Randy Graff, Max von Essen & More Featured on The Ensemblist's LES MISERABLES Episode

Mo Brady and Nikka Graff Lanzarone announce the release of The Ensemblist's 22nd episode: "LES MISERABLES"

One of the most celebrated shows in musical theatre history, LES MISERABLES has built the careers of countless performers on Broadway and around the world. In honor of the second revival's Broadway bow, The Ensemblist interviewed Les Miz veterans Randy Graff, Elena Shaddow, and Max Von Essen, as well as current revival cast member Arbender Robinson. Recognized as the ultimate ensemblist show,Les Miz performers are required to play numerous roles with a multitude of characters, entrances and costumes changes to track. In this episode, the four guests describe their tracks throughout the show, share insider stories on the rehearsal process, and describe what it is like to be a part of an international phenomenon such as Les Miz.

Graff (LES MISERABLES, Fiddler on the Roof, A Class Act, High Society, Falsettos, Laughter on the 23rd Floor, Moon Over Buffalo, Grease, Sarava, City of Angels) originated the role of Fantine on Broadway, after boldly calling the casting director and asking to be seen for the part. In this episode, she describes the unique rehearsal process for the original company and describes the excitement as buzz built around the production.

Shaddow (LES MISERABLES, Sweet Smell of Success, Nine, Fiddler on the Roof, The Woman in White, La Cage aux Folles, The Bridges of Madison County) appeared as a replacement in the ensemble of the original Broadway production and covered the role of Cosette. She describes the ensemble spirit amongst the cast and the specific details of character development passed down from the original performers.

Robinson (The Lion King, Hairspray, The Little Mermaid, Hair, Ragtime, The Book of Mormon, Beautiful, LES MISERABLES) won the Gypsy Robe for the current Broadway revival. He shares his experience of the revival rehearsal process, discussing the unique opportunity to create multiple ensemblist characters, developing a specific backstory for each one. He also discusses the thrill of the audience response and how that heightens his performance.

Von Essen (LES MISERABLES, Jesus Christ Superstar, Dance of the Vampires, Evita) joined the original production as an ensemblist and Marius cover for its final performances. He then appeared in the first Broadway revival as Enjolras. In this episode, he describes his childhood memories of seeing Les Miz for the first time, the creative freedom he was given in bringing his characters to life, and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity of being a part of a hit sensation on Broadway.

New episodes of The Ensemblist can be downloaded every two weeks through the iTunes store by searching for "The Ensemblist." Episodes can be also be streamed on Stitcher Radio, TuneIn, and downloaded directly from Podbean at theensemblist.podbean.com.

Upcoming episodes will include interviews with ensemblist understudies who handle split tracks and a special feature on the Tony Awards.

The website, TheEnsemblist.com, features stories, Q&As, and blog posts from those in the know about life as an ensemblist, plus cool stuff they can't NOT share. You can also follow @theensemblist on Twitter and Like us at facebook.com/theensemblist.