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Dreamcasting: Les Miserables Edition

Do you hear the people sing? Revolution is the song 2020 seems to be singing so we are casting a show that’s all about revolution, Les Miserables. Currently cracking Broadway top 10 longest running Broadway shows at #6, Les Miserables is an undeniable classic. But with a 16-year run, we began to wonder what songs these people would sing if they looked like us.

Larry Owens and L Morgan Lee as Madame Thenardier

Larry Owens and L. Morgan Lee in A Strange Loop shot by Joan Marcus

Without the Thenardiers, Les Miz is a close to 3-hour opera about death that does not give the audience a break. The Thenardiers are the perfect comedic relief and I could not think of two other performers with the timing and presence required to deliver these characters. Owens and Lee proved to be magic together in Michael R. Jackson’s Pullitzer Prize winning, A Strange Loop. The two have incredible chemistry that would only lend itself to the characters.

Christian Dante White as Marius

From My Fair Lady to the streets of the revolution, there isn’t a dreamier voice that could bring Marius to life. Christian Dante White is unquestionably the leading man Broadway deserves. On top his soaring voice this man ACTS for his life in shows like The Scottsboro Boys and Hello Dolly!, he has more than shown his ability to tell any story you put in front of him.  

Okieriete Onaodowan as Enjorlas

Okieriete Onaodowan shot by Alex Remnick

From revolution to the next! Enjorlas is the heartbeat of this show’s revolution and Oak has proven to be exactly that as the original Hercules Mulligan in Hamilton. Played by fellow Hamilton alums, Kyle Scatliffe and Wallace Smith in Les Misérables’ last revival, it seems fitting for Onadowan to take on the barricade. Oak’s charm and swagger seem like the perfect fit for the leader of the resistance.

Norm Lewis as Javert

Norm Lewis is THE definitive Javert. There’s no other voice we’d want to hear sing ‘Stars’ eight shows a week. In the first moments of the show, Norm steps onstage and demands the attention of an entire audience and that is the mark of a true artist. He made history as the first Black Javert on Broadway and I’d love to bring him back for another round.

Christiani Pitts as Eponine

Eponine is one of the most complex character in the show, navigating a tumultuous childhood and into this rebellious adulthood, she has learned to protect herself and those she loves. Christiani Pitts had this incredible quality in both King Kong and A Bronx Tale that lends itself to Eponine. Pitts has this air of determination and eagerness to follow her heart fiercely that Eponine absolutely needs.

Amber Iman as Fantine

There are some artists that can convey exactly what a character is feeling in a SECOND, and Amber Iman is one of the golden examples of that. Amber’s voice is like a bed of honey scented roses coated in the blood of Jesus! There is no way her “I dreamed a dream” wouldn’t have you sitting in a puddle of tears!

Denee Benton as Cosette

Benton made her Broadway debut as Natasha in Dave Malloy’s ‘Great Comet’ and has been serving every bit of ingenue the kids deserve! Cosette has the same breath of youth as Natasha but leans toward Eliza in Hamilton when it comes to her chase of love that Denee beautifully portrays. The thought of Denee, Christian, and Christiani singing “A Heart Full of Love” brings nothing but Joy to my heart.

Quentin Earl Darrington as Jean Valjean

Quentin Earl Darrington in Once on This Island shot by Joan Marcus

Bring Him…to Broadway! There’s no other performer quite like Quentin Earl Darrington. After his whirlwind performance as Coalhouse in the 2009 Ragtime revival, Broadway was made aware of the powerhouse he is. Quentin has this ability to quiet an audience with a sharp inhale and keep them on the edge of their seats through curtain call. Quentin’s heart shines through every piece he does and is the perfect match for Valjean’s act 2 ballad, “Bring Him Home” Need Pro

Let us know how you feel about our casting picks!

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