Will Swenson Returns to Les Miserables on Broadway as Earl Carpenter Recovers From Neck Injury

Tony nominee Will Swenson is set to return to Les Miserables on Broadway on November 18 in the role of Javert, stepping in for Earl Carpenter as he recovers from a neck injury. Carpenter will undergo an MRI this week to determine a treatment plan and timetable for recovery. Swenson was the original Javert in the revival, which is playing at the Imperial Theatre.

"As long as the results of the MRI aren’t too scary, I’ll be back on the barricade as soon as possible," Carpenter said in a statement. "I’m grateful to Will Swenson for filling in for me on short notice!” Swenson added: "Super happy to get the chance to come back to Les Miz for a couple of weeks and fill in for Earl while his injury heals up. We've all been there before. And for all the times I've been hurt, I'm glad to repay the karma cycle of filling-in. Wishing the amazing Earl Carpenter a speedy and healthy recovery!"

Swenson received a Tony nomination for Hair. His additional Broadway credits include Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, 110 in the Shade, Lestate and Brooklyn: the Musical.

The newly reimagined production of Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil’s tuner is directed by James Powell and School of Rock's Laurence Connor. The current cast also includes Alfie Boe as Jean Valjean, Montego Glover as Fantine, Brennyn Lark as Eponine, Chris McCarrell as Marius, Alexandra Finke as Cosette, Wallace Smith as Enjolras and Gavin Lee and Rachel Izen as the Thenardiers. Hayden Tee will assume the role of Javert on January 29.