Scared About Daphne Rubin Vega as Fantine? — Page 4

I somehow just can't imagine that she is as bad as everyone is saying. Ok, her voice is "different". It is raspy, it is breathy, and yes, it almost sounds like she cracks on certain notes (although after seeing her do the same show multiple times it seems like that is just a noise she makes . . . it kind of grows on you!) but there is no taking away that she is a talented woman. Maybe she isn't the Fantine that you expect to see when you walk in . . . but I think everyone knew she would take a different approach. Is different bad? Personally I have never seen the show, with her or anyone else so I look forward to seeing it and her. Maybe she is miscast. But if she is, don't you think she is doing the best she can possibly do? Is it fair to bash her for trying her best in a role that maybe she just isn't suited for? I think people need to put aside their preconcieved notions of what this role should look/sound like, and just enjoy the performance of a talented actress and singer. But that is just my opinion. And I'm sure I will get bashed for it!

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I heard her do Fantine and I'd still be suprised if she lasts..... The buzz throughout the audience at intermission and after the show was - "Is she sick?? She MUST be sick..."" I'd like to hear from others who were there after the firts night, though.

Yes, Daphne's voice takes some time to get used to. The first time I saw Rent I amediatly bought the OBCR and hated her voice. Then, as I got older and started to understand Mimi better I began to value her characterization and realize just how strong her voice really is. I have alwayse cherished her "Without You" and feel that no one has surpassed her in that number.

I think Daphne is an ispiring choice for Fantine. I think people were so shocked by her rendintion because they don't know how her voice usualy sounds. I for one am looking foward to see someone other then the usual "Brodway Diva" doing this role.

Would have loved to see Judy Kuhn tackle this role!

I saw the second preview of Les Miserables this week, and it's true that people spoke of practically nothing else during intermission.

"Is she sick?"
"Has she hurt her voice?"
"Is this a joke?"
"Why didn't her understudy go on if she couldn't sing the songs?"

I'm of several minds on this, as well as on the production as a whole.

First, it's clear that Ms. Rubin-Vega is making strong acting choices as Fantine. Her choices are unique to anyone else I've ever seen play the role, and while they're the most emotional of anyone on stage, they seem to place her in an entirely different production than the rest of the cast. While everyone else is doing their level best to put forth Les Miserables as the audience knows, loves, and expects it, Daphne is re-inventing a character. When I think of Fantine-as-usual, I'd describe her as beautiful, tragic, and kind of bland. The new Fantine is ruined, addled, and desperate, and doesn't allow the audience to gloss over the severity of her situation.

But then there's the singing. There is no belting, and there are no soaring notes to be found. Ms. Rubin-Vega whispers most of "I Dreamed a Dream," and at times lands somewhere between a croak and a cry. The people I attended the show with, when asked to describe her voice, decided on "Bjork, by way of Carol Channing, and maybe some Cyndi Lauper?" It's not a sound I've ever heard before, and this is coming from someone who's enjoyed Daphne's singing in Bernarda Alba and Rent. CAN she hit those notes in Fantine's songs? I think so. Does she choose to? Absolutely not, and it seems to be part and parcel of the character she's creating. Sadly, it's also what people are getting upset about.

I'm still not sure if I enjoyed her performance, but I found it problematic for the show as a whole -- this Fantine seems dropped into the mix from an entirely different musical. I think I'd like to see that musical on its own someday, but it's definitely not what people are expecting when they sit down in the Broadhurst.

Sounds like the audience is saying exactly the same things they were saying during intermission at the first preview. It's a shame, since it's detracting from otherwise fine performances from the rest of the cast, especially Celia as Eponine. I don't know if that's their intention, but I doubt it. I really, truly WAS glad when she died, and she was offstage for awhile.

Her take on the part (especially the way off-key horrible singing), IMHO, is NOT what this show needs....

My daughter and I attended last night's production and were both totally WOW'd - with the disturbing exception of Fantine. I had never previously seen or heard Daphne Rubin-Vega.
My daughter was familiar with Daphne's role as Mimi and she was very concerned about the choice to cast her in the role of Fantine. Unfortunately, it came across as just that - a role.
Ms. Rubin-Vega seemed to be acting a part. The acting was overdone - too much stiffness & shaking; her death scene was completely unbelievable - the people in front of us actually chuckled (how AWFUL!) when she suddenly dropped her head and died. We never saw her as Fantine - only as Daphne Rubin-Vega playing Fantine. Her singing was also completely wrong for this type of music and this show. Granted, she has a unique sound. So do many other artists whom I also can't see cast in this role. I'm not bashing Daphne. She may be a great fit in other shows, but not this one. So many people (us included) were saying that the show was incredible except for the disturbing role of Fantine. I sincerely hope she will be replaced - it will hopefully improve what is close to an almost perfect show, and she can then go on to find another role that better suits her style.

The question here should be put to the Macintosh org, since they chose her -- after she sang the number in audition -- and are continuing to keep her. For now.

They clearly thought this was a John C. Riley as Stanley kinda decision. Move outside the box. But it sounds a toxic choice, and I'll be very surprised if she stays. Cameron once fired a whole company for being stale -- will he let this baby come back with a lead weight dominating the first third?

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Now that I think about it more, I've can honestly say that I've never seen such an Awful performance in a Broadway musical in the last 10 yrs.

You should never want a character to die a minute after she makes her entrance. Fortunate that Fantine does die not long into Act I, but the death scene smells of decay and the finale is hurt by her lack of well, anything. With so many other strong and compenant, capable and Great actors on stage with her at that point - its glaring.

Updated On: 10/27/06 at 01:56 PM

how can they keep her then? if everyone is saying these things on line and in the theatre, shouldn't casting people listen to the ones who support the show?

Again, I'd be suprised if she makes it to opening night. Aren't they supposed to improve the show during previews? Any of them glance at boards (such as this one) from time to time? maybe listen to the audience on the wya out? During intermission?

I remember leaving Lestat (during previews), and on the way out saw a producer looking guy sitting in the back. He didn't look too happy.

Wow, that's not good.

My own take on this is that I don't think they'll get rid of her, but, she won't return to Les Miz after she's done with that other show she's leaving to do.

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I agree with you Dottie . . . if she is as bad as people saying (and I still have a hard time believing she is that bad--miscast maybe, but just plain bad?) I would think that she will stay until her planned leave of absence and just not return after doing the other show. At least that is my hope b/c I really do want to see her in this show, regardless of what others are saying here.

And as for her voice being gone or having no voice left . . . she sounded pretty good doing "Everythings Turning Into Beautiful" over the summer. Much better than she did during Rent 10 . . . and her voice sounds good on her new cd . . . so she has a voice in there somewhere!

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If you want to see her, I'd suggest doing it soon then.....