Why is everyone dumping on Alexander Gemingnani? He looks the part and is a rising Broadway star. What's the problem? While I can only speak for myself (and those I've discussed this with), I think some are dissappointed that Mackintosh did not choose to cast Valjean as they expected. He speaks of a "marquee name" and the Valjean role would have been the role to "star cast". Among others, there were a handful of credible actors with a successful Le Miz history that were seen.It doesn't matter who was/was not seen or what they were /were not offered because they were not offered the main role. It was dissappointing, but certaintly not the first time Les Miz actors have been dissappointed.
No doubt, Gemingnani likely made enough of an impression to convince Mackintosh to offer him the role. He's a Broadway actor with a few shows under his belt. I'm sure he's thrilled to be offered Valjean.
The way I see it, they could cast Elemer Fudd and people will come to see Les Miz for six months because it's
Les Miserables. But to me it will be no better/worse than what the production was just before it closed. It will give new people a chance to see it for the first time or to re-visit a popular show and it will fulfill Mackintosh's wish. Just my opinion.
Kudos to Norm Lewis, who will be an impressive Javert.
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BWW regional writer "Philadelphia/South Jersey"
Updated On: 5/24/06 at 05:50 PM