International singer Lea Salonga is set to share the stage with teen heartthrob Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers for the grand 25th anniversary concert of the longest-running musical play, “Les Miserables,” on Oct. 3 in London.
Both Lea and Nick are previous cast members of the award-winning musical. Lea played Eponine in the West End production back in 1993, while Nick played Gavroche during the 2003 Broadway run. This time, the Pinay pride will reprise her Broadway role, Fantine, while the The Administration lead vocalist will play his 2010 West End role, Marius.
“Les Miz” is also bound to set another historic feat, this, for staging three productions simultaneously in different locations in London: the original production at the Queen's Theatre in the West End; the 25th anniversary production in Barbican (where the play was first staged); and the anniversary concert at The O2 Arena.
Joining Lea and Nick are other renowned performers such as Matt Lucas (“Little Britain,” “Alice in Wonderland”), Norm Lewis (“Little Mermaid,” “Sondheim on Sondheim”), Jenny Galloway (“Mary Poppins”), and classical artist Camilla Kerslake.
Breaking the news, Leah posted June 2 on her official Facebook page, “I'd better bring my camera. WAHOO!!!”.
Over 300 musicians and actors will take part in the much-awaited one-night-only event---which will be directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell---including previous cast members from the West End production, the original 1985 cast and even the stars of the current West End and Barbican productions.
“Les Miserables” is written by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil. Based on the novel of the same name by Victor Hugo, it is set during 19th Century France, delving into the lives of revolutionaries, outcasts, orphans, bandits and lovers. The musical has produced some of the most memorable Broadway songs, such as “I Dreamed A Dream,” and “On My Own” (Eponine’s most famous tune).
Since its opening on Oct. 8, 1985, “Lez Mis” has had over 10,000 performances in 42 countries, translated in 21 languages and seen by more than 56 million people from all over the globe.
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