Interview: Chris Durling Talks Enjolras

Brisbane, Australia--32-year-old Aussie actor Chris Durling ("Jersey Boys," "Grease") has set his eyes on Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" as his ultimate dream role. But his boyish good looks ain't helping him snag the role of the ex-convict on a quest for redemption--not just yet.

More suitably, in the reimagined production of "Les Miserables," which recently toured Australia and is set to open in Manila, the Philippines, this Friday, Chris, who is blessed with lungs of steel and a high tenor voice--settles for the role of Enjolras, the charismatic leader of a group of young revolutionaries who fights for the rights of the poor in the Paris Uprising of 1832.

"Enjolras sits in the middle there between a boy and a man role, if that makes sense. What's challenging though is that it's not easy being a leader--leading this group of young people. You have to gain their respect. They should want to listen to you; they should want to follow you for the role to really work," Chris told BroadwayWorld.com.

"I absolutely believe in fighting for something, wanting to improve, and giving yourself for a cause. I have no doubt that deep down, Enjolras knows they're going to be overpowered--the fact that this fight might not be the turning point that will improve the living conditions of these people--he hopes, though, that this will be the stepping stone to the legacy that he may leave them," he added.

When asked what's his real-life "crusade," he said, "10 years ago, I probably would have said to get to where I am now--10 years later. I've been very disciplined and focused. I only started singing when I was 17. I started late, which made me really hungry. I had to work hard like everybody else. I needed to catch up. So I put my eggs in one basket: career, career, career in my early 20s."

He further recalled, "Playing Troy Bolton in 'High School Musical' was my first lead role. I waited eight months to get the role and then two months later, they said, 'Sorry, the show is not selling; we're closing the show.' It was heartbreaking. But I thought that's not the way to live my life--to let other people have a power over my happiness. In the last two years, I felt I have had a better balance in my life. I've become an uncle; I've fallen in love, and worked on other things, besides 'Les Mis.'

"Just like Enjolras, I've been figuring out who I am as a man, and what I want in life; it's all part of the journey I take every day."

Chris graduated from the University of Ballarat-Arts Academy in Victoria, Australia. His theater credits include "Jersey Boys," where he covered for the roles of both Frankie Valli and Bob Gaudio, "Fame" (Nick Piazza), "An Officer and a Gentleman" (Zac Mayo), "Saturday Night" (Artie), "High School Musical" (Troy Bolton), John & Jen (John), "Follies" (Young Buddy), "Damn Yankees," "My Fair Lady" (Freddy), and "Grease" (Doody).

Chris was nominated for a Helpmann Award for his role as Enjolras in the reimagined production of "Les Miserables."

Set against the backdrop of the 19th-century revolutionary France, "Les Miserables," based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo, has been seen by over 70 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages. It tells the epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit, which boasts a magnificent score including "I Dreamed A Dream," "On My Own," "Stars," "Bring Him Home," "Do You Hear the People Sing?" "One Day More," "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables," and "Master of the House."

"Les Miserables," produced by Cameron Mackintosh, has music by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer and original French text by Mr Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel. Adapted by Trevor Nunn and John Caird, it has additional material by James Fenton. The reimagined production is directed by Laurence Connor and James Powell and designed by Matt Kinley. Original costumes by Andreane Neofitou, additional costumes by Christine Rowland, lighting design by Paule Constable, and sound design by Mick Potter. Michael Cassel is the executive producer of the Asian tour/international production.

"Les Miserables" plays The Theatre at Solaire, Solaire Resort and Casino-Manila, from this Friday, March 11, until Sunday, April 24. Tickets are available at (632) 8919999 or visit TicketWorld.com.ph.

Photos: Oliver Oliveros

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