Young Utah actor in Broadway touring company of 'Les Miserables'

SALT LAKE CITY – Broadway has called it "the world's most popular musical." We're talking about "Les Miserables," or simply, "Les Mis."

The show opens a three-week run at the Eccles Theater in downtown Salt Lake City on Wednesday night. Performances will be from Feb. 26 through March 15.

"Les Mis" has been seen by over 130 million people around the world in 53 countries and 22 languages. This beloved musical is huge, but it's also personal.

Nine-year-old Jack Jewkes, from Draper, is the youngest cast member of the show. He plays the role of Gavroche in the North American Tour.

"Gavroche is a street urchin who fights in the rebellion," Jack said.

He joined the touring company in September, and this is the first time in five months that he's been at home.

"I get to see my cat and my entire family," Jack said. "It's super fun!"

His cat is named Jeeves, and his family consists of his mother, father and older brother.

Jack discovered his love of music two years ago as a member of Rise Up Children's Choir, then auditioned for Tiny Tim at Hale Centre Theatre.

"So, I auditioned, got a callback, did the callback, and then booked the part," Jack said.

Besides playing Tiny Tim in "A Christmas Carol," Jack was also Bruce in Draper Theatre's production of "Matilda." He said he loved playing those roles.

"It takes you into the role. You, like, become part of it and it's super fun," Jack said.

One of the perks of playing to the hometown crowd is that Jack knows family and friends in Utah will come to see him perform, ready to cheer him on.

"There's a lot of people. But the people I know, there is around a hundred," Jack said.

Jack loves his fellow cast members and encouraged us all to see the show.

"Everyone with their costumes and when you watch it, it's just fun," he said. "And you get to remember it your whole life."

Jack certainly will. He wants a career as an actor. For now, he is making a statement in "Les Mis."

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