Hayden Tee Brings Iconic Role of Javert to Les Misérables U.S. National Tour at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

The actor discusses his favorite moments, songs, and what he hopes audiences take away from the production.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Les Misérables, one of the most beloved musicals in theatre history, returns to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from February 17-22. Hayden Tee, who takes on the iconic role of Inspector Javert, spoke with Broadway World about what he enjoys most about the complex character, his favorite songs and moments in the show, and his excitement about performing in Minneapolis again as part of the Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season.

Why it matters

Les Misérables is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today, exploring themes of hope, sacrifice, and redemption. Tee's portrayal of the morally driven yet flawed Javert provides a compelling counterpoint to the protagonist Jean Valjean, making for one of the most dynamic relationships in musical theatre.

The details

Tee, who is of Māori descent, is thrilled to be touring with a "truly lovely group of people" and is particularly looking forward to visiting the George Floyd Memorial and Owamni by The Sioux Chef restaurant during his time in Minneapolis. He also hopes audiences will leave the show with a "deeper sense of empathy", which he believes the world could use more of.

  • Les Misérables will run at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis from February 17-22, 2026.
  • Tee previously performed in Minneapolis as part of the Les Misérables tour in 2022.

The players

Hayden Tee

An actor who takes on the iconic role of Inspector Javert in the Les Misérables U.S. National Tour.

Jean Valjean

The protagonist of Les Misérables, whose journey stands in contrast to Javert's.

Nick Cartell

The actor who plays Valjean in the Epilogue, which Tee considers a standout moment in the production.

Orpheum Theatre

The venue in Minneapolis hosting the Les Misérables U.S. National Tour from February 17-22, 2026.

Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin

The season presenting the Les Misérables U.S. National Tour in Minneapolis.

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What they’re saying

“Javert is a fascinating character with incredibly complex motivations. He also gets to sing some amazing music—and, spoiler alert, he dies about twenty minutes before the end of the show! Most of all, though, I'm touring with a truly lovely group of people, which makes the experience even more special. I enjoy all of it immensely.”

— Hayden Tee, Actor playing Javert (broadwayworld.com)

“To listen to, it's Valjean in the Epilogue—Nick Cartell is an absolute superstar. To sing, Stars is still my personal favorite. Fun fact: it's the only solo in Les Mis that ends with a crescendo.”

— Hayden Tee, Actor playing Javert (broadwayworld.com)

“I love the moment when the Bishop welcomes Valjean into heaven. It's a powerful reminder of forgiveness and empathy, and I think it's something we should all strive for—lifting up those who need it most.”

— Hayden Tee, Actor playing Javert (broadwayworld.com)

“Beyond humming the music for years to come, I hope they leave with a deeper sense of empathy. The world could really use more of that right now.”

— Hayden Tee, Actor playing Javert (broadwayworld.com)

What’s next

Tee is looking forward to visiting the George Floyd Memorial and Owamni by The Sioux Chef restaurant during his time in Minneapolis.

The takeaway

Les Misérables continues to be a powerful and timeless musical that resonates with audiences, exploring themes of redemption and empathy. Hayden Tee's portrayal of the complex character of Javert provides a compelling counterpoint to the show's protagonist, making for a dynamic and thought-provoking production.