America's Oldest · Founded 1808

Philly native Josh Young returns home for Les Mis!

June 2, 2008


Josh Young as Marius

The role of Marius Pontmercy in Les Misérables is a role that requires passion, charm, and most importantly a pure and powerful voice. The Walnut Street Theatre's search for a performer to bring to life such an unforgettable ingénue led us right to the handsome and talented Josh Young. You may remember reaching for your hankies last year as Josh's performance of Marius took Philadelphia by storm as a part of the national tour of Les Misérables. Josh's Marius was lovable and heartbreaking in all the right places. The Walnut is proud to welcome such a gifted young performer to its stage for the first time.

While Josh may be new to Walnut Street Theatre, he is certainly no stranger to Philadelphia. He was raised in nearby Wallingford, Pa. At an early age he studied theatre at Media Theatre and voice at the Voice Foundation of Philadelphia. You may even have seen him performing as a teenager at Upper Darby Summer Stage or at The Player's Club of Swarthmore. Josh's appetite for the stage led him to Syracuse University, where he earned a BFA in Musical Theatre.

After college, Josh burst onto the professional stage and he has never looked back. His golden voice has been heard in regional theatres across the country including Baltimore's Center Stage, Seacoast Repertory and Syracuse Stage. His big break came when he was offered the role of Marius in the third national tour of Les Misérables. Most recently, he danced into America's hearts as the coy and daring Tony in the national tour of West Side Story.

The City of Brotherly love is where Josh discovered his passion for the stage. Les Misérables is the show where he first stole Philadelphia's hearts. Walnut Street Theatre and its audiences are on the edge of their seats to see you again. Welcome home, Josh!