Ramin's Alternate

I'm glad to hear that they are both transferring even though they will be understudies. I was a fan of both of them when they were on 'Canadian Idol', especially O'Neil.

Updated On: 11/30/13 at 12:37 AM

Once they sign their contracts, they ARE Broadway actors. Everyone needs to start somewhere. Just because they got NOTICED first with an idol doesn't mean they aren't "worthy" or they haven't trained.

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In the Toronto run, when does the alternate go on? (What day?)

I'm wondering what got the powers that be to give the role of Valjean an alternate close to thirty years in? If I recall correctly, they've never had one in the West End production. Why start now? I am not saying that the role isn't hard to sing etc. But, I just find it interesting that they are starting to give whoever is playing Valjean and alternate for this new production, when there hasn't been any history in the past.



ETA, I did remember that Dudu Fischer did have an alternate for Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons so he could observe the sabbath. However, that's a bit different because that was for religious reason rather than the role being vocally taxing.

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Updated On: 11/30/13 at 09:02 AM

Winston, Jean Valjean has always been contracted to only perfume 7 shows a week. They've just never announced an official alternate before. However, an understudy has gone on at least once a week since the original production.

I have no idea about London, but on Broadway (and on the US tours), yes.

He was. He was also in the souvenir brochure as such.

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Aaron was in Annas in Jesus Christ Superstar, so he already qualifies.

I think Alfie Boe in 2011 was the first Valjean in London to have an alternate, with Jonathan Williams doing monday evenings and wednesday matinees. Karimloo had two different alternates for about two months, with Christopher Key performing the role on a Monday and Christopher Jacobsen performing the role on a thursday. Christopher Jacobsen took over the role on a monday as well as his usual thursday in mid-jan/early feb 2012, if I remember rightly. David Shannon, who replaced Karimloo in London, did seven shows a week (Jacobsen remained doing the monday show.) For the 2012/13 cast, Geronimo Rauch did all eight performances a week and now the 2013/14 cast have gone back to having an alternate/understudy on a monday.

I hope that clears up the issue of the London alternate debate.

Did Alexander Gemignani have an alternate in the recent Broadway Les Mis revival? I don't remember any comments about people seeing an alternate/understudy in the role during the first few months.

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