Best Fantine on record... — Page 3

Its gotta be La LuPone! But let me qualify that - it has to be the OLC album. Her rich, passionate belt was just incredible. Again, like many others, hers was the first I've heard. Now some of her subsquent recordings of the song are a bit over the top, but her Olivier-winning turn is the best.

On stage, Hollis Resnick (Chicago's reigning leading lady)from the FIRST national tour gave the most amazing performance in the role. Vocally stunning and emotionally rich. I found her more performance stronger than Randy Graff's. Ruthie sounds great on the Concert recording, but its too "clean." Patti's reading is far more interesting.

I saw Hollis Resnick in a Northlight Theatre production of "The Immigrant" and had no idea that she had played Fantine. But now that I think about it, she was probably excellent at it.

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Gema is good too!

The whole Madrid cast is awesome - Miguel del Arco is my favrotie Javert (depending on my mood - with Philip Q)

But I can only put Rose Laurens' I DREAMED A DREAM on and repeat it over and over.

Ruthie Henshall, no doubt. Her "I Dreamed a Dream" is absolutely heartbreaking. She's a terrific actress and singer.

Yuhko Ema from the Japanese "Red/Kaga" Cast! She puts so much emotion into her singing! I also have a special place in my heart for Rose Laurens, who also conveys a lot of emotion in the concept album. Ruthie Henshall is great. I like the Stockholm cast Fantine, too.

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I agree its Ruthie. Registered just to reply to this :)

her i dreamed a dream and Come to Me in 10th anniversary concert was unbelievable. i was not impressed by Lea, and less of Lupone. I haven't seen the others.