Winnipeg’s Samantha Hill assumes Cosette role in ‘Les Mis’ on Broadway

TORONTO – Winnipeg native Samantha Hill has joined the list of Canadians in the cast of “Les Miserables” on Broadway.

Producers say Hill, who played Cosette in the recent Toronto production of the smash musical, will reprise the same role on the Great White Way.

She replaces University of Michigan musical theatre student Charlotte Maltby, who was originally cast in the coveted role for the New York run.

A statement did not specify why Maltby is leaving, and the show’s publicity office couldn’t comment on Wednesday afternoon.

But a posting on Maltby’s Twitter account Wednesday read: “Unfortunate things happen. But its the hardships in life that make you stronger, better, and more resilient.”

Hill recently starred as Christine Daae in the Broadway production of “The Phantom of the Opera.”

The “Les Miserables” Broadway production also stars Ontario-raised Ramin Karimloo as Jean Valjean, a role he played to rave reviews in the Toronto version.

Other Canadians in the 25th anniversary production include Cliff Saunders as Thenardier and Melissa O’Neil and Aaron Walpole, who are part of the ensemble.

The Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schonberg show is based on the Victor Hugo novel.

It starts previews at New York’s Imperial Theatre on March 1.