With an extensive background in theater, ranging from acting “Gypsy” to “Sunday in the Park with George,” English teacher Jeanette Bonjour is no stranger to acting.
“I’ve always loved being on stage and performing,” Bonjour said. “The first show I can remember doing is ‘Lil Abner’ in seventh grade at Meadowbrook. And I’ve just done it ever since.”
Having known the musical for 27 years, Bonjour thought it was a no-brainer to audition for the Jewish Community Center’s (JCC) production of “Les Miserables.” But she also thought she would only be part of the ensemble. Which is why she let out a shriek when she got an email from the JCC Monday afternoon telling her she’d received the part of Madame Thenardier.
“I was very excited,” Bonjour said. “This is a part I really wanted. The cast is amazing; it’s a mix of people I’ve never worked with before [or] haven’t worked with in a long time, and some friends. I can’t wait.”
Open-call auditions were Aug. 11 and 12, with callback auditions taking place Aug. 18. After having initially auditioned for the role of Fantine that Sunday, Bonjour received a callback that Tuesday, along with five other women, for the role of Madame Thenardier.
“It’s the most amazing show in the world,” Bonjour said. “I can still remember the first time I heard the soundtrack. I have visual memory of where I was at that time, and I can’t say that for very many things in my life.”
“Les Miserables” follows Jean Valjean, a convict who breaks his parole to lead a new life while constantly being pursued by the policeman Javert. While on the run, Valjean encounters Fantine, a dying seamstress who’s had to resort to desperate measures to keep her daughter Cosette alive. As Mme. Thenardier, Bonjour will play an innkeeper’s wife and also the woman who looks after Cosette.
Bonjour was in Theater in the Park’s production of “Children of Eden” this summer with East students Alec, Justin and Tyler Armer. Although Bonjour did not audition with any current East students for “Les Miserables,” around 150 people showed up for the first night of auditions, including East alum Katie Bartow.
Bonjour auditioned for “Les Miserables” with the song “When You’re Good to Mama” from the musical “Chicago,” after having spent most of her weekend preparing. As the show has very little dialogue, Bonjour did not read any scenes for the audition.
Rehearsals for the show begin Aug. 27, with varied showings in November at the White Theater. More information can be found here.
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