Michelle Nicastro as Eponine 1988 |
I first saw the show at the Shubert in 1989. I loved Fantine (played by Elinore O'Connell), but that's a story for another day. I also was riveted, moved to heart wrenching sobs with Eponine, played by amazingly talented Michelle Nicastro. I never forgot Michelle. Her performance (which I saw 3 times) left an indelible mark on my soul.
Ten years later she performed a children's show at our local Valencia shopping mall. By then she was known as the voice of Odette in the The Swan Princess. I arrived with my 3-year-old daughter, Carissa, and my original Les Mis program. When I asked her to sign it for me, she was very touched that I had remembered her.
After the show tonight, I was waxing nostalgic. So I looked Michelle up on the internet. It tears me up to say this, but I learned that Michelle passed away this past November from breast and brain cancer. So, I just want to remember her tonight, and how her voice and her spirit touched at least one soul in a most powerful and permanent way.
Good-bye Michelle, my Eponine. May God keep you close to his heart.
I am so, so sad...
Michelle autographed my program 10 years later! |
Eponine & Marius |
Oh how sad! It's amazing the impact she had on you. I've never seen Les Mis, and I know I've been missing out.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to see it again. I love Les Mis too. I don't think I've ever heard of Michelle. I'll have to look her up now.
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