert was ably played by Samuel Frost. The makeup and costuming greatly enhanced Frost’s portrayal of an unbending man and his singing showcased the strength of the character.
Tarryn Clark’s portrayal of Fantine was feisty and yet she handled the pathos of her death with great credibility. Her strong soprano voice was beautifully displayed in the song ‘I Dreamed a Dream’.
The comic roles of Thenardier and Madame Thenardier, broke the otherwise rather depressing plot of the musical. The black humour of the grasping, cheating Thenadier was exploited very skilfully by Samuel McKeever and he was ably supported by Malin Dolden as his vulgar, nasty wife.
The romantic leads Isabella Mills as Cosette and Tim Keip as Marius were charming and they negotiated some very tricky duets with admirable vocal agility. Hannah Pike played the role of Eponine with equal amounts of flirtatiousness and tragic pathos.
The production was ably supported technically with some creative lighting, which enhanced the chorus tableaux in particular. The costuming of such a large cast must have proved a major challenge, but costumes effectively complemented setting and plot.
Particular mention must be made of the music and sound. A small orchestra, ably led by Robbie Cargill gave a sensitively balanced support to soloists and chorus. All soloists were miked and overall this helped the young voices in their performances.
Havelock North High School should be proud of this quality production and all involved are to be congratulated on the way in which they have succeeded in the staging of such a major undertaking as ‘Les Misérables’."
2014 Year 9 Scholarship Applications
2013 Year 9 Scholarship application forms can be downloaded by clicking the link below. Completed applications must be submitted to the front office by 3.30pm on Friday 10th May. Please contact the school office if you have any questions regarding the Year 9 Scholarships.
Athletics Day 2013
Athletics day was another outstanding event with students battling it out on the track and field in both competition and house events.
ATHLETICS 2013 from Havelock North High School on Vimeo.
Term Dates 2013
Term 1: 31st January - 19th April
Term 2: 6th May - 12th July
Term 3: 29th July - 27th September
Term 4: 14th October - 13th December
See the Calendar of Events for further 2013 key dates.
2013 Course Registration
Year 10 students may access the 2013 Course Booklet via the link below:
2013 Year 10 Course Booklet
This booklet contains information about every Year 10 subject and should be viewed by every student prior to making their subject decisions for 2013.
This booklet contains information about every senior subject and should be viewed by every student prior to making their subject decisions for 2013.
