"LES MISERABLES" MAJOR CAST CHANGES FROM 29TH JULY 02

"LES MISERABLES" MAJOR CAST CHANGES FROM 29TH JULY 02

Les Miserables, has announced major cast changes from 29th July 02 at the Palace Theatre: Michael Sterling (Jean Valjean), Jerome Pradon (Javert), Hadley Fraser (Marius), Sophia Ragavelas (Eponine), Helen French (Cosette), Paul Manuel (Enjolras), Rosemary Ashe (Madame Thenardier) all join the cast.

Carmen Cusack (Fantine) and Stephen Tate (Thenardier) are to remain in their respective roles.

Hans Peter Janssens (Jean Valjean) and Michael McCarthy (Javert) will return on 2nd Dec 02).

Michael Sterling has previously appeared as 'Enjolras' in the London production and as 'Marius' in the Manchester production, and recently played the title role in "The Phantom of the Opera". Jerome Pradon has starred in "Whistle Down the Wind", "Martin Guerre" and "Miss Saigon". Sophia Ragavelas, who is currently a starring in the show has been promoted to the role of 'Eponine'. Paul Manuel's West End credits include "West Side Story", "Grease" and "The Hot Mikado". Rosemary Ashe, who returns to play 'Madame Thenardier' has appeared in West End shows including "The Phantom of the Opera", "The Boy Friend", "Forbidden Broadway", "Olivier!" and "The Witches of Eastwick". Both Hadley Fraser & Helen French will be making their West End debuts in the show.

The show, which concerns Love and bravery in 19th century France during the revolutionary struggles, has been running in London since 1985. It is written by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg, based on the novel by Victor Hugo. It has lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and music by Claude-Michel Schonberg, with original text by Alain Boublil and additional material by James Fenton. It is adapted and directed by Trevor Nunn and John Caird.

It has been seen by over 47 million people worldwide in 33 countries and in 20 languages. There have been 31 cast recordings of "Les Miserables", including the multi-platinum London cast recording and the Grammy Award-winning Broadway cast and complete symphonic albums. The video of the 10th Anniversary Royal Albert Hall Gala Concert has sold well over one million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling musical videos in the UK.