First Les Mis experience: The first version of Les Mis I experienced was the musical movie. I didn't grow up going to Broadway musicals. In 2015, I was speaking with a friend when the topic of Les Mis came up. I said I'd heard of the musical, but never seen it. She bought me the DVD of the movie for my birthday that year.
After watching it, I instantly understood why the musical was loved so much. I was able to put into context some of the songs I had heard before and realized why my friend reacted the way they did. I am grateful they took a moment to bring me that experience!
Gateway musical: I can only answer this question by naming two musicals. In 3rd grade, my elementary school in Queens, NY put on a truncated version of Aida. I have always had a special relationship with that musical.
The first Broadway musical I ever experienced live was in high school. We received free tickets to see Wicked and that show changed something in me. I remember the experience of being in that audience and seeing this musical on stage for the first time. I knew the music from listening to the soundtrack so much. That day, I knew the path I chose to pursue was the right one.
Favorite Les Mis song: I feel like I'm supposed to say "Do You Hear the People Sing?," haha. The thing is, my "favorite" song changes all the time. That's what makes this musical so special. One moment it's "Stars," the next moment it's "Bring Him Home," etc.
I must say, the song I love performing the most is "One Day More". It is by far one of the best Act 1 closing moments ever written!
Co-star you're starstruck by: One of the greatest things about performing with these alums with such a vast history with this show is everyone is kind, and it feels like I'm performing with longtime friends though we just met. I often sit and take in the moment when watching my colleagues perform at the highest level.
It is an honor to watch Alfie Boe sing with such great force. In that same breath, Philip Quast sounds like a million bucks. I listened to Bradley Jaden's Enjolras when learning the role, and it has been a great honor to share this moment with him. He performs Javert with one of the most legendary Javerts in the cast, Philip Quast. It's one of those surreal moments where I won't fully grasp the magnitude until after it's done. This is a very, very special moment of my career!
Radio City's next musical should be: The Phantom of the Opera, Dreamgirls, Ragtime, Miss Saigon, Aida, Candide, Sweeney Todd, Jekyll and Hyde
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Responses have been lightly edited for grammar and clarity.
Photo credit: Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular. (Photos by Daniel Boud, Danny Kaan, and Matthew Murphy)