Storm the Barricade with the Haddam-Killingworth High School Players

The award-winning Haddam-Killingworth High School Players will present Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables this weekend at the high school auditorium.

Production Director Marcy Webster confirms that the show consists of over 80 student participants taking part in the cast, crew and live instrumental orchestra pit.

“Students are involved in every aspect of the show from set construction, lighting, costumes and directing”, she says.

Senior Jill Griswold has assumed the responsibility of student director. Griswold is responsible for coaching and working with groups on individual numbers as well as coordinating rehearsal times when Mrs. Webster is not present.

In addition to Mrs. Webster, there are many other professional and parent volunteers to ensure that the production goes off without a hitch. Art teacher Mrs. Betsy Himmelman, who has worked with H-K Drama for over 20 years, oversees sets and costuming, while Mr. Timothy D’Amato directs the orchestral pit. 

“One of our main goals at H-K drama is to create a professional production that simulates working in a professional theater”, Webster says, “(where) students receive hands on, real world, authentic instruction”.

The Haddam-Killingworth High School Players has a long history of drama excellence on the shoreline and has received awards each year for productions taken to the Connecticut Drama Association Monologue Competition, as well as their Play Festival.  

Director Marcy Webster has been on staff with the district for the past seven years. Previous shows she has directed include “Once Upon a Mattress” “Beauty and the Beast” “Little Chop of Horrors” “Carousel” and “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat.” 

Performances will take place on Friday April 29th and Saturday, April 30th at 7 p.m. There is also a free senior citizen show on Thursday, April 28th at 6 p.m., which is also open to any public free of charge who cannot afford to attend Friday and Saturday because of financial hardship.

Tickets are available at the door or in advance by calling 860.554.5159.

This show is recommended for patrons 12 years of age and up due to scenes of violence and some coarse language.