Based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo, set in 19th-century France, it follows the life of ex-convict Jean Valjean as he breaks his parole to build a new life, constantly pursued by the ruthless Inspector Javert. The plot leads the characters to Paris, where they are swept up in the events of a revolutionary period in France, as a group of young idealists attempts to overthrow the government from a street barricade.

CAST OF CHARACTERS

JEAN VALJEAN (ZHAHN val-ZHAHN) A poor peasant who rises to affluence, he has great natural nobility and dignity. A powerful figure, with a character of operatic size and passion. The voice needs to have a pop/rock sound or a classical sound of extraordinary textual clarity. Vocal range: G#2-B4

JAVERT (zhaa-VEHR) Policemen who relentlessly hunts Valjean. An imposing character. The ultimate ‘law and order’ figure. Obsessed, to the point of irrationality, with rigid and merciless moral code. Vocal range: F2-G4

THE BISHOP OF DIGNE (DEEN) A religious man who, despite Valjean’s theft of his valuable possessions, sees past the convict and allows him to move on with his new life. Vocal range: A2-E4

FANTINE (faan-TEEN) Poor but beautiful and elegant factory girl, struggling to support her fatherless daughter. Later is a pauper, a prostitute, a consumptive and a ghost. Earthy and poignant. Although she is finally defeated by circumstances, she should appear to be strong and a survivor. She puts up a valiant fight against the horrors of her life. Vocal range: F3-Eb5

THE FOREMAN An overbearing, sleazy man who runs the factory. Sacks Fantine, leaving her destitute. Vocal range: D3-D4

BAMATABOIS (BAM-uh-tuh-bwah) A nasty and dangerous upper-class man who lecherously approaches Fantine for the night. When she declines and attacks him, he calls on Javert to arrest her. Vocal range: D3-D5

FAUCHELEVANT (fohsh-luh-vahn) The victim of the cart crash. Vocal range: B3-Eb4

LITTLE COSETTE (coh-ZET) Fantine’s daughter and the Thénardiers’ ward. She has been forced into child labor. She is underfed, beaten by Madame Thénardier, and bullied by Eponine. Vocal range: A3-C5

THÉNARDIER (teh-NAR-dee-yay) Strong comic character role. A crooked innkeeper, later a petty, amoral thief. Greedy, irrerent, selfish, boorish, vulgar. Vocal range: C2-G4

MADAME THÉNARDIER Tough, sharp, coarse, boorish, vulgar. Strong character comedienne role. Belter. Vocal range: G#3-D5

YOUNG EPONINE (EP-oh-neen) The pampered daughter of the Thénardiers. She does little except taunt Young Cosette.

GAVROCHE (gahv-RAWSH) Thénardier’s son. He is left to fend for himself and lives by his wits in the streets of Paris. Gavroche is brave, witty, and arrogant, with a fantastic, unchanged voice. Vocal range: B3-G5

EPONINE Daughter of the Thénardiers but in no way behaves like them. Fired by an unrequited love for Marius. Gamine. Hasn’t learned to disguise her emotions; wears her heart on her sleeve. An enormous and beutiful belt voice, with a contemporary edge. Vocal range: F3-E5

COSETTE Fantine’s daughter (first seen as and played by a child) delicate, elegant, vulnerable and beautiful. Falls in love with and later marries Marius. Vocal range: Bb3-C6

MONTPARNASSE (mawnt-par-NAHS-uh) Member of Thénardier’s gang of thieves. Handsome and dangerous (he kills with a knife). Vocal range: C#3-C#4

BABET (bab-EHT) Member of Thénardier’s gang of thieves. Vocal range: E3-E4

BRUJON broo-ZHAWN Member of Thénardier’s gang of thieves. A genuine gangster - stupid and evil. Vocal range: B3-C#4

CLAQUESOUS (KLAK-soo) A member of Thénardier’s gang of thieves. Tough, dangerous, and secretive. Vocal range: C4-E4

ENJOLRAS (uhn-jowl-raas) Handsome, charismatic political figure, leader of the revolutionary movement. Very strong singer. Vocal range: A2-G#4

MARIUS (MARR-ee-uhs - ‘mar’ as in marry) Member of the revolutionary student movement. Attractive and romantic but in a sensitive, 19th century ‘Byronic’ way. Vocal range: A2-Ab4

COMBEFERRE (KOHM-fair) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers - the philosopher and believer in peace. Gentle, humane, strong, and brave. Vocal range: E3-D4

FEUILLY (FOO-ee) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. A worker who is a self-educated orphan. Affectionate, warm, and poetic believer in "nationality." Vocal range: D3-D4

COURFEYRAC (coor-fay-rak) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. A youthful, passionate, and fearless student. Vocal range: E3-Eb4

JOLY (zho-LEE) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. An eccentric and lighthearted (although sometimes morbid) medical student. His name is derived from the English word “jolly.” Vocal range: D3-G4

GRANTAIRE (grahn-TAIR) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. A cynical student who has little interest in the revolution but who holds much admiration for Enjolras. Witty and sarcastic. Vocal range: D3-G4

LESGLES (LAYG-luh) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. A cheerful, laughing-at-life (but unlucky) student. He is a close friend of Joly. Vocal range: B3-G4

JEAN PROUVAIRE (ZHAHN proo-VAIR) Member of the ABC society, a secret society of students and workers. A kind, softspoken, and, at the right moments, strong and masterful poet and student of social studies. Vocal range: D3-Eb4

ENSEMBLE The Chain Gang, Warders, Constables, Peasants, Factory Workers, Prostitutes, Pimps, Students, Thénardier's Gang, Wedding Guests, and other various roles. Men must be able to sing to at least a G. Women must belt to a D.