Photo Coverage: Gary Morris mentors Hume-Fogg High's LES MISERABLES cast

One of the best things about living in Nashville - known throughout the world as Music City USA - is that even when you're mounting a high school production, you have the opportunity to draw inspiration from the wealth of talent found in the city. That certainly was the case this week when Daron Bruce, director of theater at Hume-Fogg Academic High School welcomed country music superstar and Broadway veteran Gary Morris to conduct a workshop for the cast his upcoming production of Les Miserables.

Morris, who gained international attention and critical acclaim when at the top of his country music career he took on the daunting task of playing Jean Valjean on Broadway during the original Broadway run of Les Miserables, for which she won a Drama Desk nomination.

On Wednesday, October 13, Morris conducted a mentoring session with the 50-member student cast of Hume-Fogg's production of Les Miserables, talking with the students about his own experiences in the show and throughout his career. Morris talked to the students about what it takes to keep the voice strong during the run of such a daunting production.

"We were very lucky to have Gary Morris speak to our cast at rehearsal this week," Bruce said. "He even sang for the kids, performing his Grammy Award-winning 'Wind Beneath My Wings,' including a part of 'Bring Him Home' in the performance."

Hume-Foggs production of Les Miserables will be presented at the school, located appropriately at 700 Broadway in downtown Nashville, November 4-6, with 7 p.m. shows Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, November 6. Reserved seats go on sale October 25; for reserved seats, call (615) 291-6300, ext. 808106.

The 50-person cast is led by senior Luke Denison as Jean Valjean and Donovan Jordan as Javert. The cast also features First Night Most Promising Actor honoree Mariah Parris (Fantine), Sophia Salveson (Eponine), Joey Mooradian (Marius), Neely Scott (Cosette), Michael Taylor (Thenardier), CameRon Morgan (Mme. Thenardier) and Ryan Stewart (Enjolras).

Daron Bruce directs, with Lisa Forbis as vocal director/assistant director. Pam Atha is choreographer, with Sally McFadden as orchestra conductor and Bob House as show conductor/accompanist. Set design is by Jim Manning.

photographs by BEV MOSER, Nashville