I had never seen this clip. It's a short version of Patti singing "I Dreamed A Dream" at the Olivier Awards.
Patti in Les Miserables
Out of all the roles Patti has played this is my least favorite. Not sure why but I have always felt a disconnection with her and this song.
I think they all look fairly disconnected.
I didn't see the London cast, but I saw the full OBC, and they were all pretty low energy, and it was fairly boring.
Frances Ruffelle was by far the most interesting person on stage (on Broadway).
I wasn't a fan of the show until years later, and it's still a far cry from my favorite show.
Even though "Dream" is the big solo for Fantine, I think it was Patti's weakest point in the show. She is much better in the other songs like "Lovely Ladies" and "Fantine's Death."
Like you all said, I think there is a disconnect in her earlier performances. I actually prefer the way she sings "Dream" now.
While I'm not too enthusiastic about Patti's "Dream," without her we probably wouldn't have the now iconic, almighty scale on "shame," so I'm thankful that she did originated the role. And I agree with gavyj, she sounds better on the other numbers.
I think part of the issue with the Olivier clip is that it is a truncated version of a song that doesn't lend itself well to medley. Without the full journey of the song, it just feels obligatory.
LuPone in Previews at the Barbican, 1985 (including the full "almighty scale on 'shame'")
I forgot that she added the almighty scale on 'shame'. Can you imagine 'Dream' without it?
"Can you imagine 'Dream' without it?"
Original French version
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