Opera Club

Residents are invited to watch the film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s play “Les Miserables” at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept 18, at the Opera Club’s new location—the Learning Center—located off the main meeting space of Clubhouse 3. Club secretary Joyce Bachner, who is a research expert of all things musical, will introduce this Hollywood take on Claude-Michel Schoenberg’s heart -gripping music that focuses on courage, love, heartbreak, resilience and redemption.

It is a tale of Jean Valjean, who stole a loaf of bread to feed his starving sister’s child and served 19 years in prison for his theft. As an ex-convict, he is shunned by everyone except Bishop Myriel who gives him food and shelter, but from whom Valjean nevertheless steals silver only to be caught by a policeman named Javert and pardoned when the pastor claims he had given the silver to him.

Valjean vows to amend his life and succeeds in a new identity by becoming a wealthy business owner and mayor of his town. When he discovers that one of his former employees, a young woman named Fantine, has failed her young daughter Cosette, he applies all his efforts in making things right for the child despite being pursued by the police inspector Javert who continues to regard Valjean as a criminal.

Much of the action takes place against a revolutionary background of young adults fighting the armed forces for liberation in Paris of 1830. Teen Cosette falls in love with a young activist, Marius, as other young people falling to the bullets of the military guard.

The resolution of the story evokes both tears and satisfaction. Attendees are invited to participate in a brief discussion following the film after which the succeeding month’s presentation will be announced.

The musical is presented in English with English subtitles for easy comprehension. People are cautioned to wear masks while indoors for safety. No dues or fees will be collected. For more information contact club President Beverly Emus (562) 296-5586 or email Beverly90740@ gmail.com.