Josh Young is no stranger to Les Mis. Here at the Walnut, Josh is reprising the role of Marius, a part he toured with as part of the last National Tour. We spoke with this Philadelphia native about approaching the role in a new way:
WST: What will be the big differences between doing Les Mis in a regional theatre versus on a national tour?
I've never done a regional show with this long of a run but I know we'll be really embraced by Philadelphia. I was here on tour and I remember the audiences being fantastic. I can't wait to go out there for them every night. I am ecstatic to work with Hugh. He is also a Philadelphia native and coming to his home town. I intend to take the same approach as I always do. I would really like to forget everything I did in the last production. I would love Mark to have a blank slate when it comes to my role. Also, I can't wait to work with a director from the British school!
WST: Do you anticipate any particular challenges?
I don't really see things as negative challenges. I look at it as an opportunity to bring my life experiences to the role. A lot has happened to me since three years ago when I last played the role. It will be a challenge to create so many complicated relationships between the characters in such a short rehearsal period. I am very excited to work with such a talented group of people.
WST: What are you most excited about in this production?
Empty Chairs in Empty Tables! I have so much more to bring to it since the last time I was able to perform it. Also, Julie Craig is a good friend of mine. We performed together on the national tour of West Side Story. It will be so good to work together again. Not to mention the fact that so many of my friends and family still live in the area. So it will be wonderful to be able to perform for them in my hometown!
