Backstage Pass
Your Front Row Seat: Behind The Scenes Of My Journey
Nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Musical
Milan van Waardenburg was nominated for Best Leading Actor in a Musical at the Dutch Musical Awards Gala—an incredible recognition of his role in Elisabeth, the most nominated production of the season with twelve nominations in total.
Although the award ultimately went to another nominee, Milan looks back on the nomination with gratitude. He dedicates this honor to the entire cast, creative team, and everyone who brought Elisabeth to life—both on stage and behind the scenes.
From Stage to Stage: Milan van Waardenburg's Journey
Milan van Waardenburg, a Dutch actor and vocalist, began his theater journey at the age of 11 in Kunt U mij de weg naar Hamelen vertellen meneer?. His passion for musical theater led him to study at the Fontys School of the Arts, after which he ventured across Europe, making his mark in a variety of roles. He brought to life Herbert in Tanz der Vampire, and later took on the iconic roles of Lieutenant Frederic Charles and Quasimodo in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame. Milan’s versatility shone through when he stepped into the shoes of Olaf and Kristoff in Frozen for the Disney in Concert tour, and later became the only actor in the world to play Dmitri in Anastasia in both German in Stuttgart and Dutch in the Netherlands. His journey then took him to Germany – Hamburg, where he played the charming Prince Hans in Frozen.
In 2023, Milan led the Dutch and Flemish company of Les Misérables as Jean Valjean, earning a nomination for Best Leading Male Role in a Large Musical at the Dutch Musical Awards. In 2024, he made his West End debut in the same role at the Sondheim Theatre, becoming the youngest actor to ever play Valjean in the West End. Milan is also part of the Les Misérables world tour, performing in various countries.
In 2025, Milan will be seen in the musical Elisabeth as De Dood, touring through The Netherlands.
- June 1, 2016
Tanz der Vampire - Herbert
Portrayed Herbert in the German tour of this cult classic musical.
- January 1, 2017
Der Glöckner von Notre Dame - Quasimodo
Played the role of Lieutenant Frederic Charles and performed the title role (Quasimodo) multiple times in Der Glöckner von Notre Dame.
- October 1, 2018
Anastasia das Musical - Dmitry
Played Dmitry in the German production at the Stage Palladium Theater in Stuttgart.
- September 1, 2019
Anastasia de Musical - Dmitry
Milan van Waardenburg - Dmitry in the Dutch production at the AFAS Circustheater in The Hague - Credits: Roy Beusker
- October 1, 2021
Frozen - Prince Hans
Played the role of Prince Hans in the Disney musical Frozen in Hamburg.
- November 1, 2023
Les Misérables - Jean Valjean
Starred as Jean Valjean in the Netherlands and Belgium production, earning critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Leading Actor in a Musical at the 2023 Dutch Musical Awards.
- March 11, 2024
Les Misérables West End - Valjean
Made his West End debut as Jean Valjean at the Sondheim Theatre in London. 
- March 15, 2025
Elisabeth
Milan van Waardenburg portrays ‘De Dood’ (Death) in the Dutch tour of Elisabeth de Musical, marking his return to Dutch theaters.
