Les Misérables 2014 Cast Choices Raised Eyebrows
The main 2014 revival cast of Les Misérables on Broadway centered on Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean, Will Swenson as Javert, Caissie Levy as Fantine, Nikki M. James as Éponine, Samantha Hill as Cosette, Andy Mientus as Marius, Cliff Saunders as Thenardier, Keala Settle as Madame Thenardier, and Kyle Scatliffe as Enjolras. The production opened after previews beginning March 1, 2014, and officially opened on March 23, 2014, at the Imperial Theatre in New York.
Cast overview
The 2014 Broadway mounting was a re-imagined revival of the 25th-anniversary production, and the casting choices drew attention because several leads were Broadway debuts or high-profile stage transfers rather than legacy Les Misérables veterans. That mix helped make the cast choices a talking point in theater coverage at the time.
| Character | Actor | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jean Valjean | Ramin Karimloo | Broadway debut in the role; previously associated with major West End and Toronto productions. |
| Javert | Will Swenson | Tony-nominated performer with strong Broadway credentials. |
| Fantine | Caissie Levy | Broadway and West End actress known for large vocal roles. |
| Éponine | Nikki M. James | Tony Award winner, bringing notable star power to the production. |
| Cosette | Samantha Hill | Relative newcomer in a major Broadway role. |
| Marius | Andy Mientus | Broadway debut; known from touring and television work. |
| Thenardier | Cliff Saunders | Veteran character actor with Toronto Les Mis experience. |
| Madame Thenardier | Keala Settle | Strong comedic-vocal presence; later became widely known for other major stage work. |
| Enjolras | Kyle Scatliffe | Broadway debut in a featured role with notable presence. |
Main principals
In addition to the principal eight, the production's first Broadway ensemble included performers such as Erin Clemons, Emily Cramer, Natalie Charle Ellis, Jason Forbach, Heidi Giberson, Nathaniel Hackmann, Andrew Kober, Chris McCarrell, Melissa Mitchell, Dennis Moench, Adam Monley, Betsy Morgan, Melissa O'Neil, Max Quinlan, John Rapson, Terance Reddick, Arbender Robinson, Christianne Tisdale, and Aaron Walpole. The child roles included Joshua Colley and Gaten Matarazzo as Gavroche, with Angeli Negron and Mckayla Twiggs as Little Cosette/Little Eponine in the Broadway revival credits.
- Jean Valjean: Ramin Karimloo.
- Javert: Will Swenson.
- Fantine: Caissie Levy.
- Éponine: Nikki M. James.
- Cosette: Samantha Hill.
- Marius: Andy Mientus.
- Thenardier: Cliff Saunders.
- Madame Thenardier: Keala Settle.
- Enjolras: Kyle Scatliffe.
Why the casting drew notice
The most discussed element of the 2014 revival was that the producers blended established Broadway names with performers who were either new to Broadway or newly elevated into marquee roles. Ramin Karimloo's casting as Valjean was especially notable because it positioned a celebrated London-based star at the center of a major New York revival.
That strategy signaled confidence in vocal authenticity and international recognition rather than relying only on previous U.S. revival alumni. It also made the production feel fresh, which was consistent with the revived staging's updated scenic and narrative approach.
The company was presented as a "re-imagined production" with fresh scenic and narrative elements and new orchestrations, reinforcing that the casting was part of a broader reinvention rather than a simple copy of prior stagings.
Production context
Les Misérables first arrived on Broadway in 1987 and became one of the defining long-run musicals of the era, so any return to the Imperial Theatre carried heavy expectations. The 2014 revival was announced as the show's Broadway return to the same house it had played for nearly 13 years in its earlier run, making the reopening feel like a homecoming.
The revival began previews on March 1, 2014, and opened officially on March 23, 2014. That timing placed it in a crowded Broadway season, but the production's brand recognition and celebrity-heavy casting gave it instant visibility.
- Producer Cameron Mackintosh announced the complete Broadway cast on December 2, 2013.
- Previews began on March 1, 2014.
- The official opening followed on March 23, 2014.
Character-by-character guide
Jean Valjean was played by Ramin Karimloo, whose casting signaled a big-voice, star-forward interpretation of the role. Javert went to Will Swenson, a performer known for intensity and stage command, which suited the antagonist's relentless dramatic arc.
Fantine was portrayed by Caissie Levy, a casting choice that matched the role's emotional weight with a singer able to handle the score's demands. Éponine and Cosette were respectively assigned to Nikki M. James and Samantha Hill, creating an interesting contrast between an established Tony winner and a newer leading lady.
Marius was played by Andy Mientus, whose Broadway debut helped frame the revival as a launchpad for new leading talent. Thenardier and Madame Thenardier were handled by Cliff Saunders and Keala Settle, giving the comic villains a strong character-actor pairing.
Notable ensemble names
The ensemble included a mix of stage veterans and emerging performers, which helped the production create depth across the barricade, factory, and street scenes. Among the more recognizable names were Andrew Kober, Melissa O'Neil, Arbender Robinson, Aaron Walpole, and Chris McCarrell.
- Andrew Kober appeared in multiple ensemble roles, including innkeeper and Babet in credits.
- Melissa O'Neil was part of the ensemble line-up.
- Arbender Robinson also contributed in multiple ensemble tracks.
- Aaron Walpole was credited in several supporting roles.
- Chris McCarrell was included among the ensemble performers.
Why fans still search it
People still look up the 2014 cast because this revival became a reference point for modern Les Misérables casting: internationally known leads, Broadway debuts in prominent roles, and a deliberate effort to refresh a classic without losing its identity. The production is also remembered for generating debate about whether star quality, vocal pedigree, or familiarity mattered most in reviving an iconic musical.
In practical terms, the answer to "Les Misérables 2014 revival cast members" is the principal company led by Karimloo, Swenson, Levy, James, Hill, Mientus, Saunders, Settle, and Scatliffe, supported by a large ensemble that made the Imperial Theatre revival feel expansive. The cast list remains useful because many searches are really trying to identify who played which role in that specific Broadway run.
Everything you need to know about Les Miserables 2014 Cast Choices Raised Eyebrows
Who played Jean Valjean?
Ramin Karimloo played Jean Valjean in the 2014 Broadway revival. His casting was one of the most talked-about elements of the production because it brought a major West End figure into a key Broadway role.
Who played Javert?
Will Swenson played Javert. His casting aligned the production with a performer known for serious stage authority and strong musical theater credentials.
Who played Éponine?
Nikki M. James played Éponine. Her involvement added prestige to the production because she was already a Tony Award winner before joining the revival.
Who played Cosette?
Samantha Hill played Cosette in the Broadway revival. Her casting reflected the production's willingness to place a comparatively fresh face in a major romantic lead.
Who were the Thenardiers?
Cliff Saunders played Thenardier, and Keala Settle played Madame Thenardier. The pairing gave the production a strong comic edge and a sharply contrasting villain duo.