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In memoriam: Michael Burgess, 1945-2015

The man who helped usher in the mega-musical in Canada has passed away.

Michael Burgess, who created the role of Jean Valjean in the Canadian production of Les Miserables, died earlier today from cancer. He had had the disease for several years. He was 70.

“Michael was magnificent in the role [of Jean Valjean] and led the all-Canadian cast to great heights,” wrote David Mirvish in a release. He also toured with the role across the country and took part in the 10th anniversary concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in 1995.

“He was a very talented performer with a spellbinding voice and a truly arresting stage presence,” wrote Mirvish. “In addition to his professional life, there was a great humanity to Michael. He cared about other people. He gave to charity and supported many causes through his talent. He was very kind to my parents in their time of illness and other elderly people we both new.  He truly embodied the qualities of Jean Valjean in his daily life. His passing is a very sad occasion. Canada has lost one of its major artists.”

Burgess, raised in Toronto, also took part in acclaimed productions of Man Of La Mancha, Blood Brothers and Jacques Brel Is Alive And Living In Paris.

He had a pure, unforced tenor with lots of heft and power. A couple of years ago, I saw him, clearly unwell but energetic, in the audience at a concert in Toronto by Rebecca Caine, who created the role of Cosette in Les Mis’ original production. In 2013, the two toured in the Dream Concert, singing songs from that musical and others.

Burgess also frequently sang the national anthem for Toronto Maple Leafs home games.

A funeral is planned for October 5.

Mirvish’s Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres will dim their marquee lights on Tuesday at 8 pm for two minutes in Burgess’s memory.

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