Manly Musical Society’s 10th Anniversary production opens this Friday 19th April at the Glen Street Theatre. Marcus James Hurley plays Jean Val Jean in the show and chats to us about his upcoming role and the production.
Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, Les Mis is one of the most epic musicals of all time. Why do you think this is the case?
A story as old as time. Man and his god. Be that god a spiritual one or a moral one.
I have loved every minute of it. It is an absolute honour to portray such an iconic and power role. I feel privileged every time I get to utter even the smallest of his lines. Show fit? What’s show fit? This role is all about keeping on keeping on. The worse you the feel the closer you get to the character!
What was the biggest struggle in bringing this character to the stage?
This is a funny one. Not to be funny, but I am more used to portraying a romantic lead who charms and wins the leading lady. This role is about nurture, care and a constant drive to be good. A real challenge but it has been a pleasure to explore these emotions.
What is your favourite scene in the show?
I love the confrontation. Josh Rogers aka Javert is a treat to work with and when we stare at each other with such utter hate and confusion it feels a little magic.
Which is is your favourite scene to perform?
Gotta love the prologue. A lot to tell in a very small amount of time. No time for thinking. Love, love, love the end of the prologue. An utter privilege to perform.
The movie with Hugh Jackman brought Les Mis to the masses, what did you think of the movie?
I would argue that the masses were aware of Les Miserables long before the movie. For me, the introduction came from my father playing the 10th anniversary CD relentlessly on family road trips. This, to me, is THE Les Miserables. Regarding the movie? It is better I don’t comment.
Do you have a ritual of things you do before you go on stage?
With so much preparation it is all about remaining calm. The preparation has been done, now it is time to have some fun. Definitely need a coffee. Definitely need some tea. Maybe a little prayer to the musical theatre gods?
When you’re not performing on stage, what is Marcus usually doing?
Marcus is usually working, going to the gym and rehearsing to perform in another show.
Who is the one person (dead or alive), you would like/would have like to work with?
Goodness. Frank Sinatra. What a lad. I sometimes feel I was born to late…
What was the first musical song you ever sang?
Maria from West Side Story.
What is the most valuable piece of advice that you have been given?
“You can’t (or don’t have to) do it all on your own” – definitely relates to musical theatre. A true team effort with everyone doing and perfecting their parts to make the magic happen.
Any thoughts about the next role or show you might do?
What on earth do you do after Jean Val Jean in Les Miserables??? Why not Tony in West Side Story hey?
If you could send out a tweet that would reach the entire world, what would it say?
Hey. Isn’t life good fun?!
Tickets from www.glenstreet.com.au
Les Misérables
Music by Claude-Michel Schönberg
Original French-language lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel.
English-language libretto was written by Herbert Kretzmer.
18 – 27 Apr 2019
Fri 19 Apr – 8:00 pm
Sat 20 Apr – 1:00 pm
Sat 20 Apr – 8:00 pm
Sun 21 Apr – 1:00 pm
Sun 21 Apr – 7:30 pm
Tue 23 Apr – 7:30 pm
Wed 24 Apr – 7:30 pm
Thu 25 Apr – 7:30 pm
Fri 26 Apr – 7:30 pm
Sat 27 Apr – 1:00 pm
Sat 27 Apr – 7:30 pm
Venue: Glen Street Theatre
Theatre Company: Manly Musical Society
Duration: 3 hrs, incl interval
Manly Musical Society presents Les Misérables, the world’s longest running musical. It is a true modern classic based on Victor Hugo’s novel and featuring one of the most memorable scores of all time. With countless awards to its name, Les Misérables is as groundbreaking today as it was when it first premiered in London in 1985.
In nineteenth 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 lifelong struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe that 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 commits suicide, and Valjean finally attains the peace that he has sought for so long.
Ticket Prices
Adult $54.00
Concession $49.00
Child (12 yrs & under) $45.00
Groups (10 or more people) $45.00
