Will Swenson or Earl Carpenter

[PanaroFan111]

Posted: 9/2/14 at 7:21pm

I've had the opportunity to see both amazing actors play Javert this year, I just wanted to see who people like better in the role or if any one saw the limited run of Adam Monley. Love to hear other peoples idea.

[getatme]

Posted: 9/2/14 at 8:25pm

I saw Swenson several times and each time I was more disappointed than the time before. He's just woefully miscast in the role, IMO. Vocally he's pretty mediocre, and while I think he's a very gifted actor, his acting as Javert is either wooden and non-existent or so over the top it's laughable.

On the other hand, I had the opportunity to see Adam Monley during his brief run and thought he was phenomenal. He has a beautiful voice and I finally understood what people meant when they said that Javert is more than just a cartoon villain. He was layered and complicated and delivered a really fantastic performance.

Haven't had the chance to see Carpenter, but I'm sure he's better than Swenson.

[broadwayfan1995]

Posted: 9/2/14 at 10:07pm

I did not see Earl Carpenter and probably won't be able to, but I did get to see Adam Monley's limited run. I saw Adam once and Will three times. I definitely preferred Adam to Will.

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 9/2/14 at 11:41pm

Earl Carpenter

[nicnyc]

Posted: 9/3/14 at 3:24am

I was fortunate enough to have seen both Swenson & Carpenter (though I missed Adam Monley) and I had a definite preference for Earl Carpenter. I thought Carpenter created a more consistent and thorough character, giving the character the gravitas needed - and made a more interesting foil for Ramin's Valjean. I also thought the way Carpenter emotionally unravelled during Javert's Suicide was positively breathtaking - the first time I have ever been really moved by that piece (and I'm old enough to remember seeing Terrence Mann do it, too).

[Marway44]

Posted: 9/3/14 at 6:14am

Earl Carpenter, hands down! Will was perfect in Priscilla, but he doesn't have the vocal power for Javert.

[prouvaire]

Posted: 9/3/14 at 8:38am

I've seen Will Swenson and Adam Monley and I definitely prefer Adam. He has a gorgeous voice and he gave a really wonderful, nuanced performance. I was really impressed with him and I wish he played Javert full-time.

I haven't seen Earl Carpenter yet, but hopefully I'll be able to catch him later this month.

[I'm a starkid]

Posted: 9/3/14 at 2:17pm

Wow no love for Will. I saw Earl in the role and I have to say I thought he was absolutely fantastic and one of the highlights of the show. But I never really got to see Will as Javert so I can't comment on him. However I've heard good things about both and I liked Will at the Tonys.

[Movidude742]

Posted: 9/4/14 at 10:07am

I love Will and I did like him in this production, but I have to give the edge to Earl Carpenter.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/4/14 at 3:54pm

Earl Carpenter

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 9/4/14 at 4:02pm

Oh, I have plenty of love for Mr. Swenson. I love seeing him perform, and have seen him in everything he has done for the past few years. However, I wasn't interested in seeing him playing Javert for various reasons. I got to see this show for the first time last night, and it blew me away. Mr. Carpenter was a perfect Javert, his voice was strong, and his suffering was very evident. Mr. Lewis will always be my favorite Javert though!