WATCH: Fans Serenade the Cast of Les Misérables After Closing Show
Fans of the highly successful Les Misérables Manila run gathered together at the stage door of The Theatre at Solaire last May 1 to send their warm goodbyes to the cast.
The harana was organized by Yvonne Russell, Alphonzo Alegrado, Tin Tuguigui, and Jusmin Esperanzate. Yvonne and Jusmin handmade all the confetti and flags, Tin made the tarpaulin, and Alphonzo got the event approved.
The video is owned by Waynes Lee.
the organizers (L-R: Yvonne Russell, Jusmin Esperanzante, Alphonzo Alegrado, Tin Tuguigui)
I talked to Yvonne Russell to get more information about the event.
“People gathered at the lounge near the drop-off area at around 9:30pm. They went out to rehearse at the stage door at around 10pm. The harana started at around 11:10pm. I think it lasted for an hour. There were a lot of people! The cast were all so excited and happy to hear the fans sing for them. The kids loved the confetti and even played with the confetti on the floor. Most of the cast members were taking videos of the harana. Everyone stayed for quite a long time to sign and take photos, especially Paul Wilkins, who was the last one to leave.”
Paul Wilkins (Marius)
“I didn’t expect it to be successful. We had three days to prepare and I was full-on panic mode throughout those 3 days leading up to the harana. Thankfully there were a lot of Les Misérables fans that were willing to help. Someone even volunteered to contribute roses for the cast for free!”
L-R: Melanie Cornell (swing) and Lauren Soley ensemble and understudy to Fantine and Cosette)
L-R: Simon Gleeson (Jean Valjean) and Black Erickson (swing)
“I couldn’t really focus during Act 2 last night. So much was going on in my head. I was worrying about how the harana might go, how I would run to the stage door, and how it was their last show in Manila. In the end, everything worked out.”
Rachelle Ann Go (Fantine)
Russell was also the one who started the Petition to bring Les Misérables to Manila Facebook fanpage. Soon after she started it, Alegrado joined in and helped out.
Watch the video below to get a more inside look at the event!
The musical ran from March 11 until May 1, from Tuesdays to Thursdays at The Theatre at Solaire. The last show was held last May 1 at 8pm.
the fans!
*the photos were given by Yvonne Russell
