Playbill.com has confirmed that Jean-Baptiste is the youngest actor and first African American to have performed the role on Broadway, although there have been others who have played it in the national tour and other productions.
Prior to his Jean Valjean debut, Jean-Baptiste tweeted that he had "No words."
Today I go on as my dream role. No words. Guna remember this night
@BroadwayBlack
@LesMizBway
@understudies
#blackvaljean
@lesmisofficial
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle)
July 23, 2015
Thank you for all the love ! Last night was one of the best nights of my life. Thanks to all who came. C U at the barricade
@LesMizBway
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle)
July 24, 2015
He also tweeted that he has planned dates to go on as Jean Valjean while original, Tony-nominated star Ramin Karimloo is on vacation and before Alfie Boe steps into the role Sept. 1.
Hey y'all I got Valjean dates ! July 29th 2 Pm show, August 1rst 2 PM show, August 13th at 7PM, August 27th at 7PM. See you there
— Kyle Jean- Baptiste (@BaptisteKyle)
July 26, 2015
Cleveland.com reported that Jean-Baptiste caught the eyes of Les Miz casting directors at his senior showcase, in which he performed a tune from Once and "Glory," the Academy Award-winning song from "Selma."
When he's not going on for Jean Valjean, Jean-Baptiste plays Constable and Courfeyrac.