Of Course “Musical theater is more than just singsong gymnastics”. (otherwise gymnast mariah carey would be in theater...LOL)
I am happy for you that you like Hugh Jackman in the role of Jean Valjean.
I prefer Colm Wilkerson. Opinion. But educated opinion nonetheless. Not that yours isn’t. It’s called “Preference” and is part of our free society.
You’ll be glad to know that Colm Wilkinson is in this movie. He plays the Bishop who helps in Valjean’s redemption.
My point wasn’t one of preference for him in a role, but a response to the suggestion that ‘my barely-teen students are superior to him (in about any role)’.