Freek Bartels won the award for best male lead in a major musical on Monday evening. The 36-year-old Tilburger received the award for his portrayal of Javert in Les Misérables. In his short acceptance speech, he called the prize primarily a recognition of his qualities.
Freek Bartels received the statuette during the annual Musical Awards Gala 2023. The music spectacle was held in the Circustheater in Scheveningen. Besides Bartels, more Brabanders were nominated, but all other candidates missed out on a prize. Remko Vrijdag from Waalre was a candidate in the same category as Bartels for his share in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
After he the awards had received, Bartels handed out compliments to his direct colleagues. He also mentioned his parents. They used to take him to piano and dance lessons as a little boy and they formed the basis of his career.
A career, by the way, in which he also played a role in Les Misérables fifteen years ago. Then he was on stage as the student leader Enjolras in this classic production.
In the same year, 2008, he became the winner of the television program In Search of Joseph. In 2017, Bartels won the award for best supporting actor in a major musical. This because of his role of the vain and arrogant Gaston in Beauty and the Beast.
Another highlight in Bartels’ career was the leading role of Jesus in The Passion of 2021.
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Freek Bartels, Marjolein Teepen and Alex Klaasen in prizes at Musical Awards Gala