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Post by Talissa on Jun 13, 2003 12:23:25 GMT 11
What was the first recording of Les Mis you heard? Is that the one you listen to the most? How many of the people in that cast are in your list of ideal Les Mis performers?
For me, I got the OFC album first, but I don't think that influenced my English perceptions of the characters very much, because they're rather different. Apart from that, my only recording is CSR, which I used to listen to all the time until about a month ago, when I put it away so that it wouldn't distract me from my cast. So I suppose the cast I've been listening to the most is my own.
Now, my favourite Javert is still Philip Quast, though Tim comes very close. I still don't have a favourite Valjean. Anthony Warlow and Peter are equally my favourite Enjolratti because their portrayals are so different I can't compare them. Matt is so close to Michael Ball in that recording, it's hard to compare them. I don't have a favourite Cosette, though surprisingly I'm much more accepting of Tracy Shayne's voice now. And I don't quite have a favourite Fantine or Eponine, though Elissa and Shelley are definitely up there.
~Julia
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Post by Tinechorwen on Jun 15, 2003 19:45:30 GMT 11
First recording was the highlights version that had Garry Morris in it. His voice doesn't grate on my nerves as much as others although his Valjean is extremely unlife like, almost dead really.  So I don't really have a favorite Valjean because although Colm is much better acting wise, his voice isn't fantastic. Javert, well...I think we all know that Philip Quast is Javert, no one will take that role from him. He's the Javert of Phantom and MC, Eliza and Julie Andrews.....getting excited here.  Ruthie Henshall is a great Fantine, many people think otherwise again of course...but hey, I'm an individual.  I think she acts it well, rather than sings it perfectly but I'd much rather her a non perfect singer in the role of Fantine than a girl who could sing fantastically and couldn't act to save her life. - That's the Cosette role- And of course Patti LuPone does it beautifully. Marius; Michael Ball, he just makes Marius so believable, after all when you read the libretto, he's a pretty dull character caught up in a love triange. Ball justs makes him real with his voice, some Marius' whine which is horrible. Enjolras; I love Michael Maguire guys....his voice is so fantastic, he's so much better than Warlow. *note the sarcasm* Stupid question here, Warlow's the king. Thenardier; I much prefer Armstrong to Burmester in this role, after all Thenardier is supposed to be funny but a little scary at the same time, Armstrong pulls it off. And his accent is very well done. Eponine; Haven't heard one that I've liked, except the semi-professional production in Perth because that girl could SING1 Lea Salonga irritates me greatly, Frances Ruffelle ain't too much better. Oh yes, the girl on the French recording is quite good, and of course she gets the lovely solo L'Un Vers L'Autre. Cosette; Don't really know...although I'm not a fan of Judy Kuhn. Beautiful voice, but I'm not sure if she's right for this role.... |
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Post by Buff on Jun 16, 2003 11:09:23 GMT 11
The first version I heard was (I think) the Original London Cast. It was a taped copy that belonged to my wife. When I first heard it, it didn't do much for me because it made no sense. Then I listened again with my wife explaining what was happening and it made more sense and it grew on me. Now it's my favourite show! Buff |
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Post by Tinechorwen on Jun 16, 2003 20:39:03 GMT 11
Yes, I was pretty little when I first watched the Dream Cast Concert on tape, and although I loved the music I didn't understand at all what was going on. People were dying left right and centre, quite confusing for a kid.
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Post by RoseFyre on Jul 17, 2003 14:13:53 GMT 11
OBC over here...and I'm probably going to get into arguments over this, but I'm a Terrence Mann fan, though Philip Quast is growing on me - I got the CSR a few weeks ago. Other than that, I don't have any specific favorite performers, though I really do like Anthony as Enjolras, but I've heard him sing Stars, and it just doesn't cut it for me. Oh well, I'm American, so I suppose you can all forgive me my peculiarities...which are normal over here... |
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Post by Tinechorwen on Jul 17, 2003 16:23:20 GMT 11
Yeah, I've heard that recording of him singing Stars and must admit I agree. But don't judge him on that..buy one of his cd's....he is fantastic!
It's possibly because I've heard Philip Quast singing it though....
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Post by RoseFyre on Jul 18, 2003 8:18:37 GMT 11
Yeah, I've heard that recording of him singing Stars and must admit I agree. But don't judge him on that..buy one of his cd's....he is fantastic! It's possibly because I've heard Philip Quast singing it though.... No, I won't judge Anthony on THAT...you're speaking to someone who's obsessed with the 1994 concept of Jekyll and Hyde...which is all Anthony. Buying CD's though...they're about $25 each, in American money, which is closer to $35 in Australian (I forget exactly), and they need to be shipped from Australia, since NOWHERE over here has any of them, which really sucks. So, I MIGHT buy a CD or two...when I have money and feel like it. |
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Post by magic8ball on Jul 19, 2003 16:08:53 GMT 11
My first recording was the CSR, and that's the one I've stuck with even after hearing all of the other available recordings. Michael Ball and Anthony Warlow are just brilliant, and while some of the other performances aren't necessarily my favorites, everyone does a very good job and I certainly don't dislike anyone. Plus, I love having the full show at my fingertips...
-John
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So I don't really have a favorite Valjean because although Colm is much better acting wise, his voice isn't fantastic.
I think she acts it well, rather than sings it perfectly but I'd much rather her a non perfect singer in the role of Fantine than a girl who could sing fantastically and couldn't act to save her life. - That's the Cosette role- 
