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West End actor (Toronto's Les Miz, The Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies) makes his Broadway debut as Jean Valjean, the musical's protagonist who was imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread 鈥� forever branded as prisoner number 24601 鈥� escapes and creates a new life for himself in 1800s France.
Leading man Karimloo admitted to 半岛体育 magazine, "I turned [the role of Jean Valjean] down when [producer] Cameron [Mackintosh] first offered it. I didn't think I could find a way into the character of Jean Valjean. I thought maybe I could play Javert instead. And then, at the 25th Anniversary concert of Phantom, Cameron came to my dressing room and said he'd come for his pound of flesh... I owe everything to him. He's allowed me to grow as an actor, he's been my mentor, and I have the greatest respect for him."
"I told him," said producer , "'I want you to play it. You're not too young, you'll bring something fresh to Jean Valjean. And this is a fantastic way for you to make your Broadway debut.'" Beginning April 3, Karimloo Thursday evenings for vocal rest. In addition, he will not perform May 19-22 due to a pre-existing professional obligation. During these performances, the role of Jean Valjean will be performed by or .
The revival also stars (Broadway debut, Spring Awakening national tour, "Smash," Off-Broadway's Carrie) as Marius, Tony Award nominee (Hair, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Little Miss Sunshine) as Javert, West End and Broadway actress (Ghost, Hair, Murder Ballad) as Fantine, Tony Award winner (The Book of Mormon; Fetch Clay, Make Man) as Eponine, (West End production of The Scottsboro Boys, Broadway debut) as Enjolras, Canadian actor (The 39 Steps, Toronto's Les Miz) as Thenardier and Tony Award nominee (Hands on a Hardbody) as Madame Thenardier.
Late in the show's rehearsal process, (The Phantom of the Opera) took over the role of Cosette. The actress replaced (Les Miz at the St. Louis Muny, current musical theatre student at the University of Michigan). Press representatives previously declined to comment on Maltby's departure.
Previews began March 1.
The Les Miz ensemble includes , (Mary Poppins), (Forbidden Broadway), , (Cinderella), Nathaniel Hackmann, (Hair), , , (Mary Poppins), (Mamma Mia!), (A Little Night Music), (Jesus Christ Superstar), , , , (Hair), (On a Clear Day You Can See Forever) and Aaron Walpole (Jesus Christ Superstar).
() and (Priscilla Queen of the Desert), both of whom appeared in the 25th anniversary tour of Les Mis茅rables, share the role of Gavroche; with and (Once) sharing the role of Little Cosette and Young Eponine. (The Sound of Music Live!) appears in the ensemble and covers the roles of Little Cosette and Young Eponine. The swings are (The Little Mermaid), , , and .
The new production is directed by and James Powell, designed by Matt Kinley (inspired by the paintings of ) with costumes by original designer and additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting by , sound by Mick Potter and projections by Fifty-Nine Productions. The new version inspired filmmakers to create the recent award-winning film of the same name.
The original New York production of Les Mis茅rables premiered at the Broadway Theatre March 12, 1987, and later moved to the Imperial Oct. 17, 1990, where it played until May 18, 2003, for a total Broadway run of 6,680 performances.
This marks the third time Les Miz plays Broadway. Its first revival (staged by the original creative team, including and ) was presented in 2006.
The Tony-winning score includes such classics as "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?," "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," "Master Of The House" and more.
Les Miz, written by Boublil and Sch枚nberg, is based on the 19th-century novel by Victor Hugo. It has music by Sch枚nberg, lyrics by and original French text by Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, original adaption by Trevor Nunn and John Caird and additional material by James Fenton.
The original Les Miz orchestrations are by John Cameron with new orchestrations by Christopher Jahnke and additional orchestrations by Stephen Metcalfe and Stephen Brooker.
The original London production is still running and is in its 29th year. The musical premiered at the in a co-production with the in 1985. It transferred to the Palace Theatre in December of that year and then moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre in April 2004 where it is still playing. Les Miz is the fourth longest-running Broadway production of all time.
For tickets phone (212) 239-6200 or visit . Visit .
