Ramin is leaving Les Mis this summer, Barbour should still be our phantom then. But if Ramin is replaced by an artist who has a limited engagement, as is this case with Earl Carpenter (replacing Will Swenson while he takes leave) there might be a window of opportunity for Barbour to hop aboard on the heels of his phantom. I think its a long shot, but here's to hoping for another year at the top James.
Ramin's London and Toronto Valjean recordings sounded strong on an interpretative level, and like he almost had the singing down. But what has emerged on the net from New York sounds like he has pushed his voice into this range until it has exhausted him. He, Caissey and Will rather than singing talked more than I have heard any Valjean, Fantine or Javert. I think Ramin is also getting nervous, I have always been able to tell that he is little shy in interviews, but his body language started getting stiff in this video, instead of the very modern and bold acting I associate him on stage.
While I don't have recordings of James Barbour's Valjean to compare, I don't think anyone would assert that Ramin Karmloo is technically a better singer than Barbour is. Ramin has a great voice, it is handsome, his belt voice well-known, but you hear in Barbour's voice a stronger foundation in musical theater, and far more control. I think Ramin has the magnetism and spirit to still take people with him, a leading man, but in Barbour I see a seasoned veteran with more life and work experience to enhance his interpretations. Ramin is an intriguing drink, but needs to keep subtly aging to bring out the full flavor. Barbour's vintage cognac.
Updated On: 3/18/15 at 04:37 AM
