Les Mis�rables: Chip Zien to play Thenardier Robert Hunt to play Javert Megan McGinnis is new Eponine

Chip Zien is to play the role of Thenardier, for ten weeks, from 28 Jun 2007 in the Broadway musical Les Mis�rables. Zien is assuming the role from Gary Beach, who is taking a lave of absence from the show.

Zien was last seen on Broadway as Goran in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (2005). He made his Broadway debut in Ride the Winds (1974). His other Broadway credits include: The Boys from Syracuse (2002 revival), Falsettos (1992), Grand Hotel (1989), Into the Woods (1987), The Suicide (1980) and All Over Town (1974).

In other cast news, ensemble member Megan McGinnis assumes the role of Eponine from Mandy Bruno this evening (18 Jun 2007), and ensemble member Robert Hunt, currently playing Courfeyrac, will assume the role of Javert from Ben Davis on 6 Jul 2007.

McGinnis' played Belle in 2003 in Walt Disney's Beauty and the Beast (1994). She made her Broadway debut in Parade (1998). Her other Broadway credits include: Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and Little Women (2005).

Robert Hunt made his Broadway debut as a replacement ensemble member in the original Broadway production of Les Mis�rables (1987).

Les Mis�rables' principle cast currently features Alexander Gemignani as Jean Valjean, Ben Davis as Javert, Lea Salonga as Fantine, Megan McGinnis as Eponine, Ali Ewoldt as Cosette, Gary Beach as Thenardier, Ann Harada as Madame Thenardier, Adam Jacobs as Marius and Max von Essen as Enjolras.

Les Mis�rables, which opened on 9 Nov 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre for what was originally announced as a special limited six-month engagement, is currently taking bookings through to 16 Dec 2007.

The musical opened to mostly good to luke warm reviews, New York Times said "Appears to be functioning in a state of mild sedation. It isn�t sloppy or blurry. But its pulse rate stays well below normal, and so most likely will yours." whilst the Associated Press wrote "Its melodies are as grandiose as the story, stirring, tuneful and totally capturing the emotion of the moment."

You can read more of the critics reviews here.

Les Mis�rables is about love and bravery in 19th century France during the revolutionary struggles. Jean Valjean, released on parole after 19 years on the chain gang, finds that the 'ticket-of-leave' he must display by law, condemns him to be an outcast. Only the saintly Bishop of Digne treats him kindly and Valjean, embittered by years of hardship, repays him by stealing some silver. Valjean is caught and brought back by the police, and is astonished when the Bishop lies to save him, also giving him two precious candlesticks. Valjean decides to start his life anew. Things go well but 8 years later, an encounter with a face from the past threatens everything he now holds dear.

Produced by Cameron Mackintosh, Les Mis�rables is based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It features music by Claude-Michel Sch�nberg, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, with original French text by Alain Boublil & Jean-Marc Natel and additional material by James Fenton.

Directed by Trevor Nunn & John Caird, the musical is designed by John Napier with lighting by David Hersey, costumes by Andreane Neofitou and Elise Napier, and sound by Andrew Bruce and John Weston.

The original Broadway production opened on 12 Mar 1987, at the Broadway Theatre, winning seven Tony Awards that season, including Best Musical. The show went on to play a total of 6,680 performances.