Jeff Samaha Theater Productions

                             This is the official site of We have created this page in order to give everyone auditioning as much assistance and information  as they could possibly want. We will provide all the information we can think of and if we leave something out that you need or want to know, please do not hesitate to ask. The first question we will answer is:   YES!! This is the full production of Les Mis. Not the student version! This is NOT THE MOVIE, SO PLEASE DO NOT USE IT AS A REFERENCE.

 WE STRONGLY SUGGEST that you read this document over carefully, so that you are fully aware of the requirements to audition.

 AUDITION DATES:   Saturday , June 15 at 11 am - 5:00 pm. Sunday, June 16 at 11:00 am - 5:00 pm.   You must sign in for your audition by 4:00 pm

 Doors will open at 10:30 am both days. Please arrive early to register and fill out your paperwork. If you have one, please bring a resume with headshot attached.

 LOCATION:   Bay Ridge Prep - 8101 Ridge Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11209

 CALL BACK DATES:  Saturday June 22nd and Sunday June 23rd  by appointment. You may   be asked to attend both call back dates for character pairing.

Tentative Production Dates:

September 13, 14, 15 and 20, 21, 22, 2013.

 WHAT IS LES MISERABLES? In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean’s adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert faces his own judgment, and Valjean at last is in reach of the peace he has sought for so long.

 WHAT TO EXPECT AT AUDITIONS: All auditionees must perform a vocal audition. Your vocal audition is also your acting audition. There are NO non-singing roles in Les Mis(with the exception of Young Eponine and some minor characters).

 An accompanist will be provided for you.

Vocal selections have been chosen by us for each lead character with START and END lyrics indicated below each character description on the pages that follow.

This is very important: you must come prepared to sing our chosen selection  MEMORIZED which will require you to download/purchase the CD (Original Broadway Cast Recording)  and the lyrics, which are readily available on the internet. NO MOVIE SOUNDTRACKS!!!

WHY?: since there is no spoken word  in Les Mis, you must do your acting during your singing audition.  Holding music will hamper your ability to do both at the same time.  We can provide an actor for you to play off of to achieve your performance level.  If you come to audition unprepared you may be eliminated from the process.

On the audition form, you will be asked which part/parts you are auditioning for  and whether or not you will accept an ensemble role . You will be held to your word.

This show has an absolutely huge chorus and many are solo parts for people of all ages, some of whom are mentioned below. If you’re thinking of declining  an ensemble role, think twice. You may lose out on possible solo and/or understudy opportunities.  

Please bring ALL conflicts you will have beginning June 25th and ending September 29th. We will do our best to work around conflicts as much as possible but in order to do that we must, have a complete list of conflicts at auditions. We do not set our rehearsal schedule until the show is cast so that we are able to schedule around the cast’s conflicts. Our plan is to rehearse 3 nights a week, possibly Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and  Thursdays  from 7:00 - 10:00 PM  and Sunday evenings, 5:00 - 10:00 PM. Once we get closer to production it is probable that rehearsal time will increase. Please be aware that not everyone will be required to attend every rehearsal until close to tech week. No one will be excused from rehearsals during tech week. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

ALL CAST MEMBERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PARTICIPATE IN STRIKE AFTER THE FINAL PERFORMANCE.

All costumes will be the responsibility of the cast. The staff will assist you in locating hard to find items but ultimately the responsibility falls on the cast member, whether the costumes need to be purchased, rented or sewn.

THE CHARACTERS OF LES MISERABLES!!

 If you are not interested in auditioning for a lead or sub-lead role, you may be considered for the ensemble which is extensive and requires a good knowledge of part or harmony singing.  An ability to read is a plus but not totally necessary.  Experience in a school or church choir is also a plus.    The song for ensemble auditionees will be  The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (from beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free”

 *Jean Valjean: Baritone/Tenor Ab3-B5 Valjean is an ex-convict who struggles to redeem himself morally and to find acceptance in a society that rejects him as a former criminal. Valjean’s redemption through his many trials is the central plot of Les Miserables. We see him transform from a harsh, desperate, animalistic man on the run from the law, to a wealthy, respected mayor and loving, protective adoptive father. The actor playing this role must have a wide range and depth of emotion. Valjean is 46 years old as he enters the story. He ages 18 years over the course of the play and dies at the age of 64. The actor should be able to play this age range believably. Bring Him Home - Learn from lyric: “He’s like the son I might have known to “bring him home” (end of song).

 *Inspector Javert:  Baritone F3-F#5 Javert serves as Valjean’s nemesis throughout the novel, continually threatening to expose his past and bring him under the control of the law. In his exaggerated, nearly fanatical devotion to duty and his lack of compassion, Javert represents a punitive, vengeful form of justice. Javert is empassioned and zealous, with a rigid and dogged belief system, and when in the end he allows compassion for Valjean to overcome his beliefs and his duty; this realization is more than he can bear. This actor must be strong, powerful, and a deeply passionate performer. Javert is 35 when he enters the story. He ages 17 years over the course of the play and dies at the age of 52. The actor should be able to play this age range believably. Stars - Learn from lyric: “Stars in your multitude” to the end of song.

 *Fantine:  Mezzo D3-E5 Fantine is a Parisian “grisette,” or working woman, who falls in love with a student and is abandoned before giving birth to her daughter, Cosette. From that point forward her life is a downward spiral. She gives up her child to the mercenary Thenardiers and finds a job, but is dismissed when her supervisor finds out about her past. She struggles horribly to make ends meet, ending up on the streets as a prostitute. Fantine represents society’s cruelty to the poor and its degradation of poor women in particular. Only Valjean shows her any kindness. Fantine is 24 when she enters the story. She ages three years over the course of the play and dies at the age of 27. The actress should be able to play this age range believably. I Dreamed a Dream - Learn from lyric: “I dreamed a dream of time gone by, when hope was high and life worth living” to end.

 *Marius Pontmercy:  Baritone/Tenor Bb3-Ab5 Marius is a young law student from a wealthy home who falls in love with Cosette. He is at a point in his life where he is struggling with his political ideals, and joins the ABC Society, led by Enjolras, overcome by the new ideal they have presented him: freedom. When unrest stirs in the streets of Paris in 1832 and his friends take up arms, he joins them. This is a heartfelt role for an actor who is equally strong and tender. Marius is 22 when he enters the story. He ages two years over the course of the play and is 24 at his final scene. The actor should be able to play this age range believably. Empty Chairs and Empty Tables -  Learn from lyric:” There’s a grief that can’t be spoken”  to “on the lonely barricade at dawn”

 *Cosette:  Mezzo Soprano Bb3-C6 Cosette is the illegitimate daughter of Fantine and was raised as a child in impoverished circumstances by the Thernardiers, by whom she was mistreated. Valjean rescues Cosette and raises her as his own, and she becomes the love of his life and the motivation for his goodness. When she and Valjean move to Paris, she turns into a beautiful young Parisian woman and falls in love with Marius Pontmercy. This actress must have a gentle sweetness and strong vocals. Cosette is 17 and the actress should be able to believably portray this age. A mature and professional actress with the required skills necessary is desired, and must be able to play this age range believably. Rue Plumet or In my Life -  Learn from lyric:”How strange this feeling” to “find me now, find me here.

 *Eponine Thenardier:  Alto/Mezzo F3-E5 Eponine is the poor daughter of the Thenardiers, favored over Cosette as a child, but used as a member of her father’s gang of thieves when she is older. As a teenager, she falls in love with Marius and becomes jealous of his love for Cosette. She is tom between wanting to help him and wanting to keep him away from Cosette. She courageously saves his life on the barricade by stepping between him and a bullet, and dies in his arms. Her life is an example of poverty’s degradation. This is a role for an actress with a sparkling inner light, yet a hard edge. Eponine is 17 and the actress should be able to believably portray this age. A mature and professional actress with the required skills necessary is desired, and must be able to play this age range believably. On My Own- Learn from Lyric: And I know..it’s only on my mind” to the end

 *Monsieur Thenardier:  Tenor C4-F5 Thenarder is the unscrupulous innkeeper who, with his wife, raises Cosette but treats her poorly. He embarks on a life of crime, getting involved with the worst criminals in Paris, and attempts to entrap and rob Valjean. He helps Valjean escape from the sewers when Valjean is trapped there with Marius. Thenardier plays a central part in the plot. He does good in spite of his evil intentions, not knowing what the consequences of his own actions will be.  This actor must be capable of providing both comedic relief and a very dark side. Thenardier is 50 when he enters the story. He ages 10 years over the course of the play and is 60 at his final scene. The actor should be able to play this age range believably. The Innkeeper’s Song, Master of the House – Learn lyric: “Enter Monsieur, lay down your load…” to “it’s amazing how it grows”

 *Madame Thenardier:  Mezzo G#3-D4 Madame Thernardier is the coarse wife of the innkeeper. She treats Cosette like a Cinderella, feeding and clothing her poorly and making her do the worst work in the household. She is naturally cruel and scheming, and assists her husband in his various crimes, not because it is necessary, but because it suits her. This actress must be capable of providing both comedic relief and a very dark side. Madame Thernardier is 35 when she enters the story. She ages 10 years over the course of the play and is 45 at her final scene. The actress should be able to play this age range believably. The Innkeepers Song (Master of the House) –Learn from lyric “I used to dream” to “living with this bastard in the house”

 *Enjolras:  Tenor C4-Bb5 Enjolras is the leader of the ABC Society, a group of students committed to freedom, equality and the ideals of the revolution. He is both scholarly and warlike, zealously committed to the cause and distracted by no pleasures. He is a great orator and inspirational leader, and while pure and moral and a champion, he is ultimately cold because he does not know love. This is a role for a fiercely engaging actor who should draw the audience into the action with the magnitude and honesty of his personality. Enjolras is 26 and the actor should be able to believably play this age. The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (Beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free”

 *Grantaire:  Tenor E4-F#5 Grantaire belongs to the ABC Society, but he is a cynic and a hedonist and does not believe in the ideals of revolution. He does, however, believe in one ideal: Enjolras, whom he regards with love and admiration.  As Enjolras spurns his admiration and mocks him, Grantaire seeks solace further in drink, and often plays the fool. However, he is not the unfeeling clown that others take him for. This is a role for a multi-faceted, thinking actor. Grantaire is 25 and should be able to play this age believably. The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (Beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free”

*Gavroche:  Baritone B3-D5 Gavroche is a Parisian urchin (street child), the son of the villainous Thenardiers. He is cheerful and resourceful rather than playing the victim of his circumstance. Lively and clever, he lives by his wits. He dies by them as well and proves his courage, getting shot by soldiers when he teases them on the barricade. Gavroche is 12 and the actor should be able to believably play this age. The Beggars – Learn from Lyric: “Ow ya do, my name’s Gavroche”  to “Follow me, follow me!!”

 *The Bishop of Digne:  Baritone/Tenor A3-E5 The Bishop is a kind and generous man who gives Jean Valjean aid when everyone else refuses him. Searching for a place to spend the night, the ex-convict finds that he is a branded man and no inn will let him stay. His last resort is the home of the bishop, who takes him in and treats him as an honored guest. After Valjean steals the Bishop’s silver and is caught by the police, the bishop protects him by insisting that the silver was actually a gift. Afterwards, he tells Valjean, “I have bought your soul for God.” The bishop’s selfless act inspires Valjean to change his life. The Bishop is 76 and should believably be able to play this age.  Prologue – Learn from lyric: “That is right.  But my friend you left so early” to “I have bought your soul for God

 *Foreman:  Baritone E4-F5 The factory foreman is Fantine’s supervisor. Upon finding out that Fantine has a child that she is hiding, out of jealousy for the unknown man in her life, he dismisses her from her job, sending her on her downward spiral of desperation. The foreman is virile, commanding and a bit sleazy around the edges. The foreman’s age is indeterminate, and can be played from mid 20′s to early 50′s. The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (Beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free”

 *Young Cosette:  Mezzo A3-C5 (See “Cosette” above). Cosette is portrayed during her childhood when she is at the home of the Thenardiers. This is a time in her life when she is frightened, overworked, and mistreated. She dreams of a better life and a real mother, and when Valjean comes to take her away from her miserable life, she trusts him and happily goes with him. Young Cosette is 8, and the actress should be able to believably play this age. Little Cossette (Castle On A Cloud) Learn Lyric: Beginning, “There is a castle on a cloud” to “….not in a castle on a cloud

 *Young Eponine:  Non-singing (See “Eponine” above). Eponine is portrayed during her childhood at home with her parents and Young Cosette. She is dressed in fine clothes and allowed by Madame Thernardier to taunt Cosette. Her mother has spoiled her and she is quite bratty. Young Eponine is 8, and the actress should be able to believably play this age.

 ALL CHARACTERS BELOW, PREPARE THE FOLLOWING FOR YOUR AUDITION: The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (from beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free

*Combeferre: Baritone E4-F5 Combeferre is a member of the ABC Society, a student, and a philosopher of revolution. He has a scientific mind, and is a strong guiding hand for the students of the ABC, balancing Enjolras’ leadership. He is in his mid 20′s and should be able to believably play this age range.

*Feuilly:  Baritone E4-A5 Feuilly is a self-educated, artistic working-man, a passionate student of the revolution and an ardent insurrectionist. He is in his mid to late 20′s and actor should be able to believably play this age range.

*Courfeyrac:  Baritone E4-F5 Courfeyrac is a member of the ABC Society. He is animated and witty, as well as honorable and determined and a heroic defender of the cause. He has a natural warmth to his personality and while Enjolras is the leader, and Combeferre is the guide, Courfeyrac holds as the center of the group. He is in his mid 20′s and the actor should be able to play this age range believably.

*Joly:  Baritone G4 – E5 A member of the ABC Society, Joly is studying medicine. He is something of a hypochondriac. Joly is 23 and the actor should be able to believably play this age.

*Lesgles:  Baritone Ab4- Eb5 A member of the ABC Society, Lesgles is a law student. He is cheerful but unlucky; everything he undertakes seems to go wrong. He is  25 years old and the actor should be able to play this age believably.

*Jean Prouvaire:  Baritone Ab4-Db5 Prouvaire is a wealthy member of the ABC society. While interested in social questions, he is more passionate about poetry, love, music, and the romantic view of the world. Soft-spoken and awkward, yet intrepid

*Montparnasse:  Baritone C4-C5 Montparnasse is a member of Thernardier’s gang. He is a handsome, wolf-like idler with no ambitions other than to become a robber. Montparnasse is 19 years old and should be able to believably portray this age.

*Babet:  Baritone E4-E5 Babet is a skeletal and foreboding member of Thernadier’s gang, the “seller” among the group. Babet is of indeterminate age, can be played mid-20′s to 60′s.

 *Brujon:  Baritone B4-E5 Brujon is the brutish and cowardly but dissatisfied member of Thénardier’s Gang. He is physically imposing. Brujon is of indeterminate age, but can be played from mid-20′s to 50′s.

*Claquesous:  Baritone B4-E5 Claquesous is quiet and sticks to the shadows, expert at evading the police. Claquesous is of indeterminate age, but can be played from mid-20′s to 50′s.

 *Bamatabois:  Tenor  D4- F#5 Bamatabois is a rich dandy who torments Fantine when she is down and out for his own amusement. She attacks him and he causes her to be arrested. Bamatabois is “a young man”of indeterminate age.

 *Fauchelevant:  Tenor B4-Eb5 Fauchelevant is an elderly man who has fallen upon hard times. He is trapped beneath his cart and rescued from certain death by Jean Valjean, calling Valjean to the attention of his nemesis, Javert. Fauchelevant is an elderly man of indeterminant age.

 There are various ensemble roles, including an Army Officer (offstage solo), the Chain Gang, the Poor, Factory Workers, Sailors, Whores, Pimps, Drinkers, Wedding Guests, etc. Many ensemble roles have solo lines. Those cast in student, ensemble and minor roles may be be cast in multiple roles to give actors a maximum of stage time. Ensemble ages can range from 13 to adult.If you are auditioning for Ensemble only, please prepare: The People’s Song (Do You Hear The People Sing) Learn Lyric: (from beginning) “Do You Hear The People Sing” to “Then join in the fight that gives you the right to be free

 Note from the director: So after reading these rules and descriptions, it should be apparent that we are extremely serious about choosing our characters correctly. I urge you to take this seriously and prepare to the best of your abilities. I know there will be many talented folks auditioning for parts. If it were possible to give everyone a lead or sub lead, I would happily do so. Unfortunately those roles are limited. Therefore please give yourselves every opportunity by preparing and committing to memory your audition song. And let us see the characters described above play out during your moment in front of the audition committee. The roles will not be distributed based on singing alone. This will also be your acting audition.  If you do not get a lead or sub lead, you may be offered an ensemble position as this ensemble will have the best possible choral sound we can produce. You will be proud to be part of it, I promise you. You may also end up with a small solo line within the ensemble. So break a leg, everyone and please be as professional as you possibly can and be good to each other.

Thanks,
Jeff Samaha