Toronto's critically acclaimed production of Les Miserables was responsible for bringing
Ramin Karimloo back 'home' to perform on Canadian soil, and now for one performance only, he will share the stage with the man who helped inspire his dream to pursue musical theatre - none other than stage legend (and original Jean Valjean)
Colm Wilkinson.
Many have heard the story about home Richmond Hill raised Karimloo attended a performance of Toronto's Phantom of the Opera in the nineties (when Wilkinson played Phantom) and proudly proclaimed to his classmates that one day that was what he was going to do for a living.
His dream came true in a big way, as he went out to play 'The Phantom' on London's West End in both the original and Andrew Lloyd Webber's sequel 'Love Never Dies' before taking on the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables.
On Saturday January 11th, Colm will step on stage at The Princess of Wales and play The Bishop one more time, this time passing the candlesticks to
Ramin Karimloo, Toronto (and soon to be Broadway's) Jean Valjean. When
BWW interviewed Colm Wilkinson in November 2012 about his solo concerts and participation in the film, he spoke candidly about what it was like the pass the candlesticks to
Hugh Jackman and start him on his Les Miserables journey. Now audiences can watch as he does the same with
Ramin Karimloo, and supported worthy causes at the same time.
It is bound to be a very special evening for lovers of musical theatre and Les Miserables alike, and proceeds will benefit five very special charities: Casey House, Covenant House, Ernestine's, The Franciscan Missionary Sisters for Africa and Theatre 20.
@CityMelanie captured this photo of @raminkarimloo and Colm Wilkinson discussing this event and shared on twitter
Details are still unfolding and BWW will update readers as more becomes available. We can confirm the performance will be on Jan 11th, 2014.
For more details please visit www.mirvish.com
For more information on Les Miserables on Broadway (opening in March 2013) please visit their official website: http://www.lesmis.com/broadway/