Les Mis�rables: Mandy Bruno, Ben Davis Ann Harada and Max von Essen to join cast

The Broadway musical Les Mis�rables, is to welcome four new principle members of cast on 24 Apr 2007.

Ben Davis will assume the role of Javert, replacing Norm Lewis who is to play King Triton in The Little Mermaid. Davis played Enjolra in the original Broadway production of the musical (1987). His other Broadway credits include Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002) and La Boh�me (2002 revival).

Ann Harada will take over the role of Madame Thenardier, replacing Jenny Galloway. Harada was last seen on Broadway playing Christmas Eve in Avenue Q. Her other Broadway credits include Seussical (2000), M. Butterfly (1988) and Sleight of Hand (1987).

Mandy Bruno is to play Eponine (replacing Celia Keenan-Bolger. Bruno will be making her Broadway debut.

Max von Essen will assume the role of Enjolras, replacing Aaron Lazar. von Essen played five different roles in the original Broadway production of the musical (1987). His other Broadway credits include Jesus Christ Superstar (2000 revival) and Dance of the Vampires (2002).

The new cast members will join Alexander Gemignani (Jean Valjean), Lea Salonga (Fantine), Gary Beach (Thenardier), Adam Jacobs (Marius), and Ali Ewoldt (Cosette) in principle roles.

Les Mis�rables, which opened on 9 Nov 2006 at the Broadhurst Theatre for a special limited six-month engagement, has extended its run and is currently taking bookings to 16 Sep 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 a musical by Alain Boublil & Claude-Michel Sch�nberg, 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.