Lea Michele Reveals How a Friend’s Family Crisis Led to Her First Broadway Role in “Les Misérables”

Lea Michele recently shared a heartwarming story about how a friend’s family crisis led to her Broadway debut. The ‘Glee’ star revealed in an interview with Elle how she ended up auditioning for a role in the Broadway production of Les Misérables in the 1990s. Michele explained that she decided to try out for the role after accompanying a friend who was dealing with a family emergency.

In the interview, part of Elle’s Three Generations of Broadway issue, Michele recounted the unexpected turn of events that led her to audition for Les Misérables. She mentioned that her friend, who wanted to audition, had experienced a family emergency when her father had a heart attack. Michele’s parents were asked to take her friend to the audition, and without hesitation, Michele decided to audition as well, despite her parents’ belief that she couldn’t sing.

Surprising everyone, including herself, Michele admitted, “The truth is I hadn’t ever sung before.” She practised a song from ‘Phantom of the Opera’ and impressed those at the audition. Two weeks later, Michele found herself performing on Broadway. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Michele’s successful Broadway career, which includes starring in five other Broadway shows and an upcoming role in the musical ‘Chess.’

Michele’s Broadway journey has been nothing short of remarkable. From her debut in Les Misérables in 1995 to her upcoming role in Chess, she has solidified her status as a Broadway powerhouse. Reflecting on her Broadway career, she expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had and the joy she has found on stage. Michele’s resilience and talent have endeared her to audiences worldwide, making her a beloved figure in the theatre community.

Joining Michele in the upcoming revival of Chess are Aaron Tveit and Nicholas Christopher. The musical, which originally premiered in 1988, features a score by EGOT-winning lyricist Tim Rice and songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus. The show’s book is penned by Danny Strong, the creator of ‘Dopesick.’ Tickets for Chess are now on sale, with performances scheduled through May 3, 2026, at Broadway’s Imperial Theatre.

The camaraderie and support in the Broadway community were evident as Kristin Chenoweth, who participated in the interview with Michele, expressed concern for Michele’s friend. Michele reassured her that their friendship remained strong despite the challenging circumstances that led to her audition for Les Misérables. The bond between Michele and her friend is a testament to the enduring relationships forged in the world of theatre.

As Michele prepares to return to the Broadway stage for her sixth show, she is grateful for the journey that has brought her back to where she feels most at home. Her unwavering passion for performing and the support of her loved ones have been instrumental in shaping her career. With each role, Michele continues to captivate audiences with her talent and dedication to her craft, solidifying her legacy as a Broadway star.