He doesn't believe in anything. That’s the core of Grantaire. While the other students in Les Misérables are singing about revolution and dying for a cause, Grantaire is usually in the corner with a bottle, mocking the very idea of hope. It’s a thankless role if played flat, but Kyle Adams has turned it into something of a cult phenomenon on the current North American tour.
If you’ve seen the show recently, you know exactly who I’m talking about.
Kyle Adams isn't just an ensemble member filling space. He’s the guy who somehow makes a cynical drunk the emotional anchor of the barricade. Honestly, it’s a tough tightrope to walk. You have to be funny enough to be the "complicated clown," as Adams has called him, but tragic enough that his final moment with Enjolras actually hurts.
The Man Behind the Bottle
So, who is Kyle Adams? He’s a Chicago-based actor who grew up in Rockford, Illinois. Before he was dodging Javert’s guards, he was doing regional theater at places like the Paramount Theatre and Drury Lane. He’s a pro wrestling fan—which, if you watch his physicality on stage, actually makes a lot of sense—and he’s got that Midwestern "everyman" charm that makes his descent into Grantaire’s nihilism feel surprisingly grounded.
His path to the barricade wasn't exactly a straight line. In high school, he was typecast as an Irish cop in a production of Copacabana. He’s played Buddy in Elf and the Scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. But Les Mis was the big one. He remembers buying the cast recording on a portable CD player after seeing the show for the first time. Fast forward a few years, and he’s the one singing "Drink With Me" to packed houses across the country.
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Why This Grantaire Hits Different
Most people focus on Jean Valjean or Javert. And sure, Nick Cartell’s Valjean is legendary at this point—the man has performed the role over 1,300 times. But the fans on Reddit and TikTok are increasingly obsessed with the "R" (Grantaire).
What Adams does differently is the subtext. Les Misérables is a "sung-through" musical. Most characters sing exactly what they feel. "I'm lonely," "I'm brave," "I'm in love." Grantaire is the only one who uses irony. When he sings "By God, we've won the day," he knows they’re all going to die. Adams plays that edge perfectly. He’s flamboyant and sarcastic, but there’s this "striking protectiveness" toward Gavroche that catches you off guard.
The Gavroche Connection
The dynamic between Adams' Grantaire and the rotating Gavroches (like Jackson Parker Gill or Jack Jewkes) is often cited as a highlight of this specific production. In the chaos of the second act, while the students are preparing for the end, Grantaire’s focus often shifts to the kid. It adds a layer of humanity to a character who usually claims to care about nothing.
Does He "Upstage" the Lead?
There’s been some debate about this. Some theater-goers have actually complained that Adams is too good—or at least, too active. There’s a famous Reddit thread where a fan mentioned they "hated" his performance because they couldn't stop watching him instead of the main action.
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That’s the Grantaire Dilemma.
If you play him according to Victor Hugo’s "brick" of a novel, he’s a man who is obsessed with Enjolras (played on this tour by Devin Archer and more recently Christian Mark Gibbs). He’s constantly in the background, reacting, drinking, and being a nuisance. Adams leans into this. He’s doing "community theater upstaging" in the best way possible—creating a lived-in character that exists even when he doesn't have the spotlight.
What’s On His Resume?
Beyond the French Revolution, Adams has a pretty versatile background. You might have caught him on TV:
- Chicago Med (NBC): He played Mike Monroe.
- 4400 (The CW): Another guest spot.
- Commercials: He’s been in spots for Google Pixel and Lyft.
He also does voiceover work for things like QuikTrip and Jackbox Games. It’s that range—from sketch comedy to high-stakes musical drama—that allows him to find the humor in a show as bleak as Les Mis.
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The Grantaire Track
On this tour, Kyle Adams doesn't just play Grantaire. He also covers the Major Domo and understudies the roles of Thénardier and the Factory Foreman. This is the "swing" and "understudy" life that keeps Broadway tours running. Seeing him as Thénardier would be a completely different vibe, likely leaning even harder into that comedic timing he honed in Chicago improv.
The current 2024–2026 touring cycle is a massive undertaking. We’re talking about a show that has been running in some form since the 80s, yet people still show up in droves. Why? Because of performers like Adams who find something new in the margins.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you’re planning to catch the tour soon, keep your eyes on the left side of the stage during the ABC Café scenes. That’s usually where the "dissolute" students hang out.
- Look for the non-verbal storytelling: Adams is known for his reactions during "Red and Black." Watch how he looks at Enjolras—it tells a whole story that isn't in the lyrics.
- Stage Door etiquette: If you’re hoping to meet the cast, Adams is generally known to be incredibly kind to fans. Just remember that the tour schedule is grueling (eight shows a week!), so they might not always be able to stop.
- Follow the journey: He’s active on Instagram (@smyleadams), often sharing "two-show day" vlogs that give you a look at the Cadillac Palace or whatever theater they’re currently haunting.
The Les Misérables North American tour is currently scheduled to hit several more major cities through 2026. If you want to see a Grantaire that actually makes you feel something besides "get that guy a water," Kyle Adams is the one to watch.
To make the most of your experience, read the "Friends of the ABC" chapter in the original Victor Hugo novel before you go. It provides the context for Grantaire’s skepticism that the musical only hints at. This will help you appreciate the specific choices Adams makes during the barricade scenes, especially his final, silent moments. Check your local theater's "Cast" page 24 hours before the show to ensure there hasn't been a last-minute understudy swap if you are specifically going to see his portrayal.