I saw both performed Eponine. Lea's version on Broadway and the TAC was obviously more strong-willed because she was portraying a betrayed and an impoverished character, who was spoiled in the beginning by crooks, then lived eventually in poverty. I think some fans associate the song On My Own to a sweet and fragile Eponine, but she was not envisioned to be one by the author and Richard Jay Alexander, her director. She had more maturity and stage presence in Hey Mr. Producer and that was one outstanding performance. The one thing I didn't like was a hint of Lea's upper class upbringing that somehow came out in some scenes during the Broadway run. The astounding thing was witnessing the only Eponine I've ever seen that received a thunderous and quite extended standing ovation after On My Own and the orchestra had to stop for at least 5 minutes before playing the next note. Isn't that usually a seamless musical transition to the next score?
Sutton's version was different. It was one of the best I've seen but, different. It was the Eponine I expected but, her acting was more subtle compared to Lea's. Both have the chops vocally and she also had rave reviews. Her On My Own was quite captivating and always brough tears to the audience. It was just unfortunate that her partners during that run were always too short which made the pair look awkward on stage.
Comparison is an unavoidable thing, especially when the play, the songs, and the character are so memorable and significant. As a complete package, Lea Salonga is a more memorable Eponine for me. I love Sutton and comes very close to my top choice. I still yet to see, if ever, Maane Dionisio's Eponine. I heard she was also amazing. Has anyone here seen her performance?
"I love acting. It is so much more real than life." Oscar Wilde
"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." Aldous Huxley
Updated On: 4/16/06 at 01:53 PM
