When the producer leaves the country just two weeks before the opening of the biggest show of the year, that's definitely a vote of confidence in the people left behind.
Judy Russell is off in New York, leaving music director Robin Norman in charge of the last details to bring Les Miserables to the stage at the Prince George Playhouse from July 16 to August 3.
"She cares most about the show and the performers and that's what matters to her," said Russell. "She's pretty amazing and I'm only as good as the people standing beside me."
Norman redirects the praise to the show's star, Andy Beesley, who plays Jean Valjean.
"He is 80 per cent of the show and the rest of us just come and go around him," she said. "With him so solid and dedicated and such a good worker, it makes the job so easy."
The next stage of the rehearsal process combines the singers with the 16-piece orchestra.
"This show is a lot like Producers in the sense where our chorus is really above and beyond," Norman explained. "These people coming in bring such knowledge and experience to the production that it makes it really easy."
The rest of the cast includes Nigel McInnis as Marius, Kelsey Wheatley as Eponine, Catherine McCarthy as Fantine, and Sarah Gyorfi as Cosette.
Tickets are at Studio 2880, 2820-15th Avenue.
