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Lamont Whitaker Lights Up Stage in Les Misérables National Tour — Melanin News | Melanin
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Lamont Whitaker Lights Up Stage in Les Misérables National TourCelebrity

Lamont Whitaker Lights Up Stage in Les Misérables National Tour

2w ago

Lamont Whitaker is currently a standout on one of the biggest stages in American theater. The accomplished musical theater performer is lighting up audiences across the nation as a vital part of the ensemble for the acclaimed national tour of *Les Misérables*, a production celebrated for its powerful narrative and breathtaking staging. Theatergoers in Chicago have their final chance to witness Whitaker's talent and the legendary show, with performances running at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through May 24, 2026.

Whitaker's versatility on stage is evident in his role as a Swing in the *Les Misérables* tour. This demanding position requires him to be ready to step into multiple parts at a moment's notice, a testament to his skill and dedication. Reports indicate he has already performed significant roles within the production, including the Bishop of Digne, Factory Foreman, and the formidable Inspector Javert. The current Chicago engagement, located at 151 West Randolph Street, kicked off on May 12, 2026, and offers a limited two-week run with various performance dates available.

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Source

His impressive journey to the national spotlight began in Miami, Florida, where Whitaker was born and raised amidst a vibrant local theater community. He further honed his craft by earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the AMDA College and Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Los Angeles. Before joining *Les Misérables*, Whitaker had already made a significant mark on national tours, starring as Mafala in *The Book of Mormon* and Pastor in *Summer: The Donna Summer Musical*. His stage credits also span a diverse array of productions, including playing Teen Angel in *Grease*, Jessie in *A Bronx Tale*, Mister in *The Color Purple*, and Carlos in *Legally Blonde*.

The *Les Misérables* North American Tour, which Whitaker is a part of, first launched on October 7, 2022. It has been an extensive run, traversing countless cities before its scheduled conclusion on June 28, 2026. The musical itself is a global phenomenon, adapted from Victor Hugo's timeless novel. Its iconic score, featuring original French lyrics by Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel, English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer, and music by Claude-Michel Schönberg, has earned numerous accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Musical. The production is renowned for its "glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo," leading critics to praise its revitalized presentation.

At its heart, *Les Misérables* tells an enthralling story set in 19th-century France, weaving together themes of broken dreams, unrequited love, passion, sacrifice, and redemption. It stands as a powerful testament to the survival of the human spirit, brought to life through legendary songs such as "I Dreamed a Dream," "On My Own," "Bring Him Home," and "Do You Hear The People Sing?" This epic and uplifting tale has captivated over 130 million people across 53 countries, 438 cities, and 22 languages, cementing its place as one of the world's most popular musicals and the 6th longest-running Broadway production of all time.

Les Misérables (musical)
Les Misérables (musical) Source

Whitaker has openly expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career, publicly stating, "wouldn't be here without you!" in a heartfelt message to his manager, Gregg Baker. Producer Cameron Mackintosh, a driving force behind this acclaimed production, has also reflected on the musical's enduring appeal. Mackintosh noted that "The phenomenon of Les Misérables never fails to astound me. No show in history has been able to continually reinvent itself and remain a contemporary musical attracting new generations of brilliant new talent, many of whom go on to international stardom. No show in the world has ever demonstrated the survival of the human spirit better than Les Miz, and it's time to let the people sing again. We are all thrilled to be Bringing Her Home to you."

Beyond his demanding performance schedule, Whitaker also dedicated time to nurturing the next generation of theatrical talent during the Chicago stop. On May 12, 2026, he participated in the 2026 Illinois High School Musical Theatre Awards, where he taught a musical number from *Les Misérables* to the nominees. He also led a special Q&A session, sharing insights with aspiring theater professionals, and served as a judge on the panel that selected the award recipients. This involvement underscores his commitment to the broader theater community and its future.

The *Les Misérables* national tour features a stellar cast alongside Whitaker. Nick Cartell portrays the fugitive Jean Valjean, while Hayden Tee returned to the role of Inspector Javert on January 7, 2026, having previously performed the character on Broadway, London's West End, and the North American Tour. Lindsay Heather Pearce plays Fantine, with Matt Crowle and Victoria Huston-Elem as Thénardier and Madame Thénardier, respectively. The role of Enjolras is shared by Christian Mark Gibbs for performances from May 12-15 and Daniel Gerard Bittner from May 16-24. Jaedynn Latter takes on Éponine, Peter Neureuther is Marius, and Alexa Lopez performs as Cosette. The roles of Little Cosette/Young Éponine are alternated by Lillian Caster and Kayla Scola-Giampapa, while Cree-Silver Corley and Rocco Van Auken alternate as Petit Gervais/Gavroche.

Looking ahead, the musical's 40th-anniversary celebrations will culminate with *Les Misérables: The Arena Concert Spectacular*. This special event is scheduled for a limited engagement at Radio City Music Hall in New York City from July 23 through August 9, 2026. It will be the sole North American performance of the concert spectacular in 2026, marking a grand conclusion to the milestone anniversary. Whitaker's journey from his Miami roots to commanding roles in such a globally recognized production is a testament to perseverance and talent, continuing to inspire audiences and aspiring performers alike.