The cast of Arizona Broadway Theatre's Les Misérables came down from the barricade and took a break to sit down and answer our questions about one of the most beloved musicals of all time. For a show that has been seen around the world and is the longest running musical in London, we wanted to find out what the cast's first memory of the show was as well as why they think the show is so successful. It was clear from their answers that they, just like so many people, love the story and music of the show. But we also wanted to find out what their favorite part of Les Mis was, especially one that they weren't in - hands down "Masters of the House," which is a favorite for many audience members as well, was the big winner. Another big takeaway - they all love the expansive set design for this ABT production, and, for a show that's now having its second Broadway revival, still running in London and continually performed by professional theatre companies, high schools and community theatres, it was a bit of a shock to learn that this is the first production of Les Mis that almost all of the leads have been a part of.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables and have you ever appeared in a production of the show before? When I was in high school I performed “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” in a talent show and won first prize. I was later cast in my first professional production of the show in Boston in 2007. I was in the ensemble and recall being enamored with our Javert’s performance in the show, Steve Asciolla from Broadway’s Camelot. I didn’t know it at the time but my wife said to me then, “You will play this role someday.” And here we are…
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular? The show has been translated into over 20 different languages, and, as a result, been performed across the globe time and time again. Hugo’s novel itself stands as one of the most read and popular novels of the 1800’s. The popularity of the novel combined with the access people have to the musical adaptions across the globe, coupled with the powerful and relatable characters make some of the case as to why it is one of the most popular musicals of all time.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? “Stars,” hands down. It is the first part in the show when we see Javert alone with his thoughts. It is a moment of discovery for him, when his unrelenting desire, goals and ambition are fully examined and proclaimed as he relates his path to that of the consistency of the stars in the sky. He is last seen before this moment demonstrating his power and clearing the “garbage” from the street. That moment, when everyone else clears, is a playground for me as a performer. His guards are down, and it is my chance to bring in the audience, and hopefully resonate and give them a performance that embodies something they can relate and cling to as we continue on with his arc.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of and your favorite thing specifically about this production? The barricade, and the set/lighting design. The barricade itself stands out; it is beautifully structured and designed in this production, thanks, in part, to our unbelievable scenic and lighting designer Paul Black. He captures, in my opinion, the essence of what the barricade sequence should be and his lighting and design take on a character of their own highlighting the key moments throughout. The barricade is a master class in design and performance from the entire company. I love watching it, and seeing the talent unfold on stage.
What do you want audiences to take away from this show? I have the distinct pleasure of greeting every single patron of the theatre as they exit the theatre. Some still reeling from tears and others overjoyed. I cannot count how many people exclaim they have seen the show in London, on Broadway or in concert, and walk out saying this production is “the best of them all.” This production is unique and if it is having a positive and lasting effect on super Les Mis fans and people seeing it for the first time, I think our production is doing its job…leaving the audience with a vivid and positive memory of it.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables?
The first time that I heard Les Mis, I fell in love with it immediately. It was beautiful. It was just a combination of emotions. I always envisioned I would one day play Eponine, and then Fantine and then eventually Mme. Thernardier. It didn't quite go that way but I'm very proud to be part of this.
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular?
I believe because the music is so gorgeous. The story itself takes a human being through so many emotions. I think it's just an interesting work of art.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before? No
What is the hardest part about portraying your character? It's never an easy thing to have to be mean to children. But, I do love playing bad guys, especially bad guys who are mean to children.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? I really have a lot of fun during "Master of the House,” but my favorite moment is during “The Bargain” when I correct Thernardier – he says Collette instead of Cosette, and I'm staring straight at Valjean and have to do a ventriloquist act.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of? Listening to Carly (Eponine) sing “On My Own.” She is a future star!
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? I feel that this particular production of Les Mis is so beautifully staged and the costumes are fantastic; I think, technically, it is a beautiful piece of work. Also, I think we have one of the strongest casts vocally I've seen in a long time in a production of Les Mis.
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? I always try to grow artistically with each show I do. I feel playing a dream role enhances that learning experience.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show?
I want them to leave the theater feeling they have seen a wonderful work of art, performed by wonderful artists.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables? I didn't really grow up with the musical. Before being in the show, I only knew some of the more famous solos. So, my first official memory of the show, in its full version, is the movie.
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular? I think there are a few things that make this show such a success. First, the music is spectacular. It has beautiful orchestrations and it is really exciting to sing. There is a huge sense of community between the men in this show because it's such a man-heavy story. Finally, the female roles are so interesting because they are so different, but are so integral to the plot and story.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before?
No.
What is the hardest part about portraying your character? I usually play more belt heavy roles. I definitely think of myself as a comedic actress. Comedy is something I LOVE to do. I always knew I could play a role like Cosette, but never thought I would be cast as her. I absolutely love her, but adjusting my mindset of what I can play and keeping her simpler is the hardest part of playing her.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? My favorite part is the end of the show because I'm sitting at the front of the stage with Marius, and the rest of the cast is singing the final moments behind us. The cast is so talented and they’re such wonderful singers, so there is this amazing and abundant wall of sound...it's very powerful.
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? It has to be the design of the show. That includes the set, lighting and costumes. The look of this production is spectacular!
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? To not sell yourself short on your abilities! Sometimes people can see you very differently and see a quality in you that you can't even see in yourself.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show? I want audiences to take away how captivating this show is! I want them to leave feeling that they went through a journey with us. If it is someone's first time seeing the show, I hope they will want to see it again, even if it's years down the line. If they have seen it and didn't like it, I hope they leave seeing it in a completely new and exciting way. If they can find little parts of themselves in the characters, and learn something, then I think we have done our job.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables? My first memory of Les Misérables was on a mixed tape of favorite Broadway songs! “I Dreamed a Dream” and “On My Own” were both on it!. I grew up watching the movie with Uma Thurman falling in love with the story of these tragic characters.
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular? This show has gained and will continue to gain so much popularity because of many relatable aspects. Social injustice is very real even today. Victor Hugo was aware of the realness of people fighting for their rights. When people experience these characters, they can't help but think of those in the world still fighting for a voice in broken societies.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before?
This is the first time I've been a part of Les Misérables and I hope that it's not my last!
What is the hardest part about portraying your character? The emotional arc of Fantine breaks my heart every night. The adversity she faces is hard to shed when I get offstage. Even though Fantine never finds peace in her lifetime it's beautiful to see her child, the thing she cares about most, have a better life than she could have ever hoped to provide herself.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? My favorite moment in the show is when Valjean saves Fantine from imprisonment. I've never felt so broken on stage before and I find it so powerful because he is the only person who reaches out to her.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of? I immensely enjoy watching “Master of the House” on the monitor every night. Brad and Johanna are consistently wonderful and the company is hilarious! It's so fun watching my friends and their shenanigans.
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? This is a dream role and I couldn't imagine a more beautiful theatre to perform it at, or a more passionate cast to perform it with.
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? I am not a mother, but Fantine's story has taught me about the sacrifices and the endless love that parenthood requires. Also, it's taught me how to cry and sing at the same time!
What do you want audiences to take away from the show? I want the audience to experience the beauty of the story we are living out for them every night. I want them to be able to connect with these characters through their hardships and their moments of light. This story is powerful and I hope that people's lives are touched when they hear and see us.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables?
My first memory of Les Mis is seeing the Broadway tour in 2003. I had just been through a break up and I remember ugly crying during “On My Own.”
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular?
I think Les Mis is so popular because there's a little something for everyone. A lush score, drama and comedy. And the show holds truths that everyone can relate to – redemption, forgiveness, duty and tying one on like Thenardier.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before? This is my first production of Les Mis but I hope not my last!
What is the hardest part about portraying your character? I growl a lot. It's hard on my voice, but I really like it, so finding that balance so I don't hurt myself is tough.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? “Dog Eats Dog,” my song in the sewers. I love the comedy I get to play in other scenes, but I also like the dark part of the character and that is most prevalent in the sewers. I see Thenardier as the bad guy of the piece, not Javert. Javert is doing his duty, where Thenardier is a horrible, disgusting person.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of? Javert's suicide. I really hope to get a chance to play Javert one day.
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? I love our lighting, especially with the haze and the costumes. It was very fun watching it all come together.
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? I love playing a horrible, nasty drunk.
What do you want audiences to take away from the show? A great night at the theatre!
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables? This is really embarrassing, but my first substantial memory of Les Mis is from the summer of 2013 when I did the show for the first time. Of course I had heard of the musical and listened to it, but I never really dove into it until then.
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular? Not only is the music beautiful, but it is a story that everyone can relate to. There is no denying that Les Mis is an epic musical in every aspect, especially the characters. Everyone, no matter where you are from, can find a character or situation they can relate to. I feel like people see part of themselves in this show, and that is what makes it so special.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before?
I have been in four productions of Les Mis, counting this one. You could say I enjoy doing this show.
What is the hardest part about portraying your character? I think because so many people have seen the show and are familiar with it, the hardest part is bringing something to the stage that sheds new light on your character. It is easy to get up and give a cookie cutter performance of a character that has been seen so many times. I just hope that I bring something fresh and exciting to the character each night.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? I hate to sound cheesy, but I’d have to say “One Day More.” The ending is so epic and everything you could ever want in an act one finale. How could I not love it?
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of? “Master of the House” without a doubt. It is at a point in the show where the audience, and actors for that matter, could use a good laugh.
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? The amazing set. When you hear someone is going to do Les Mis, you already have high expectations, and this show meets every one with this set. It is intimate when it needs to be, and intimidating at just the right moments. It perfectly compliments the material the show provides.
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? Marius is a character that is searching for his identity. He doesn’t know quite where he stands. He is at a transition in life; he isn’t a man but not a boy. When he decides to fully join the students in their cause, even though it is a difficult decision, he starts to make that transition to becoming a man. I really respect his commitment to a cause and going whole hog, even though he has other appealing, and what might seem easier, options.
What do you want audiences to take away from this show? What a true give mercy can be. Many times throughout this show there are moments when it would be easy to condemn, but mercy is given. It is often times the stronger option of the two (even though it might not seem like it), and as shown by the show, the more life changing.
What is your first memory of the musical version of Les Misérables? My first memory is my family and I singing the songs from the show with my new sister's karaoke machine, and my mom covering our mouths when we were about to say the bad words in “Master of the House.”
What do you think it is about this show that has made it so popular? I think the iconic songs and the message of the show is what makes it so popular.
Have you ever appeared in a production of the show before?
When I was 11 years old I played young Cosette and young Eponine. I shared the role with someone else.
What is the hardest part about portraying your character?
I think the hardest part is showing the feeling of being in love with someone. Being 17 years old, I have never had the experience of being in love so I was a little nervous at first.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you are a part of? My favorite part is “One Day More.” I love the feeling of being on stage with the entire cast because every night it reminds me of how amazing this experience is.
What is your favorite moment in the show that you aren’t a part of? "Master of the House." It is just such a fun number, and I always love watching my friends have a good time on stage!
What is your favorite thing specifically about this production? Seeing what every actor brings to the stage every single night.
Has your experience in the role taught you anything? This role has taught me so much, and probably things I don't even realize yet. To be this role, and be surrounded by this many talented actors who have been doing this for a long time, how could you not learn something?
What do you want audiences to take away from this show?
I want the audience to leave the show with an understanding of what the show is about. I want them to feel like they just went on that journey with us.
For more information about this production, that runs through April 4th, click here.
photos: Arizona Broadway Theatre
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