Though not as drastically altered as Jackman, we nonetheless can see that Crowe is well and grimly suited to play Inspector Javert, the French officer of the law who makes it his mission to hunt down Valjean. We always knew that Crowe could act the part, and I think it’s pretty clear that he can look the part. So the only thing that is yet unproven is whether Crowe can sing the part, as LES MISERABLES can be challenging enough for anyone. But I do think (i.e. hope) that, despite his star-stature, Crowe would not have been cast had his voice not been nearly where it needed to be already.
Judgement day, for both Jean Valjean’s fate and Crowe’s singing skill, comes this December 7th.