I was also surprised when I first discovered Shayne was currently playing Roxie. She's one of those performers whose names conjure wonderful memories and almost feel like family on name familiarity alone.
First heard of her when I saved my pennies as a kid to purchase the Complete Symphonic Recording of Les Miserables. It's amazing how ordinary things seem so majestic when you're a kid--I recall being absolutely mesmerized by the recording's gold and black packaging and the fact it was a symphonic orchestra playing that marvelous, iconic, irreplaceable John Cameron orchestration was almost too much to take for little me. I've since worn out three copies!
At any rate! Tracy was one of my earliest Cosettes thanks to that recording and I've always loved her in the role from that alone. I unfortunately have never seen her in the show proper. I never did agree with the popular opinion in Les Mis circles at the time that her Cosette was shrill and annoying. Her singing is spot on and her vibrato is as delicate yet strong like I imagine Cosette to be.
I can totally see her being an awesome Roxie. Will she be playing the role later this month when the tour hits Los Angeles' Pantages Theatre?
EDIT: Oops, of course she won't be playing Roxie cause Ms. Brinkley has been heavily promoted as playing the role here later this month. How could I forget that? I guess my reverie down Les Mis memory lane got me too happy and caused temporary retardation. Hate it when that happens.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.
Updated On: 5/11/12 at 05:05 AM
