The entire original Broadway cast of
Show Boat toured with the show after it completed its run at the Zeigfeld Theatre on Broadway in 1929. They had been with the show for the duration of its Broadway run, which commenced on 27 December, 1927.
The original cast stayed intact on the road until Norma Terris, the original Magnolia, was offered a movie contract and left the national tour early for Hollywood. Actress Irene Dunne replaced Norma Terris as Magnolia for the remainder of the tour, which disbanded in 1930. Ms. Dunne would go on to play the role on the big screen in James Whale's 1936 film adaptation of the stage musical.
The first Broadway revival in 1932, which was a recreation of the original production in its entirety but staged at the Casino Theatre, reunited the entire original cast. The only absent original cast member in the 1932 revival was Jules Bledsoe, who originated the role of Joe. Instead, they cast Paul Robeson. Interestingly, the role of Joe had actually been written specifically for Robeson to star in originally, but prior commitments had forced him to turn the role down back in 1927. He did, however, eventually get to perform the role prior to starring in the 1932 Broadway revival, a year later in 1928, with the original London cast, opening on 3 May at the Drury Lane Theatre. He, too, would star in the 1936 film version alongside Irene Dunne and original cast members Helen Morgan as Julie; Charles Winninger as Captain Andy; Sammy White as Frank Schultz; and Frances X. Mahoney as Rubberface Smith.
Les Miserables' 3rd U.S. national tour (aka: "Marius Company") featured original cast member Colm Wilkinson as Valjean in U.S.; Chinese; and Canadian engagements of the tour. Colm also reprised the role of convict #24601 in the show's U.K. national tour when it traveled to Ireland's Point Theatre.
Original Broadway cast member Jennifer Butt came back to the show, reprising her role of Mme. Thenardier in the 3rd U.S. national tour starting in 2004 and remaining with it until the tour disbanded after an engagement in St. Louis in 2006.
Unfortunately, as big a Les Mis nut that I am, I missed out on Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean in the tour. Like I've mentioned before, the late 90s were a roller coaster period for me and I sadly neglected a lot of musical theatre events of the time. I'd have flown to wherever he was performing the role had I not had other things to worry about at the time.
I did catch Jennifer Butt as Mme. T., who--along with the wonderful Gina Ferrall--continues to be of my favorites in the role.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
Updated On: 8/21/12 at 12:45 AM
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