marianoelle
Musical Theatre
It was the first time we sang the "Epilogue" of Les Mis off-book. I stood center stage in the ensemble, nervous I would mess up the lyrics. As it came time for the ensemble to sing, suddenly my voice choked up and my eyes welled up with tears. Not with tears of anxiety or sadness, but tears of love—I was right where I belonged.
Ever since then, the stage and I have been inseparable. Being on stage allows me to leave myself at the door and be someone else for a while, seeing the world through their eyes. Although I don't plan on pursuing acting as a career, I will never be able to part with this love of mine, whether that be by continuing to act in local productions or writing analyses of my favorite shows.
Research
When I auditioned for that local production of Les Mis, I had no idea what the show was about. I knew it was about a guy named Jean Valjean who was in prison for stealing bread and that it was a famous musical. I decided to audition for the show because I knew it would be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Little did I know that auditioning for that musical would impact the rest of my life—emotionally, spiritually, and academically.
My love for Les Misérables has led me to conduct my own research about the show. I was particularly fascinated with the intersection of religion and identity, observed primarily in Jean Valjean and Javert. I have spent the last three semesters writing my undergraduate thesis—a feat I am very proud of.
Click the buttons below to read my abstract and a smaller, more focused version of my thesis. The full project will be available soon.