Arbender Robinson---Marius in Les Miz

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:53pm

Does anyone know if Arbender Robinson is going to take over the Marius role permanently any time soon. I saw him in the role last Wednesday and I was never so impressed with an understudy. It was the first time that Marius was the "star" of the 3-part harmony at the end of Heart Full of Love. I also liked that he didn't try and make a comedy scene out of meeting Cosette at the Valjean house.

[StephanCasey]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:55pm

I've only heard good things about him. I haven't heard that he'll be taking over though. Is Andy Mientus leaving?

[Phantom4ever]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 5:57pm

Have no idea.....certainly not saying that Andy is bad but I was definitely more excited by and enjoy Arbender's take on the role.

[StephanCasey]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 6:07pm

I doubt that either Arbender Robinson or Chris McCarrell will take over very soon. I think they'll at least give Andy Mientus a bit of a run first and I think he has earned it.

Also, he was celebrating his engagement with Michael Arden while both McCarrel and Robinson seemed to give really good performances (I think many would prefer McCarrel over Robinson as well so another question is if anyone took over, who would it be?)

[gooftroop]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 7:30pm

NO, I am not taking over the role. Well at least it has not been brought to my attention. I will say that Im super excited over all the attention my playing the role has brought. It seems that people are really digging it.
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

[gooftroop]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 7:32pm

This was Arbender’s first go round as Marius and I was absolutely blown away. I’ve loved him since he was in Hair — he was always a standout member of the ensemble to me because he has this ridiculously infectious smile and he exuded this pure joy whenever he was on that stage that I couldn’t help but be swept up with him in it. Of course, that was Hair. In LM, he plays Montparnasse (and several other dour ensemble roles), so that joy was notably absent. That being said… it boils under the surface of his Montparnasse and adds this almost demented glee to him that works SO well for that role.

But it isn’t that pure, immense joy I remembered. And then I saw him as Marius… and there it was. Pure. Immense. Joy. And that was so perfect for Marius, I can’t even tell you. And then when that joy breaks in the second act? First with Eponine’s Death and then here… his Marius has this jagged anger underneath it that is so different from Andy’s brokenness in this scene that it was exciting to see. I just loved everything about how he played Marius and I hope I get to see him do it again someday! ^_^
53 notes 0 Comments Tags: #mine #audios #filler tag #this is a filler tag #did i mention this is a filler tag? #les mis broadway #arbender robinson #marius pontmercy #empty chairs at empty tables

[Visceral_Fella]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:04pm

He is an incredibly talented man, and shouldn't be understudying anyone.

[ClumsyDude15]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:37pm

I've had the pleasure of seeing Arbender in many a show, and he's a very talented guy. Seeing how much exposure he's gotten over going on for Marius is great to see, and so well deserved.

[oncemorewithfeeling2]

Posted: 7/1/14 at 9:46pm

I was happy to see that he was understudying Marius. As other have said, he's a very talented performer who does draw your attention, even in the ensemble. I saw him as Seawood in Hairspray, as well Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and you never would have known he wasn't the regular performer.

He has an impressive resume--the man has worked pretty much non-stop on broadway since 2006. Being employed that much is impressive to me!