Patricia Williams is feeling a sense of nostalgia to be among the cast of Les Misérables, coming to the Manning Entertainment Centre in November.
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Back in 1995 she played the role of Fantine for Taree Arts Council and now she’s back in the very different role of Madame Thénardier.
“Fantine was a nice, yet tragic victim of circumstances who gets to sing one of the greatest musical theatre songs ever written (I Dreamed a Dream).
“On the other hand Madame Thénardier is a calculating money grubber who is determined to survive.
“The two roles are poles apart and this time it’s great to play a more hard-bitten character,” said Patricia.
The two roles are poles apart and this time it’s great to play a more hard-bitten character.
- Patricia Williams
Madame Thénardier is the wife of the crooked Monsieur Thénardier, played by David Stephens.
“She is his accomplice in crime and together they fleece the customers at their inn. He irritates her at times but she loves him.
“She is supposed to be looking after Fantine’s daughter, Little Cosette but instead she turns her into a servant; mistreats her, and at the same time spoils her own daughter Éponine.
“Later in the show, after they lose their inn and the Thénardiers form a gang of scamming street thieves.”
Patricia said the composers wrote the Thénardiers to be corrupt but also comedic so it has been quite a challenge for her.
“But I’m into the swing of it now and I’m enjoying the role immensely.”
She is working closely with Dave, who she describes as a “super talent”.
“He’s a terrific actor with a superb feel for the character and we hit it off instantly.
“The cast are a great bunch of people and a joy to work with. I love going to rehearsals, it’s like catching up with family.”
Patricia has studied voice and performance technique over many years and worked as a professional singer.
She she is a singing teacher in Forster.
When it came to auditioning for her current role, Patricia did some work on her singing style.
“I didn’t think my normal singing voice was right for the part and so before the auditions I worked on a type of cockney twang.
“The panel seemed to like it because I got the role and it’s helped me to embody Mme Thénardier’s persona.”
The cast are a great bunch of people and a joy to work with. I love going to rehearsals, it’s like catching up with family.
- Patricia Williams
This is Patricia’s seventh production with Taree Arts Council.
She has previously appeared as Fantine in Les Misérables (1995), Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar (1996), Mrs Greenwich and the nightclub singer in Leader of the Pack (1998), Mrs Segstrom in A Little Night Music (2002), was vocal director for Grease (2007) and Grizabella in Cats (2008).
She said Les Misérables has a moving storyline and incredibly beautiful music, making it a wonderful theatre experience for everyone.
“I’m looking forward to being part of the show again.”
Taree Art Council’s Les Misérables is on at the Manning Entertainment Centre, Taree, from November 2 to 18. Book at www.themec.com.au.