Published July 2nd, 2014
Two Lamorinda Residents Part of 'Les Misérables' Cast at Woodminster
Submitted by Kathy Kahn
Lafayette resident Ginnie Menezes and Orinda resident Lauren Bond will join a cast of over 40 in the production of "Les Misérables" at Oakland's Woodminster Amphitheater, an open-air performance facility in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park, located at 3300 Joaquin Miller Road in the Oakland hills. This stirring pop opera will be presented July 11-20 by Woodminster Summer Musicals, outdoors under the stars, with a live, professional orchestra. Lauren, a 15-year-old student at Miramonte High School, is one of the youngest people in the show. She is making her professional debut in "Les Miserables" at Woodminster Amphitheater. Previously, Lauren has been involved in school productions, the most recent being Miramonte's "Shrek" in spring 2014. In addition, she has performed in shows such as "Guys and Dolls," "Once on this Island," "The Wiz," "Peter Pan" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Lauren also studies ballet, piano, tap and voice. Menezes has performed under the stars at Woodminster for over 30 years. She has also performed with the Lamplighters, Pacific Rep in Carmel by the Sea, and performs with the Children's Theatre Association of San Francisco. One of the most popular mu
Lafayette resident Ginnie Menezes and Orinda resident Lauren Bond will join a cast of over 40 in the production of "Les Mis¡érables" at Oakland's Woodminster Amphitheater, an open-air performance facility in Oakland's Joaquin Miller Park, located at 3300 Joaquin Miller Road in the Oakland hills. This stirring pop opera will be presented July 11-20 by Woodminster Summer Musicals, outdoors under the stars, with a live, professional orchestra.
Lauren, a 15-year-old student at Miramonte High School, is one of the youngest people in the show. She is making her professional debut in "Les Miserables" at Woodminster Amphitheater. Previously, Lauren has been involved in school productions, the most recent being Miramonte's "Shrek" in spring 2014. In addition, she has performed in shows such as "Guys and Dolls," "Once on this Island," "The Wiz," "Peter Pan" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Lauren also studies ballet, piano, tap and voice. Menezes has performed under the stars at Woodminster for over 30 years. She has also performed with the Lamplighters, Pacific Rep in Carmel by the Sea, and performs with the Children's Theatre Association of San Francisco.
One of the most popular musicals in history, "Les Misérables" is set in 19th Century France and tells the story of Jean Valjean, a peasant who has been released after serving 19 years in prison for stealing a loaf of bread for his sister's starving child. In his quest for redemption and peace, he decides to break parole, but is relentlessly pursued by a policeman, Javert. Their story intertwines with several others, culminating in the Paris student uprising of 1832, and a dramatic and romantic climax where justice triumphs. The production will be directed by Joel Schlader, with music direction by Brian Allan Hobbs. The music from "Les Misérables" includes several songs that are already popular standards, like "I Dreamed A Dream," "On My Own," and "One Day More."
Tickets are available by phone, at (510) 531-9597, online at www.woodminster.com, or in person at Woodminster Amphitheater 11-4 daily or at the box office before any performance. Performances are July 11 (opening), July 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, and 20, all at 8 p.m. For information about tickets, check www.woodminster.com or call (510) 531-9597. Woodminster is continuing its popular Kids Come Free program, where children and teens 16 or younger who are attending with paying adults can get free tickets on performance nights. Producers Associates is seeking sponsors for this longstanding program, which helps families introduce their kids to live theater in a relaxed and affordable environment.
The final dress rehearsal of "Les Misérables" on July 10 will be open to the public as a "preview performance." It will start at 8 p.m.; all tickets are $18 at the door, and seating is open, first-come, first-choice. No group rates, "Kids Come Free," or other further discounts apply for preview performances.





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