"Meet the Cast of Les Miserables" blog series #10: Jean Valjean!

Charles Dizon Gracy, our Jean Valjean

Charles was educated at Bard College in NY as a drama/dance major and received a B.S. in Theater Education at SSU. He studied voice with Arthur Burrows of The NY Met, dance/acting with Eileen Passloff in the Stanislavski Method, Kate Kohler Amory in the Grotowski Method of Acting, Peter Sampieri for Directing and Theatre History, dance with Jean Churchill of the Boston Ballet, and Albert Reed of the Merce Cunningham Company. Always continuing to hone his craft, Charles currently studies voice with Brett Johnson. Some of his favorite roles include Jerry (The Full Monty), the Baker (Into the Woods), and the Lion (The Wiz). His directing credits include Steel Magnolias, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Chicago, Cinderella, Rent, The Wiz, and Les Misérables Jr.

What was your first experience with Les Misérables?

My first experience with Les Mis was as a middle schooler. I was fascinated with musical theater at that point and began studying with local teachers. Here in Boston, they had a casting call for Young Cosette and Gavroche. One of my theater friends (who was 2 years younger than me) went out and was cast as Gavroche. I remember going into the city to him and was completely mesmerized by the whole thing. I immediately purchased the cast album and t-shirts! I remember purchasing a big t-shirt so I would have it a while. I wore that shirt all over Russia in 1990 when I was an exchange student there!

What has it been like to prepare for your role?

This role has been one of the most challenging—not only to prepare the character, but also to prepare vocally. I find the music more challenging than Into the Woods, which I thought was extremely difficult at the time. Jean Valjean has a complete character arc that the audience needs to buy into, or else the story falls flat. 

What about this production excites you the most?

The sheer talent associated with this production is mind blowing. I can’t wait until we step out on that stage! I think people will be completely blown away. 

How has local theatre and performing enriched your life?

When we started this group we wanted it to be a supportive, friendly, and respectful place. We have gathered together some of the most talented and professional people in the area and their grace and spirit are a blessing each and every day.