It’s Official! Ramin Karimloo, Melissa O’Neil & More Will Head to the Barricades in Toronto’s Les Miserables

Good news theater fans, Ramin Karimloo is now confirmed to star in a musical in North America...that’s one tiny step closer to Broadway, right? As previously speculated Karimloo will star as Jean Valjean in Mirvish Theatre’s upcoming production of Les Miserables. The Tony-winning musical will begin performances in October 2013 at Toronto’s Prince of Wales Theatre. No exact dates have been set at this time.

Also confirmed for the Toronto production are Canadian Idol winner Melissa O’Neil as Eponine, Mark Uhre as Enjolras, Genevieve Leclerc as Fantine, Samantha Hill (currently appearing as the Christine alternate in Broadway's Phantom of the Opera) as Cosette, Lisa Horner as Madame Thénardier and Cliff Saunders as Monsieur Thénardier. No word yet on whio will play Marius and Javert.

The Toronto production includes changes made by producer Cameron Mackintosh and the creative team for the musical’s 25th anniversary tour, which is currently performing around the United States. Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, Les Miserables follows ex-con Jean Valjean (Karimloo) as he attempts to make a better life for himself and his adopted daughter in 1800s France. Popular songs include “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “On My Own” and “Do You Hear the People Sing?”

Les Miserables first opened in Toronto in 1989 and ran until 1990. The show was then revived in 1991, 1992, 1998 and 2005. The film adaptation of the musical, starring Hugh Jackman as Valjean, won three Golden Globes and is nominated for eight Oscars including Best Picture.

Watch Karimloo tackle the Les Miz anthem "Bring Him Home" below!