Happy as ‘Les Miserables’: Principal actors pursue Valjean, Javert

Published 5:00 am Sunday, June 14, 2015

VALDOSTA — For all of the decades of obsessed pursuit on stage as Inspector Javert and Jean Valjean in Peach State Summer Theatre’s “Les Miserables,” actors Joe Hager and Herb Porter maintain a friendly camaraderie off stage.

They are more likely to race one another to the gym for a workout than play a death-struggle peekaboo of predator and prey in a labyrinth of Parisian sewers as their respective characters famously do in “Les Miserables.”

They are downright chummy speaking of their work relationship and their characters on a recent afternoon. An almost shocking surprise given the menace of their on-stage scuffles as Hager’s Javert attempts to club Porter’s Jean Valjean into submission.

From their voices to their fight scenes to the interplay of Javert’s commitment to his law-enforcement duties to Jean Valjean’s indomitable commitment to mercy, Hager and Porter create the foundation for an unforgettable production of “Les Miserables” on the stage of Valdosta State University’s Sawyer Theatre.

Both actors view their roles as a serious responsibility and both men know their roles well.

“It is an honor to perform this show for an audience,” Hager said. “Sixty-five million people have seen ‘Les Miserables.’ It has attracted more people than any musical in history. … It is a responsibility we embrace fully.”

“No matter how it is done, how it is staged, ‘Les Miserables’ is a story of hope, of will power,” Porter said. “… We all have a choice. At the end of the day, there is something better, and if you hold on, you will find love and joy.

“At the end of the day, it is hard not to jump on board and cheer for hope.”

They are advocates for the show from experience.

The PSST! production marks Porter’s fifth production of “Les Miserables.” His third time playing Jean Valjean, the paroled prisoner who finds a new lease on life.

Hager has previously played Javert, the inspector who refuses to let Jean Valjean escape from parole. He played Javert for a full month in New Hampshire prior to the PSST! run. Hager wrapped the New Hampshire show on a Saturday night and was on a plane the next day to Valdosta for the PSST! “Les Mis” rehearsals.

Both men have worked professionally on stage for the past few to several years.

For Hager, the stage has long been the plan but originally in a different capacity. Classically trained for opera, he discovered he had more opportunities if he widened his résumé to musical theatre. The role of Javert is musical theatre that demands operatic voices.

For Porter, the stage is something completely different. He studied medicine with plans to become a doctor. He was introduced to theatre while pursuing his biology degree. He became hooked. He earned his biology degree but he put medical school on hold to work professionally as an actor.

To perform properly, they are dedicated to staying in shape. They are spiritual brothers in this belief. As singers, Hager and Porter said their bodies are their instruments. They regularly went to the gym even during the weeks of marathon 12-hour rehearsal days prior to the opening of “Les Miserables.” With “Les Mis” running, and rehearsals reduced to their fight practices, they often workout twice daily.

For performers, the edge in landing a role may be physical appearance if two actors are equally talented, Hager said.

So they also watch their diets. Hager drinks one to two gallons of water daily. He drinks from a gallon jug of water often during the interview for this story.

“You have to keep the vocal chords hydrated,” Hager said.

With the rights to “Les Mis” reverting back to a Broadway revival or national tour July 1, PSST!’s production may be the only regional “Les Mis” playing now. It’s why PSST!’s “Les Miserables” plays June only.

Following “Les Mis,” Porter plays the king in PSST!’s “The Little Mermaid” before he moves onto find his next professional work.

Hager’s PSST! work ends with “Les Miserables,” but he hopes to continue as Javert. He plans to audition for the role with the Broadway or national tour. He will learn then if it is written in the stars.

PSST!’s “Les Miserables” plays 3 p.m. today and several other times and dates through June, Sawyer Theatre, VSU Fine Arts Building, corner of Oak and Brookwood. Reservations, more information: Visit www.valdosta.edu/psst.