Les Misérables
Les Misérables' Inspector Javert is perhaps Philip Quast's best known, and best loved character. Although perceived by some to be the 'villain' of the story for his relentless pursuit of Jean Valjean, as interpreted by Philip Quast he is a complex and sympathetic character worthy of both our respect and our compassion.
From Australian Womens' Weekly:
Philip Quast, who plays Javert, is tall and gawky and, he says, always hurting himself; this time his foot is in a cast because a knock he gave it months ago won't heal. "It's nothing," he says philosophically. What he misses most is being able to ride his bike.Still, being laid up has given him time to immerse himself in the 18th century where Hugo's masterpiece is set. He has nearly finished reading 'Les Miserables', which is a massive book, for the second time. He is given to listening to sombre dark music as he reads.
Javert is a tough, dutiful fellow who pursues his responsibilities to the death. When we spoke to Philip he had yet to decide whether Javert was a real villain. "He's a man obsessed" is as much as he would let on.
Philip Quast has a splendid full voice but recently he has been concentrating more on acting than music. He was in "Army Wives" and his stints on the ABC's "Playschool" have been thoroughly enjoyed by the younger members of the community.
A Review of Les Misérables from Plays & Players