Both girls are from talented families. Joanna’s mother is a pianist, piano and voice teacher, and has worked as a musical director. Isabelle’s parents, Dr. Clay Miller and Rhonda Miller, are both former dancers with Ballet West in Salt Lake City.

A fourth-grader at the Roosevelt Elementary School in Melrose, Isabelle said that at the “Les Miz” audition, “I was kind of nervous, but I also know the songs and I was confident.” When she got the role of Young Eponine and understudy for Young Cosette, she said, “I was excited because this is a big deal.” Melissa Bisso, who worked with her in several shows at the Wakefield Repertory Company as a producer and performer, said Isabelle is a mature 9-year-old.

“She comes in knowing her lines and her music and is very attentive during rehearsals,” Bisso said. . “She has a lot of discipline. And she definitely has a lot of natural talent.” As for pursing a career in theater, Isabelle said, “I’ll have to see. I am enjoying this, but there are other things I’d like to do and try. I like pets and might want to be a veterinarian.” Joanna is more certain of her future. “I really, really want to be an actress in musical theater when I grow up,” she said.

“I think ‘Les Miz’ is a really good experience for me and the start of my career.” Fred Inkley, who plays the role of Jean Valjean - which he did on Broadway in 1995 and 1998 - said Joanna is “very innocent, yet professional. It’s fun to watch her. She is extremely sweet and a great little talent. She has a beautiful voice. It is very pure and dead-on.” Anthony Trecek-King, artistic director of the Boston Children’s Chorus, said Joanna “is a wonderful kid and a bubbly person.