#1
Posted: 1/4/07 at 3:30am
So, I went back tonight because five of my friends were rushing and I decided to get Standing Room so I could see Daphne Rubin- Vega again before she left as Fantine. Some quick thoughts:
Overall it was very good, not as good as the first time I went but there were some performances that were stronger this time around and some that were weaker. In my first review I said I was not impressed with Aaron Lazar, well can I please take that back? Drew Sarich (understudy) was horrible. I loved him as Grantaire, but his voice was way too thin. I guess I was so used to Michael Maguire's endless voice on the recordings, but I just wanted to hear Lazar's golden baritone again and his physical demeanor was excellent. Celia's voice was a bit weaker this time, but overall I still think she is amazing. And Gary Beach was much better after a second viewing, he does something different that really makes the show come to life, I thought he was brilliant tonight.
Now about Daphne. I really loved her the first time and thought she made the role truly believable and heartbreaking, I did not mind the earthy tones of her voice at all. Well, I think she got stronger over the past weeks. Her voice was much clearer tonight and she even hit some high notes in the second act. In my personal opinion her interpretation of Fantine is reason enough for why this show was revived so soon. She is also extremely friendly at the stage door. I recommend seeing her before she leaves.
Overall it was very good, not as good as the first time I went but there were some performances that were stronger this time around and some that were weaker. In my first review I said I was not impressed with Aaron Lazar, well can I please take that back? Drew Sarich (understudy) was horrible. I loved him as Grantaire, but his voice was way too thin. I guess I was so used to Michael Maguire's endless voice on the recordings, but I just wanted to hear Lazar's golden baritone again and his physical demeanor was excellent. Celia's voice was a bit weaker this time, but overall I still think she is amazing. And Gary Beach was much better after a second viewing, he does something different that really makes the show come to life, I thought he was brilliant tonight.
Now about Daphne. I really loved her the first time and thought she made the role truly believable and heartbreaking, I did not mind the earthy tones of her voice at all. Well, I think she got stronger over the past weeks. Her voice was much clearer tonight and she even hit some high notes in the second act. In my personal opinion her interpretation of Fantine is reason enough for why this show was revived so soon. She is also extremely friendly at the stage door. I recommend seeing her before she leaves.
Updated On: 1/4/07 at 03:30 AM
