Cathedral Prep’s theater program closed out its season this past weekend with an emotionally charged production of Les Misérables, leaving audiences talking and cast members reflecting on months of dedication.
The production demanded a level of intensity that pushed many students to balance academics, extracurriculars, and hours of rehearsal. Junior Leighton Leeds, fresh off a state championship with the swim team, had little time to transition from the pool to the stage.
“Since I was a part of the state championship team for swimming, I had about two weeks to rehearse for Les Mis,” Leighton said. “That meant I had to constantly be working on my songs and lines during the swim season. Going straight from winning a state championship to performing one of the hardest musicals of all time was not easy in the slightest, but it made me feel so fulfilled and accomplished.”
The emotional weight of Les Misérables, with its themes of sacrifice, justice, and redemption, seemed to resonate deeply with the students bringing it to life. For Junior Christian Mungarurire, the journey to opening night was both demanding and meaningful.
“Preparing for Les Mis had its ups and downs. We sacrificed a lot of time to make sure the show was great to perform in front of an audience,” he said. “There were moments when I found rehearsals to be a pain, but experiencing them with others made them special memories for me. In the end, I wish I could do one more show or have one more rehearsal because of the amazing people I have met. Now that it is over, I feel very emotional and a bit empty, knowing I may never get to experience something like that again.”
Senior Caden Clark echoed a similar sentiment.
“It was the best show I have done during my time at Prep,” Caden said. “We all went out with a bang this year. It was a lot of hard work, but it was super rewarding, and I could tell the audience really enjoyed it.”
His enthusiasm echoed the energy in the auditorium, where each performance was met with a standing ovation.
That sense of bittersweet pride seemed to linger long after the final curtain call. For many cast members, this was not just another school production; it was a milestone, a challenge, and a celebration of what students can accomplish when they commit wholeheartedly to their craft.
As the lights dimmed on Cathedral Prep’s stage for the last time this season, one thing was clear: Les Misérables was not just a performance; it was a moment the cast and the community will never forget.
