TONY AWARD WINNER DEBBIE SHAPIRO GRAVITTE ASSUMES THE ROLE OF 'FANTINE' IN MISÉRABLES BEGINNING SEPTEMBER 27 AT THE IMPERIAL THEATRE

September 8, 1994-Tony Award winner Debbie Shapiro Gravitte will assume the role of 'Fantine' in Cameron Mackintosh's production of LES MISERABLES beginning Tuesday, September 27 at the Imperial Theatre (249 West 45th Street). Ms. Gravitte succeeds Canadian actress Susan Gilmour as Fantine, who was invited to join the LES MIZ company for a special limited engagement.

Ms. Shapiro Gravitte, who has been called "one of the best voices on Broadway" by the Associated Press, received the 1989 Tony Award as Best Featured Actress in a Musical for Jerome Robbins Broadway, in which she portrayed a series of legendary theatre roles. Other Broadway credits include Zorba, opposite Anthony Quinn, They're Playing Our Song, Ain't Broadway Grand, Blues In the Night and Perfectly Frank. Ms. Shapiro Gravitte has performed her acclaimed club act in New York at Rainbow and Stars, and in Atlantic City, with Jay Leno, George Burns, and Harry Anderson.

Ms. Shapiro Gravitte has an extensive and varied recording background, including "Unsung Sondheim," "Songs of New York," "Mack and Mabel" with Tommy Tune, "The Little Mermaid," and "Lucky Stiff." She made her solo recording debut earlier this year with "Part of Your World -- Debbie Shapiro Gravitte Sings Alan Menken," featuring numerous songs from the Academy-Award winning composer of The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors and Aladdin.

LES MISERABLES performs Tuesday through Saturdays at 8:00; Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00, and Sundays at 3:00. For tickets, call Telecharge at (212) 239-6200.