By Kat Kramer

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 3/5/08 – Despite the name, Hollywood Today Newsmagazine is rarely about local activities, but we bow very, very low when such an institution as the Los Angeles Philharmonic stages a beloved Broadway Musical with an all-star cast at The Hollywood Bowl. Past staged musicals include “Mame”, “My Fair Lady”, “Camelot”, “The Sound Of Music”, and “South Pacific.” In August (8,9,10), it will be “Les Miserables.” It has just been announced that Brian Stokes Mitchell and Rosie O’Donnell have been added to the cast. The principal cast will include J. Mark McVey (who has appeared in the show on Broadway and in London) will play the lead, Jean Valjean. Lea Michele (from Broadway’s award winning “Spring Awakening”) will portray the coveted role of Eponine, “The Office” star Melora Hadin will sing the part of Fontine, and Aaron Lazar will be Enjolras. Lazar just starred in the Broadway revival.

Mitchell, a Tony award winner for “Kiss Me Kate”, will take on the pivotal role of Javert, and Emmy award winning TV talk show host Rosie O’Donnell, also a musical comedy performer (“Seussical”, “Grease”) will star as Madame Thenardier. The musical director will be Kevin Stites.

Lea Michele is especially excited to be playing the role of Eponine. She made the official announcement during her solo concert at Feinstein’s at the Regency on February 25, in New York. Michele began her career as young Cosette in the original Broadway production of “Les Miserables.” In a recent interview she exclaimed, “’Les Miz’ is so close to my heart; I sing ‘On My Own’ every chance I get.” She closed her show with the song, and was supposed to play Eponine in the 2006 Broadway revival, but was instead committed to the cast of “Spring Awakening” when it transferred to Broadway from the Atlantic Theatre Company.