Les Mis Question- Page 2

[BSoBW3]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 8:51pm

The CSR was recorded all around the world, as they say. It's mainly West End actors, with the occasional American, Japanese, and Australian actor.

It is the full show - sort of. Things were added (like a verse in LOVELY LADIES) and taken out (like most of DOG EAT DOG). But it is the most complete.

TAC was a one time concert for the, of course, 10th Anniversary. It had the "dreamcast" - which included people from all around the world - well, mainly Broadway and West End.

It was a one time thing, it also has a DVD out.

[*MuSiCaLs_FaN*]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 8:53pm

yes they did try to go around the world with the cast and altho Anthony Warlow was left out, which is indeed a shame, they still had Phillip Quast as Javert and Rob Guest as a soloist in 'Do You Hear The People Sing' (who played Val Jean in Oz and was Australia's longest running Phantom - one of the longest in the world with over 2000 performances which very rarely is recognised)from Australia. As far as 'THE BEST' Val Jean tho, I would have to have to say it's John Owen Jones who is currently playing it on the West End! I have never heard anyone like him he is AMAZING - I cried during 'Bring Him Home' and I HATE that song! He is truly inspiring and an amazing talent!!!

[LizzieCurry]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 8:58pm

Valjean = one word

not like = Val Kilmer

[jam_man]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 10:04pm

Enjolras: FIRE!!! (Shoots My Strongest Suit)

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 2/2/06 at 11:35pm

Kaho is the best thing about the Japanese recording... her and Yuko Ehma, who plays Fantine. She didn't know English when she recorded the CSR, and I find that amazing.

As for best Valjean, I love Randal Keith to pieces. He physically fits the part, too!

[??]

Posted: 2/3/06 at 10:31am

The OLC is really dragging....One Day More is so slow. Also, the extar song Little People will make you want to put your head in an oven. Thank hecuba that was cut.

Patti Lupone is ok. The best Fantine I have ever heard is the woman on the concert dvd. She blows me away.

I personally really enjoy the CSR, because it is complete. If you find you enjoy the show, I would go out and buy it, ALOT of the beautiful music is missing from other recordings.

[SporkGoddess]

Posted: 2/3/06 at 12:46pm

The woman playing Fantine in the concert is Ruthie Henshall, who pretty much rocks at everything she does.

I don't like the OLC because it doesn't have much acting. Though it DOES have Rebecca Cain <3

[little_fall_of_rain]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 10:48pm

ah Rebecca Caine she made me like Cosette a little more. I have to agree with My Strongest Suit that Colm isn't my favorite Valjean...I can't exactly explain it but there is something about him that I don't care for

[YankeesFan175]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:05pm

im sorry, but the concert CD is not good in my opinion. a few songs are well done, and i really like how a lot more is included than on the other CDs, but vocally i just dont enjoy it.

[kirakeeney]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:34pm

I know this goes against everything you've heard, but my advice is for you to go to MTI.com and get a listing of all youth theaters producing Les Mis School Edition in your area. The School Edition has some regretable, but necessary, deletions (how many 15 year-old boys can carry Valjean for more than two and a half hours?). My point being, you will see some incredibly impassioned performances if you go to a well-funded, highly reputed high-school or children's theater that you just won't get from a professional tour group. These kids only have 5 to 8 shots at this and pour their souls into the performance. For many of them, it's the greatest experience of their lives. Touring professionals are on show number 149 of 200 or so and can't possibly invest the energy over and over again. I was so disappointed in December 2004 in Vancouver B.C. that I had to run straight home and watch the DVD of my students' production to cleanse my palette. Contact me for a copy. It's an inspiration to behold.

[Marguerite Chauvelin]

Posted: 2/11/06 at 11:46pm

Yeah, definately TAC, even though I like Terry on the OBC.

[jam_man]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 12:43am

Interesting you should mention that, kirakeeney.

Edwardsville High School Drama Club Presents:
Les Miserables: School Edition
March 31, April 1 & 2 (7:30/7:30/2:00)
Edwardsville, Illinois, about 20 minutes or so outside St. Louis

We're honestly one of the ten best drama clubs in the state of Illinois, at least public schools. PM or e-mail me if
interested.

PS - I'm the Bishop.

Updated On: 2/12/06 at 12:43 AM

[millie_dillmount]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 7:37am

Don't be cheap...buy all of them lol

Updated On: 2/12/06 at 07:37 AM

[Min2]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 8:46am

Right, buy them all of them.
You will never regret!!

[TheaterAddict7652]

Posted: 2/12/06 at 6:51pm

I would suggest the OBC recording, just for Judy Kuhn's Cosette. But I may be a bit biased, because she went to my school.

[Colle]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 3:53pm

I would recommend both the TAC and the CSR. I liked Kaho on the CSR, but she is even stronger on the Japanese Red Cast. Also, I agree that Yuhko Ema was great as Fantine too, and I also liked Yuhko Miyamoto as Cosette too. She has a pretty voice, and she is the most emotional Cosette I have ever heard during the finale.

On the TAC, I liked the Eponine(Lea Salonga), and Fantine(Ruthie Henshall). Micheal Ball is stronger on the CSR vocally. Plus, I liked Judy Kuhn's voice better than Tracy's.

[Rose_MacShane]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 5:54pm

I would only recommend the CSR for a diehard fan--don't start with that one. Kaho Shimada gets on my nerves, and Gary Morris is a cheap imitation of Colm Wilkinson. Go with the anniversary CD; they don't call it the Dream Cast for nothin'.
I think Ivan Rutherford is a great Valjean, having seen him on the last two tours. Phillip Quast is my top Javert.
drumtilyoudrop, this is the last tour?? I think I'm gonna cry...

Updated On: 2/15/06 at 05:54 PM

[Kitzarina]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 5:58pm

CSR, most def--do NOT get the OBC.

More will be added in a little bit, after I get home. Les Miz is my baby, and I'm very opinionated and long-winded about it.

[colleen_lee]

Posted: 2/15/06 at 6:11pm

I'm too lazy to elaborate, and I have to jet off to a rehearsal, but I also vote for CSR above TAC.