No One Like Him, Anywhere


"In the street I met a very poor young man who was in love. His hat was old, his coat was threadbare--there were holes at his elbows; the water seeped through his shoes and the stars through his soul."

Victor Hugo
Les Miserables


Like many fans of Les Miserables, I was first introduced to Rich Affannato when he was a member of the 3rd National Tour. I was privileged to see him many times in the role of Marius and always enjoyed watching him on his emotional, complex journey from boy to man.

When we first meet Marius, he is ignorant of Eponine's feelings. He is innocent, idealistic, and filled with a sense of duty. Marius is led by his heart. He is completely absorbed in his love for Cosette. Nothing else matters. He is moved by Eponine's death, but this grief is quickly replaced by thoughts of Cosette. He is ready to die if he cannot be with her.

Victor Hugo described Marius as follows:

"Marius was now a handsome young man, of medium height, with heavy jet black hair, a high intelligent brown, wide and passionate nostrils, and frank and calm expression, and an indescribable something radiating from every feature that was at once noble, thoughtful, and innocent… He was in the season of life at which the mind of thinking men is made up in nearly equal proportions of depth and simplicity… His eyes were small, their outlook vast."

Rich has played opposite some amazing Eponines such as Andrea McArdle and Lea Salonga.

When surveys are taken of favorite performers in Les Miserables, Rich's Marius is always high on the list, a truly well-deserved tribute to a very special performer with a wonderfully emotional and expressive voice.



  • Check out more pictures of Rich as Marius


    Rich w/Dawn Younker (Eponine)

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    © 2000 Patricia Webb