Farewell, Fantine! Les Miserables Star Caissie Levy Looks Back on the Dream Role That Became a Reality

In the corporate world, employees leaving a job are often asked to sit through an “exit interview” with HR about their time at the company. Although that concept doesn’t exist for Broadway performers, we love checking in with stars as they finish up a successful run. Les Miserables star Caissie Levy will say goodbye to the barricades on March 1, when she plays her final performance as Fantine in the hit musical. As Levy bids her Broadway dream role adieu, she looks back on her “challenging, emotional and fulfilling” run in Les Miserables.

How did you feel when you first got this job?
Thrilled, honored and a tiny bit nervous.

How do you feel now that you’re leaving?
Thrilled, honored and a tiny bit nervous.

What are three words you would use to describe your experience at the job?
Challenging. Emotional. Fulfilling.

What was the easiest thing about the job?
Working with our cast. We have an exceptional group of actors at the Imperial Theatre, and I’ve loved being serious and silly with each and every one of them.

What was the hardest thing about this job?
The emotional toll Fantine took on my heart and my spirit. And the physical toll it took on my body—that fight choreography is no joke!

What was the highlight of your time at this job?
Playing one of my dream roles in the show that made me want to become an actress in the first place. Very, very cool.

What skills do you think are required for future job applicants?
Emotional availability and a great sense of humor to counteract the gloom. Also, acting and singing well come in handy.

What advice would you give to future employees in your position?
Think about Cosette, fight for her, and you’re golden. And don’t be a diva—embrace your chance to be on the barricade as part of the ensemble, and enjoy watching your friends act and sing the hell out of this gorgeous score.

How do you think you’ve grown?
I’ve toughened up quite a lot. I’ve learned to go a bit easier on myself. I’ve become a stronger actress. And I’ve used a more legit side of my voice which has been really exciting to explore, coming from the pop/rock world.

Why are you leaving?
It’s time. There comes a time in any run of a show when you realize you’ve learned what you’re going to learn from the experience and it’s time to pass the torch and move on to new adventures.

What will you miss the most?
My friends. We’re always saying "hello" and "goodbye" in the theatre world, and it can be sad to go from bonding on a daily basis to only running into each other periodically on 8th Avenue. But I’ve collected a lot of wonderful people on this gig, and I’m very grateful for that. I’m grateful for it all.