David Rogers, Lee Siegel, Ma-Anne Dionisio & More to Star in Drayton Entertainment's LES MISERABLES

With excitement mounting for Drayton Entertainment's production of Boublil and Schönberg's LES MISERABLES, Artistic Director Alex Mustakas today revealed the cast and creative team that has been assembled for the epic musical.

"The calibre of talent on stage and behind-the scenes for this production is outstanding," says Mustakas. "The cast includes a mix of seasoned performers, up-and-coming talent, as well as audience favourites who have appeared on various Drayton Entertainment stages over the years."

Cast as the legendary French prisoner Jean Valjean is David Rogers, one of the great leading men of Canadian theatre. Rogers has starred in major productions ranging from Broadway revues to mega-musicals and from operetta to rock opera. His pedigree includes leading roles in the original Toronto production of The Phantom of the Opera, Tommy, Cats and Evita, along with featured soloist performances with symphony orchestras across the country. His one-man show, Broadway Heroes is a glorious tribute to the leading men of musical theatre. It has played at theatres across Canada to critical acclaim and comes to the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge this fall.

Lee Siegel is police inspector Javert, Valjean's vengeful opponent. Siegel wowed Drayton Entertainment audiences in such past hits as Miss Saigon. Two seasons with the Stratford Festival brought Siegel to roles in Tommy and Fiddler on the Roof as well as to Broadway in 2012 for the revival of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Ma-Anne Dionisio is the lovelorn Eponine. The Filipino-born Canadian actress became an international star with her portrayal of Kim in the original Toronto production of Boublil and Schönberg's other masterpiece, Miss Saigon. The role earned Dionisio nominations for the Dora Mavor Moore Award for Best Actress in a Musical in 1994 and in 2011. She subsequently performed in British, Australian and American productions of Miss Saigon. Dionisio has also performed in London's West End, at the Stratford Festival, and is an accomplished Broadway performer. Dionisio is reprising the role of Eponine from the U.S. National Tour.

Jayme Armstrong graces the stage as the tragic figure Fantine. Armstrong is a favourite of Drayton audiences and she has been featured in musicals such as Disney's Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music, Irving Berlin's White Christmas and the upcoming production of Legally Blonde.

David Cotton, who began his professional career with Drayton Entertainment in Disney's High School Musical and went on to charm theatregoers in such productions as Hairspray and 9 To 5: The Musical, takes on the role of the love-struck Marius. The object of his affection, the beautiful Cosette, is played by Anwyn Musico in her Drayton Entertainment stage debut.

Jake Stern is the brave barricade revolutionary Enjolras. Stern is fresh off the U.S. National Tour of Godspell where he captivated audiences across North America as Jesus, a role that he first portrayed at the St. Jacobs Country Playhouse last fall.

Comic relief is provided by Eddie Glen as Thenardier, the dishonest innkeeper, and Kristen Peace as his wife Madame Thenardier. A Drayton audience favourite, Glen has thrilled theatregoers in such hits as Big Band Legends, Guys and Dolls, and Man of La Mancha to name a few. Both Glen and Peace were stand-outs in Drayton Entertainment's 2013 production of Monty Python's Spamalot. Peace delivered a power-house performance as the Lady of the Lake, a role in which she displayed tremendous range, singing and acting with spot-on comic timing.

Rounding out this impressive cast is Katie Beetham, Ryan Brown, Jennifer Burke, Michael Cox, Matthew Fletcher, Joanna Guistini, Derrick Paul Miller, Janelle Murray, Tim Porter, Louie Rossetti, Andrew Scanlon, Adam Stevenson, Kimberly-Ann Truong and Arthur Wright.

"LES MISERABLES is well known for its heart-wrenching, yet uplifting moments. The production is ultimately a celebration of the human condition. I am inspired to work with such a gifted company, and can't wait for audiences to see our interpretation of what is considered by many as the greatest musical of all time," says Mustakas.

The Music Director for LES MISERABLES is Robert Foster, one of the industry's pre-eminent musicians. Foster has worked on numerous Drayton Entertainment productions including the acclaimed Twist & Shout: The British Invasion, Evita and Legally Blonde, as well as the Mirvish productions of Rock Of Ages, Dirty Dancing and The Boys in the Photograph. He has also worked with many popular musicians including Jann Arden, co-writing songs such as "Good Mother", "It Looks Like Rain" and "Give Me Back My Heart", and opening for such legends as Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton.

Also confirmed for LES MISERABLES is Lighting Designer Kevin Fraser and Costume Designer Rachel Berchtold, both of whom were involved in the landmark production of Disney's Mary Poppins which launched the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge in 2013.

Mustakas has tasked himself with the formidable challenge of directing the production. Celebrated for his expertise in maintaining intimacy within grand scale musicals, Mustakas has helmed countless productions in his distinguished career including the North American tour of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, along with such classic Drayton Entertainment productions as Blood Brothers, Big River, Annie, 9 To 5: The Musical, Monty Python's Spamalot and many more.

Entertaining more than 65 million people in 42 countries, LES MISERABLES is one of the most celebrated musicals of our time. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, ex-convict Jean Valjean is hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's young daughter, their lives are forever changed ... along with the destiny of an entire nation.

The dream lives this summer as the epic musical takes centre stage at the Dunfield Theatre Cambridge for eight weeks, June 11th to August 2nd followed by a four-week run in Grand Bend at the Huron Country Playhouse, August 7th to August 30th.

Regular performance tickets are $42.00 for adults; $25.00 for youth under 20 years of age. Tickets for preview performances scheduled before the official opening and groups of 20 or more are $34.00. HST is applicable to all ticket prices.

Tickets are on sale now and can be conveniently purchased from any computer or mobile device by visiting www.draytonentertainment.com, in person at any Drayton Entertainment Box Office or by calling toll free 1-855- DRAYTON (372-9866).

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