Monday, June 18, 2007

An update on Les Miz

Oh my goodness... there has been so much news coming out on message boards and other blogs that I guess it's time to straighten a few things out (without giving away news that hasn't already been delivered officially).

First... Ben Davis' last show was on Saturday, June 16, and Mandy Bruno's was today, June 17.  As for their replacements, Robert Hunt (who was in the ensemble of this production and a Javert on the tour) will be rejoining the show in a couple of weeks.  Understudies will be going in for both roles in the meantime.

As far as ensemble departures, Kate Chapman's last show was today as well... replacing her will be Lucia Spina.  J.D. Goldblatt's final show is this Thursday, but because he's been out sick (he had surgery on his foot last night and is now recovering), I don't know that he'll be able to play his last 5 shows.  I hope he comes back though, he's great.  Mike Evariste will be taking over.  Don Brewer will be doing the Courfeyrac track while Ben Crawford will now be Brujon, as well as a Valjean understudy.  Victor Hawks will be leaving the show on Saturday, June 23.  Christy Faber will also be coming in as a vacation swing for the girls, and Jeremy Hays, currently in Dan Bogart's track, will be covering a myriad of roles this coming week.  Whew!

Gary Beach will be having surgery, so he'll be out for a while.  Chip Zien (Into the Woods) will be performing in his place.  Gary and Chip are old friends, so Gary's really thrilled that Chip will be joining us.  I think he'll be a great addition to the show. 

And that is all!  Any other rumors of firings and cast changes that aren't written about here are all untrue.  If I didn't write about it, it didn't happen.

17 comments:

Chino Hernandez said...

Thank you for the update. This will definitley set all the rumors straight. Who will play Eponine next? So exciting! Wow, Drew still did not get Javert? I thought he was amazing when I saw him.

Ms. Lea, thanks again. GOD BLESS and Take Care!

James Schaefer said...

Hi Lea,

Again you are the source of all things "Les Miz"...and I think its great!!! As I've mentioned in a couple of previous posts, your thoughts and feelings about what is going on with you, both professionally and personally, are what make your site so enjoyable. I must commend you on how well you seem to be managing all the change taking place. I know its part of the job, but all the stuff does not seemed to have fazed you at all....and you still have time to check out Multiply!

Good luck with the show and take care,

Jim

Robbie Guevara said...

who's chip zien playing?! :-)

Lea Salonga said...

Thenardier.

jeff aguiman said...

Manang, you might also want to clear the confusion regarding Macy's July 4 celebration. There's a feedback on broadwayworld.com asking about your schedule on that day. Here's the link http://www.broadwayworld.com/viewcolumn.cfm?colid=19315

tin samson said...

wow, so many changes in just the span of a few days! craziness indeed for the SMs hehe.

raul montesa said...

hi manang, musta na??? hay, the joys of a long running musical...hehehe... it's a merry go round... wow, chip zien as thenardier that should be a treat....am with karla gutierrez and bimbo cerrudo rehearsing for a corporate show... hi daw... ingat!!!

jason herrera said...

Hi lea! My name is Jason from Media, Pennsylvania. My wife and I watched the 3pm show last light. It was awesome. Tumatayo balahibo namin from beginning to end of the show. We went on a day trip to NY just to see you perform.. you're the best!

Yep, Me said...

Thanks very much for the info! Just curious, when is Zien joining the cast?

bing ♥ said...

"Tony Award-winners Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls film, Caroline, or Change), Lea Salonga (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon) and John Lloyd Young (Jersey Boys) - backed by the New York Pops - WILL PERFORM THE PRE-RECORDED SCORE of the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, taking place in New York City at 9 PM.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE STARS WILL NOT PERFORM LIVE."

Ces Montes said...

Hi Lea...thanks for the update. I love your concert Home for Christmas in Manila - I watched it in Araneta Coliseum before i fly here in Dubai. I'm returning back to Philippines soon. Btw, did i tell you that i have made a portrait of you in charcoal painting but that was long ago (1995) and i kept it on my sketch pad. :-) I think i have still that back home coz you are my idol. ;-)

Take care and God bless you and the whole family always. Regards to your family.

Hope to see you soon.

Love and prayers,
Ces :-)

Chino Hernandez said...

It's also covered in Broadway.com http://www.broadway.com/Gen/Buzz_Story.aspx?ci=549733

Megan as Eponine? WOW!

Good luck to you Ms. Lea and the rest of Les Miserables Family. Everyone, please pray for Mr. Beach

GOD BLESS, Ms. Lea.

Aleli Geraldino said...

i saw a pic of u and kc in her blog... ganda (: world class artists.

Javi Arriaga said...

Hey, Lea, it's Javi Arriaga. Remember me from Repertory Philippines? Von Trapps forever he he (you Brigitta, me Kurt). I just found this blog when it was linked on another site. So glad I was able to catch up on your life. Congrats on the baby! How exciting. I wish I could go to New York to catch you in Les Miz. Love that musical and I'm sure you're great in it. I'll come back to this blog to check how you're going. Take care. Big hugs. Javi

arkitekfhc . said...

Summer is here and according to "Broadway in Bryant Park" series schedule, Les Misérables is set to perform on August 2nd at the park.

Lea, can you share any information on this performance?

Urane laderas-cabantog said...

oh, there's a lot of changes huh,,, it's good that you're still a main stay... you're really good....

Lea Salonga said...

I haven't heard anything yet.