+Zach Miller This is indeed. Many people don't understand why Fantine is such a big character with only I Dreamed I Dreamed whereas Eponine has Own My Own and Little Fall of Rain, but this is so easily forgotten! I think it is more beautiful than Little Fall of Rain.
Warren Flores i have heard every single person who has ever played Fantine sing that note, and NOT ONE comes close to spinning that last note on a haunting thread like Ruthie Henshall. Divine singing!
I think that her performance in the 10th anniversary concert was the best performance Ruthie Henshall ever gave. Her voice was never better. This was by far the best performance of Fantine I have ever heard by anyone. Brilliant!
This song moves me every time I hear it. As a parent (father), my heart breaks that Fantine’s last thought was a longing for her daughter to be with her. The love and sacrifice that a mother is willing to make for her child, which lead to the guilt and burden that Jean Valjean will carry and make amends for the rest of his life, all in this one song.
When listening only to the audio I thought Ruthie was stepping away from the mic on the last note. Watching the video now I realized she controlled the fading note solely with her vocal. Wow. Damn. She is by far and away the best Fantine ever. Dust kicks up whenever I hear her voice in Les Mis.
When I was pregnant with my daughter, a difficult pregnancy that ended tragically I used to sing this just before going to sleep. She would calm down. Till this day, as that was almost 17 years a go, singing that song makes me cry.
This is the perfect example of artistry in the voice, the way Ruthie fades her voice in and out with as her character's strength wanes in and out, man that's why we cry. You can hear her death at the end. That is what so much of our movies are missing today, just emotion and imagry in a voice. Amazing!
I truly am in love with Ruthie Henshall's performance here as Fantine. Her voice is incomparable to any other. I can listen to her all day. :) Lea's performance in the broadway was just touching. She has a strong voice even when she was crying. As for Anne Hathaway's performance, I have to give her credit for being able to sing while she's crying in despair too. She moved me to tears. It's truly tough to act that way for a film. I think she does deserve that Golden Globe award. :)
Ruthy Henshall was nothing short of extraordinary in this role. You can wrap yourself with her warm rich voice, while being ensured that it tells a story that conveys everything you ever wanted to know about the character she is playing.
I'm going to be honest, this song is really comforting. If you forget that Fantine is dying, this would work as one of the best lullabies. Just, her soothing voice and emotion filled tone, and her sweet and comforting words, are honestly to much to handle. She is just so amazing, I give her mad props for this amazing performance. (Also Fantine was amazing as hell hhhhh-)
This always makes me want to cry, and when she sings I Dreamed a Dream. She really shows the emotion and makes you feel it.Other people just sing it, that's it, they don't show the emotion or make you feel it.
The part that gets me is the last note, the way her voice sounds like it's dying, growing suddenly weaker and colder and come to an end. It really sounds like it's her last breath... Amazing.
***** I disagree. While Hugh's voice is... well... yeah... It suits his face. To listen to the soundtrack it is a little grating. I prefer Anne's version of this for the raw emotion. It can actually bring me to tears whereas this version cannot.
I first heard this song when my life was falling apart. It was like it reached deep into the chaos and pain I was feeling, giving voice to the emotions I couldn’t express. In the darkest moments, it was there, helping me to feel, to cry, and to heal the screams inside. I’m so grateful for that.
This is the 10th Anniversary cast and everyone is amazing. So heart-breaking when Fantine is singing about Cosette. Victor Hugo makes Jean Valjean the epitome of perfection.
I am a solanga fan but definitely love Ruthie. They both bring such a realness to the part that brings tears to my eyes. And I will not start on colm...that man. My God.
This song changed the way I looked at music. Heard it in 96’ during hardcore grunge music era. I didn’t know as a kid that music could be this incredible.
I don't know this show very weel, I'm french, 28 years old and live in France. I've heard this perfom was the best, and my friends shown me. I'm surpirsed, because it's not good, it's fantastic zand this girl has a very great voice ! Thank U for this video !
She certainly deserved the standing ovation which I'm sure she got for this. It's July 2024 and my wife and I are going to see Les Mis in London in September to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary - can't believe 2025 will mark the 40th anniversary of Les Mis!!
If there was ever a video that deserved a million views, this is it. It's one thing to hit a whistle tone like that, but it's even more impressive how smoothly Ruthie transitions into it.
i love love her version of this song...and i love this song so much..she asks him to take care of her daughter....and Valjean responds he will take her child......i was moved from the first time i saw this and still, every time, i cry
Nobody has been able to do "And tell Cosette I love her and I'll see her when I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake" better than Ruthie. I've seen the show multiple times, and not even Lea Salonga (whom I adored as Eponine) can hold a candle to her.
how come 17 dislike this?? its the best voice my ears have heard in my whole life. I keep listening to it over and over and never get bored. Ruthie is amazing. Greetings from Egypt
THIS PERFORMANCE WILL LAST A LONG LONG TIME AS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER WHAT A PERFORMANCE BY THE STARS AND THE MUSICIANS WISH I WAS THERE 10 ANNIVERSARY
Oh my god I forgot about this song. I'm crying. The bittersweet melody of I Dreamed a Dream reprised in this, as Fantine is dying - whatever little hope or joy left in her life is now lost. Cosette is the unexpected, fragile realization of a dream... Her desperate, last, precious dream is found in Cosette's play and childhood joy, and in the fragile hope for a brighter future for Cosette than Fantine had for herself. She says previously that life killed her dream and she's in hell, and now again her dream is being killed in her inability to see through or ensure Cosette's future. Fantine has lost _her own_ future and dream yet again. Some small comfort and hope that Valjean will care for Cosette. A dying desperate hope for her daughter to live a life free from the immense burden and shame that fate or chance had in store for Fantine. Some desperate pleas as she feverishly goes in and out of acknowledging her reality - to not be alone in the end. OOF.
This was an amazing interpretation from Ruthie she has such a beautiful voice and when she sang the last word awake and went soft at the end omg I felt so emotional. Absolutely beautiful. Les Mis is a rare show which has so many beautiful songs which touch you so deeply.
This song is literally the emotional equivalent of somebody taking the last 3 chapters of "Where The Red Fern Grows" and putting it into musical form... "Devastating" is the only word I could think of that accurately describes this song.
***** why only the 2 compares to ruth and anne? why not compare different fantines. seems a lot have actually only seen the film and a few little clip bits. has any one just watched celine at the queens recently? opinions please
brilliant. oh my Fantine, you tragic figure. My favorite novel, Les Miserables and Ruthie Henshall is so talented. Awesome, please please god, someday, I meet Ruthie Henshall my idol.
They really weren't kidding when they called this the dream cast.
Just the most beautifully wondrous sad song. Reminder of glorious hope in the suffering
This might just be the most underrated song in the entire musical.
how many les miz editions have you seen? this is the best cast. just wondered if you have a different version of this song you prefer?
jane mcfadden I think Debra Byrne's version is worth checking out. Very heartbreaking and a little softer than Ruthie's version.
+Zach Miller. This is the most underrated song in the entire musical.
Much more tear maker then I dreamed a Dream for me.
+Zach Miller This is indeed. Many people don't understand why Fantine is such a big character with only I Dreamed I Dreamed whereas Eponine has Own My Own and Little Fall of Rain, but this is so easily forgotten! I think it is more beautiful than Little Fall of Rain.
Her voice is full of sorrow. The one and only Fantine. No one comes close.
Sure as fuck not Patti Lupone. She sounded like Barry White
How about Lea Salonga?
Absolutely 1000000% agree!
I am an avid lea salonga fan and she did do justice to fantine’s role. But Ruthie henshall, that last note was just wow. Ruthie is fantine. 💯
Jonathan Catunao she’s in so much pain. It’s awful.
that last note was hauntingly beautiful.
Amen to that.
Warren Flores i have heard every single person who has ever played Fantine sing that note, and NOT ONE comes close to spinning that last note on a haunting thread like Ruthie Henshall. Divine singing!
I think that her performance in the 10th anniversary concert was the best performance Ruthie Henshall ever gave. Her voice was never better. This was by far the best performance of Fantine I have ever heard by anyone. Brilliant!
I know :) they don't call this lot the dream cast for nothing lol .love ruthie
When my mum died it was the only thing that really said what I was feeling.
In a musical the actress would be lying in bed, I think singing when lying down would sound different then singing on her feet
I agree. She is my favorite Fantine. So much raw emotion.
@@wlamb9 I agree!.
When her face goes dark and lights up again at “but I will sing you lullabies and wake you in the morning” but gives me chills each time.
Before the video begins
Me, never cries.
Fantine "Tell Cosette I love her, and that I'll see her when I wake."
Me, uGLY SOBBING INTENSIFIES.
Same💔
SHE NEVER WOKEEEEE 😭😭
@@babsgrayson8432 not in this life, at least
I can’t hold my self together
I cry when she says ( you come from God in heaven )
This song moves me every time I hear it. As a parent (father), my heart breaks that Fantine’s last thought was a longing for her daughter to be with her. The love and sacrifice that a mother is willing to make for her child, which lead to the guilt and burden that Jean Valjean will carry and make amends for the rest of his life, all in this one song.
When listening only to the audio I thought Ruthie was stepping away from the mic on the last note. Watching the video now I realized she controlled the fading note solely with her vocal. Wow. Damn. She is by far and away the best Fantine ever. Dust kicks up whenever I hear her voice in Les Mis.
Patrick Au-Yeung no autotune yup
Patrick Au-Yeung omg same
When I was pregnant with my daughter, a difficult pregnancy that ended tragically I used to sing this just before going to sleep. She would calm down. Till this day, as that was almost 17 years a go, singing that song makes me cry.
😢
Ruthie Henshall's last note...just wow...the control and emotion...got me choked up for reals....she so awesome
This always makes cry. Ruthie was the best Fantine.
“Good monsieur, you come from God in heaven” this line has me weak every time
Fantine is the ultimate mother figure. She is the symbol of love, nurture and sacrifice for the sake of her child, the epitome of motherly love.
That's not the Winter Wind crying, it's me...
lol yes! me too
Lol! And I am still crying
i love that part with Jean Valjean saying 'I will keep you warm" such so much compassion and sadness as he knew WHY Fantine was feeling cold
This is the perfect example of artistry in the voice, the way Ruthie fades her voice in and out with as her character's strength wanes in and out, man that's why we cry. You can hear her death at the end. That is what so much of our movies are missing today, just emotion and imagry in a voice. Amazing!
I love the way she sang "how fast the minute" I love the way her voice faded in the last line. Her voice is enchanting and sorrowful.. Best Fantine!
It is exceedingly difficult to maintain strength while fading, and Henshall does so excellently at the very end. An excellent rendition.
Every version of this song I’ve heard is beautiful, but this is the only rendition that genuinely brings me to tears.
There's no one in the world that can better Ruthies' performance :)
Quite possibly the most beautiful, haunting, and tear-jerking number of any musical ever.
God damnit Ruthie. You've broken my heart again.
That "for God's sake..." near the end sounds so desperate... Great job Ruthie Henshall...just wow
It's a heart-wrenching harmony
I truly am in love with Ruthie Henshall's performance here as Fantine. Her voice is incomparable to any other. I can listen to her all day. :) Lea's performance in the broadway was just touching. She has a strong voice even when she was crying. As for Anne Hathaway's performance, I have to give her credit for being able to sing while she's crying in despair too. She moved me to tears. It's truly tough to act that way for a film. I think she does deserve that Golden Globe award. :)
her diminuendo from 3:20 to 3:27 is incredible. it takes skill to keep up the support and strength in your voice while singing quietly. chills.
ruthie and colm and all the cast were just breathtaking xxxxxxxxx
It doesn't matter how many times I watch this performance: every single f*****g time I cry like a child...
I love the 25th anniversary concert, but Ruthie is definitely the best Fantine
Ruthy Henshall was nothing short of extraordinary in this role. You can wrap yourself with her warm rich voice, while being ensured that it tells a story that conveys everything you ever wanted to know about the character she is playing.
This concert is the best! It puts the actual first show in a lesser level.
I haven't seen any of Les Mis but I'm literally sobbing listening to this
This was the best possible cast. Way better than any other anniversary casting or movie or production I’ve seen.
I saw it live yesterday, omg I will remember that forever. When Fantine died I couldn't help but cry.
"...and I'll see her when I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa----aaa-k-e." Just sublime! No auto-tune required.
I'm going to be honest, this song is really comforting. If you forget that Fantine is dying, this would work as one of the best lullabies. Just, her soothing voice and emotion filled tone, and her sweet and comforting words, are honestly to much to handle. She is just so amazing, I give her mad props for this amazing performance. (Also Fantine was amazing as hell hhhhh-)
I sing this to my daughter like once a day lol
Her voice control is incredible
Aw! I love both Fantines, Ruth and Anne, but I wish they had kept the entire song in the movie. So beautiful.
This would bring tears to a glass eye
I can't heard it without crying! 💔💔
This always makes me want to cry, and when she sings I Dreamed a Dream. She really shows the emotion and makes you feel it.Other people just sing it, that's it, they don't show the emotion or make you feel it.
Ruthie does such an excellent Fantine. Her voice has never sounded better. Bravo!
This song makes me cry more than diving into a pool of chopped onions!
XDLadyHydrangea hun you would be screaming in agony if you did that...
So I'm guessing you are unfamiliar with exaggerated metaphors or.... you're actually Captain Obvious??
XDLadyHydrangea I got it I just... ugh whatever
The part that gets me is the last note, the way her voice sounds like it's dying, growing suddenly weaker and colder and come to an end. It really sounds like it's her last breath... Amazing.
Favorite Fantine and 2nd or 3rd favorite Valjean. This really was the "Dream Cast".
Unlike the movie...
Agreed. I think that the only person In the movie that Could even qualify for a top 3 spot, for the person they played, would be Samantha barks.
I actually liked Hugh
***** ... Wow, for the first time I agree completely with Les Mis movie opinions...
***** I disagree. While Hugh's voice is... well... yeah... It suits his face. To listen to the soundtrack it is a little grating. I prefer Anne's version of this for the raw emotion. It can actually bring me to tears whereas this version cannot.
So am I ._. ***** I already got bashed for my opinion.
I first heard this song when my life was falling apart. It was like it reached deep into the chaos and pain I was feeling, giving voice to the emotions I couldn’t express. In the darkest moments, it was there, helping me to feel, to cry, and to heal the screams inside. I’m so grateful for that.
This song always brings me to tears. To dream of a whole life with her daughter but to know that it's not going to happen.
This is the 10th Anniversary cast and everyone is amazing. So heart-breaking when Fantine is singing about Cosette. Victor Hugo makes Jean Valjean the epitome of perfection.
She captured Fantine so well... I couldn’t stop crying all through the scene
I am a solanga fan but definitely love Ruthie. They both bring such a realness to the part that brings tears to my eyes. And I will not start on colm...that man. My God.
Her whole performance is just jaw dropping especially the last part. It’s out of this world, like is she even human? 🫶🏼🙌🏼
This song changed the way I looked at music. Heard it in 96’ during hardcore grunge music era. I didn’t know as a kid that music could be this incredible.
I don't know this show very weel, I'm french, 28 years old and live in France. I've heard this perfom was the best, and my friends shown me. I'm surpirsed, because it's not good, it's fantastic zand this girl has a very great voice ! Thank U for this video !
This fucking song :'( it makes me cry
I don't care what anybody says... Ruthie is by far the best Fantine!
This is one of the most hauntingly beautiful songs that I have ever heard. It touches your soul. Brilliant.
One of the most moving song I have ever heard, but not enough time is given to the most moving performance you ever likely to hear
Literally the best cast ever in les miserables history.
She certainly deserved the standing ovation which I'm sure she got for this. It's July 2024 and my wife and I are going to see Les Mis in London in September to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary - can't believe 2025 will mark the 40th anniversary of Les Mis!!
Never truly got this song.
Grown up a bit, seen something, cried and then not, now the song hurts so badly.
Holy shit, that diminuendo at 3:20 . . do you people realise how HARD that is, and what outstanding control and breath support that requires? Amazing
No way I'm crying..no..no...yes, im crying..can't help it :'(
me too
+phil obrien because its wonderful
If there was ever a video that deserved a million views, this is it. It's one thing to hit a whistle tone like that, but it's even more impressive how smoothly Ruthie transitions into it.
"You come from God in Heaven"... slays me everytime.
Every. Single. Time. 😢😭
One of the most emotive songs ever written.
i love love her version of this song...and i love this song so much..she asks him to take care of her daughter....and Valjean responds he will take her child......i was moved from the first time i saw this and still, every time, i cry
Oh God the way she sings "Tell Cosette I love her " wrings your heart!😣💔
I had chills the entire song! What a beautiful melody and a gorgeous voice
How does one sing this with so much despair and optimism all at once? Bravo. Truly, that was beautiful.
it all speaks of the love of god and the gift of words and music ! the way the world should be ! beutiful songs !!
best version
Nobody has been able to do "And tell Cosette I love her and I'll see her when I waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaake" better than Ruthie. I've seen the show multiple times, and not even Lea Salonga (whom I adored as Eponine) can hold a candle to her.
how come 17 dislike this?? its the best voice my ears have heard in my whole life. I keep listening to it over and over and never get bored. Ruthie is amazing. Greetings from Egypt
Forever the best Fantine ❤️❤️
THIS PERFORMANCE WILL LAST A LONG LONG TIME AS ONE OF THE BEST SHOWS EVER WHAT A PERFORMANCE BY THE STARS AND THE MUSICIANS WISH I WAS THERE 10 ANNIVERSARY
i cry every time i listen to this beautiful song. it's just so beautiful.
3:06 "For God's sake" brought me to tears. Wow!
so great. I recommend this to everyone with even slight music interest. sure seems to me EVERY soloist is in top form.
Amazing. I pray the younger generation will give this a try. FOLLOW THE STORY!!
We are here to love and support our fellow human being.
How beautiful... Utter perfection.
Ruthie's voice is beautiful, the way she sings it it just goes straight through your heart.
3:20 Hell of an overtone when she softens up that last note. I thought I was going crazy when I first listened to this.
Oh my god I forgot about this song. I'm crying. The bittersweet melody of I Dreamed a Dream reprised in this, as Fantine is dying - whatever little hope or joy left in her life is now lost. Cosette is the unexpected, fragile realization of a dream... Her desperate, last, precious dream is found in Cosette's play and childhood joy, and in the fragile hope for a brighter future for Cosette than Fantine had for herself. She says previously that life killed her dream and she's in hell, and now again her dream is being killed in her inability to see through or ensure Cosette's future. Fantine has lost _her own_ future and dream yet again. Some small comfort and hope that Valjean will care for Cosette. A dying desperate hope for her daughter to live a life free from the immense burden and shame that fate or chance had in store for Fantine. Some desperate pleas as she feverishly goes in and out of acknowledging her reality - to not be alone in the end.
OOF.
she is lovely and terrific
This was an amazing interpretation from Ruthie she has such a beautiful voice and when she sang the last word awake and went soft at the end omg I felt so emotional. Absolutely beautiful. Les Mis is a rare show which has so many beautiful songs which touch you so deeply.
This song is literally the emotional equivalent of somebody taking the last 3 chapters of "Where The Red Fern Grows" and putting it into musical form... "Devastating" is the only word I could think of that accurately describes this song.
How she sings "hurry" really touches me. She is amazing!
and "come to me" in the line before it. AGH MY HEART.
Ruthie Henshall played this part perfectly. This song makes me cry every time I hear her sing it.
Thanks to UA-cam we have the opportunity to see this.
Anne Hathaway, I love you, but THIS is how you deliver this song.
***** yes.
***** anne cant sing though lol
***** why only the 2 compares to ruth and anne? why not compare different fantines. seems a lot have actually only seen the film and a few little clip bits. has any one just watched celine at the queens recently? opinions please
But Anne was acting, not just singing. And she was playing a dying girl.
neutral name THANK YOU!!!! No one else I speak to seems to understand this 🤷♀️
Ruthie ...just cant be bettered..thanks..
This has succeeded in making me cry every time I've watched it.
We are in tears because she brought the mother's to us!!!
I am forever a fan of lea salonga but this version of ruthie just moves me to tears every time i hear it... :'(
Same
I will cry every damn time I watch this!
yes the best cast,without a doubt,fab
brilliant. oh my Fantine, you tragic figure. My favorite novel, Les Miserables and Ruthie Henshall is so talented. Awesome, please please god, someday, I meet Ruthie Henshall my idol.
Once again an absolute masterclass from Ruthie Henshall. Fantastic. Perfection.
Of all the songs. This one never ceases to make me choke up
Ruthie, your VOICE IT'S A HAPPINESS!
AGREEABLE AND POWERFULL VOICE.
GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS!
My favorite piece from the production.