It's the musical that tested Russell Crowe’s singing chops and won Anne Hathaway an Oscar – and now it’s going to give Albion Park Rail kid Emerson Garcia a taste of professional theatre life.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Emerson beat out nearly 40 other boys to play the role of Gavroche in Cameron McKintosh’s production of Les Miserables, which arrives at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in March.
But first, the 10-year-old will travel to Melbourne to train for the part before spending three months in Perth for the Western Australian leg of the musical’s national tour.
Emerson’s mum, Dionne Garcia, said her son had jumped at the chance to audition for the show, naming the part as one of his favourites.
“He played Gavroche two years ago with Roo Theatre and he loved it,” she said.
“As soon as he heard there was a professional season, he told us he really wanted to audition.”
Emerson spent two days earlier this month testing for the part in Sydney before he received a call-back and eventually the news that he was one of four boys who would be sharing the part.
He will hit the stage twice a week, as well as perform stand-by duties, in case another child can’t perform.
“It’s a pretty big commitment but he’s just so excited about it,” Dionne said.
Despite being just 10, Emerson is no newcomer to the stage, having been dancing with House of PA in Corrimal and performing in Roo Theatre productions since he was a littlie.
He’s also not the only Garcia to try his hand at professional theatre – big sister Mackenzie was part of the touring company of Mary Poppins in 2012.
She played Jane Banks in the Brisbane and Perth productions, a feat Emerson watched closely.
“I think he’s had Mackenzie as an example but he’s enjoyed it in his own right as well,” Dionne said.