The world’s favourite musical made the eagerly anticipated announcement of its lead cast in Melbourne today. With the many of the original Australian cast going on to be stage superstars, expectations are high for the young members of the new Les Mis cast, with experienced players also set to enjoy a high profile stage outing in 2014.

*** To view Man in Chair’s photo preview of the Melbourne production of Les Misérables click HERE ***

*** To read Man in Chair’s review of the new Melbourne production of Les Misérables (with more photos) click HERE ***

Australia’s original Marius, Simon Burke (below), was on hand to host the announcement event.

The Melbourne announcement event was graced by the presence of Claude-Michel Schönberg (below), who composed Les Misérables with Alain Boublil.

Victorian Premier Denis Napthine (below) spoke of his Government’s support for the Arts. Napthine also announced the exhibit Victor Hugo: From Page to Stage, which will be co-curated by State Library of Victoria next year.

Producer Cameron Mackintosh’s revised production of Les Mis, known as the 25^th International Tour, opened in Cardiff in December 2009. The new staging replaces the revolving stage, which featured so prominently in the original staging, with new scenic elements. New costumes and new orchestrations are also featured. Les Mis has moved theatres, but has been on the West End continuously since opening in 1985. It returns for its third Broadway outing in March 2014.

The central role of Jean Valjean, played so memorably by Hugh Jackman in the 2012 film, will be played by terrifically talented Australian music theatre performer Simon Gleeson (below). Gleeson wowed Melbourne last year as Anatoly in Chess, a role ideally suited to showing off his soaring tenor voice. An actor of the highest calibre, Gleeson played Raoul in the Australian premiere of Love Never Dies, which was his most high profile Australian role to date after returning from years of working in London’s West End. As a new graduate back in 1994, Gleeson could have risen to prominence with his standout performance in original Australian musical Eureka, but the musical itself was not a success. Playing the role of Valjean could finally be Gleeson’s chance to have his talents as widely recognized as they deserve. Gleeson gave a spine tingling preview of Valjean’s prayer “Bring Him Home,” with the added honour of Schönberg himself accompanying on grand piano.

Accomplished theatre and cabaret performer Hayden Tee (below), who has built up an impressive list of credits in Australia, London and the US, will play opposite Gleeson as the determinedly driven Javert. Tee demonstrated his powerful voice and steely focus with an excerpt from “Stars.”

Ill-fated heroine Fantine will be played by musical powerhouse Patrice Tipoki (below), who has previously demonstrated her vocal strength in roles such as Nala in The Lion King and Elphaba (alternate) in Wicked. Tipoki broke hearts at the launch with Fantine’s heart wrenching anthem “I Dreamed A Dream.”

The Thénardiers, that crass, cruel couple we love to hate, will be played by Trevor Ashley and Lara Mulcahy (below). Star of his own cabaret shows such as I’m Every Woman, as well as the Australian production of Hairspray, Ashley will be donning trousers this time to play the fiendish Thénardier. Mulcahy has demonstrated her ebullient comic flair in roles such as Rosie in Mamma Mia! and Agnes in The Production Company’s Mame.

Stirring student leader Enjolras, the role that shot Anthony Warlow to superstardom, will be played by handsome young performer Chris Durling, currently playing in Doody in John Frost’s hit revival of Grease.

Fast rising star Euan Doidge (below), who made a memorable breakout performance as tormented young dancer Paul in A Chorus Line, will play swooning romantic hero Marius. Doidge recently featured in the Australian tour of Legally Blonde, and is currently performing alongside Durling in Grease. Relative newcomer Emily Langridge will star opposite Doidge as angelic heroine Cosette.

Choice female role Eponine has been won by Kerrie Anne Greenland, newly graduated from WAAPA in 2012. Greenland blew away the assembled media and guests with a stunning preview of “On My Own.”

The full company, including ensemble members, finished the presentation with epic act one finale “One Day More.”

The original Australian production of Les Mis made stars of Marina Prior, Anthony Warlow, Simon Burke, Peter Cousens, Rob Guest, Silvie Paladino and many more. Time will tell if this new crop of stars will follow in their footsteps.

The full creative and adult cast list is as follows:

Valjean: Simon Gleeson

Javert: Hayden Tee

Fantine: Patrice Tipoki

Madame Thénardier: Lara Mulcahy

Monsieur Thénardier: Trevor Ashley

Eponine: Kerrie Anne Greenland

Cosette: Emily Langridge

Enjolras: Chris Durling

Marius: Euan Doidge

Ensemble: Octavia Barron Martin, Daniel Belle, Hugo Chiarella, Elisa, Colla, Melanie Cornell, Mischana Dellora-Cornish, Rodney Dobson, Zoy Frangos, Ben Hall, Luke Joslin, Lincoln Hall, Tamlyn Henderson, Matt Heyward, Zoe Jarrett, Erin Kennedy, Naomi Livingston, Rob Mallett, Allyce Martins, Robert McDougall, Liam McIlwrain, Joel Parnis, Joshua Robson, Lisa Sontag, Chloe Zuel

Director: Laurence Connor, James Powell

Scenic Designer: Matt Kinley

Lighting Designer: Paule Constable

Sound Designer: Mick Potter

Additional Orchestrations: Stephen Brooker

Costume Designer: Andreane Neofitou

Additional Costumes: Christine Rowland

Les Mis 2014 season begins in Melbourne’s Her Majesty’s Theatre in June 2014, with opening night to be held on 3 July 2014. It will join fellow megahit musical Wicked, which returns to Melbourne’s Regent Theatre in May 2014.

Bookings for the Australian return of Les Mis open 17 October 2013. Bookings are through Ticketek.

*** To view Man in Chair’s photo preview of the Melbourne production of Les Misérables click HERE ***

*** To read Man in Chair’s review of the new Melbourne production of Les Misérables (with more photos) click HERE ***

Photos: Simon Parris