Ruthie’s note was so pure... and you wouldn’t expect it from her tone which is so guttural and intense. You’d expect a very thick sound, but no, it was such an angelic contrast. She’s soooo good and she’s definitely my favourite for those artistic and dynamic choices.
Rachelle Ann Go (2015) 30th Anniversary's Fantine sounds amazing and perfect! I can feel all the emotion especially the pain the character suffered! Good job!
Patti LuPone is the only Fantine for me! I am obsessed with her “ You let your foreman send me away, yes, you were there and turned aside!” All sung on ONE breath without pausing to breathe before continuing with “yes, you were there and turned aside”. She’s tremendous!
I think it's because emotionally and vocally, the roles aren't that much of a stretch from each other. It also helps that both shows were developed by the same people.
Erika Henningsen's portrayal is so underappreciated, for me she gave one of the most gut-wrenching performances, particularly with the emotion in her voice on "sent me away"
My favorites: (in no specific order) Debra Byrne Gunilla Backman Alice Ripley Elena Roger Joanna Ampil Sierra Boggess Grania Renihan Celinde Schoenmaker Lea Salonga Rachel Beck Joan Almedilla Rachel York Henriette Grawwert Sophia Ragavelas Betsy Morgan Madalena Alberto Carmen Cusak Yumiko Takahashi Nikki Renee Daniels Cornelia Luna Ruthie Henshall Na-Young Yeon Rachelle Ann Go
this is my FAVORITE moment in the whole show, i love that you made this! My top picks are by far Kerry Ellis, Ruthie Henshall, Rachel York, Judy Kuhn, Lauren Kennedy, and Betsy Morgan. Also Na-Young Jeon, Alice Ripley, Jayne Paterson, and Rebecca Seale.
Caissie Levy 👏🏻 and sierra bogess 👏🏻. I would also love to see Betsy wolf in this role. If y’all haven’t listened to her in The mystery of Edwin Drood! I highly recommend!!
I always appreciate when it sounds like they’re biting out their ‘ yeses. ‘ Like, it’s guttural, would be the word? Idk why, but it’s always a nice touch.
Ruthie is such a queen in this role. Hard to beat! I love the emotional range in these - Juliet, Joan, and Gunilla especially. Elena blew my mind- her voice is so raw and just had a different sort of gravitas to it. Carmen’s climb to “send me away” was so controlled! I like that Sophia and Natalie sounded a little younger than the traditional actor to that point. Cornelia’s, Na-Young’s, Caissie’s, and Alyson’s rage is awesome! Edyta is a perfect blend of anger and defeat. Of course Lea is incredible- to quote John Oliver, “nailed it. No notes.” The only real miss I see here is Daphne Rubin-Vega. She’s incredibly talented, and I loved her in other roles, but from a technical standpoint her voice just doesn’t seem to sit comfortably within the range of the music.
Debra Byrne, Yuko Ema, Ruthie Henshall, Cornelia Drese, Nikki Renee Daniels, Lea Salonga, Anne Hathaway (You go Anne!!!!), Patrice Tipoki, Rachel Ann Go are my favorites
FAVORITES: Debra Byrne, Rachel York, Ruthie Henshall, Cornelia Drese, Alice Ripley, Gunilla Blackman, Joan Almedilla, Grania Renihan, Joanna Ampil (POWERFUL), Henriette Grawwert, Kerry Ellis, Nikki Renee Daniels, Nurlaila Karim, Natalie Day, Edyta Krzemien, Madalena Alberto (YAS), Lea Salonga, Sierra Boggess, Betsy Morgan, Anne Hathaway, Celinde Schoenmaker, Na-Young Jeon, Melissa O'Neil (Eponine to Fantine so quick? You go, girl!), Patrice Tipoki, Alison Blackwell, Rachelle Ann Go Can I make a suggestion? :) Will you please make a Cosette comparison too? You can choose the song. Thank you so much in advance! This video is pretty great too!
PhantomifyEponine Thank you! I'd love to make a Cosette video, the only issue is which song (or part of) to choose, all her highest notes are sung with at least 2 other people at the same time (Heart Full of Love, One Day More, Heart Full of Love reprise)
I suggest you do A Heart Full of Love reprise, since in the first you can hear Eponine and Marius with her too. But in the reprise, it's only her and Marius, so it will be easy to distinguish the voice :) But the final choice is up to you!
Oh my god, Catherine Hickland ( 3:25 ) really looks like Amy Manford (current Christine alternate on the West End) in this picture...they are all fabulous on their own way !
What exactly are we comparing here? A common theme of these comparison videos I`ve found to be high-note related. However, this is not exactly the best part of the show to showcase an actor`s pipes as it`s an emotional high point in a very nasty chain of events. As I`m sure yàll noticed the majority of these Fantines sound absolutely broken. Some are obviously really feeling it and can`t sing it prettily due to the sheer emotion but even those who aren`t crying for real are acting as if they`re crying which intentionally distorts any WoW factor in a high note. High notes are overrated anyway, so I listened mostly to the orchestration, hehe.
I loved Ruthie and Paige, but I got to give credit to Lauren Kennedy especially on that last few notes when she went so hard and let out her frustration and anger and then softened her voice to make it sound as she was disappointed in him for failing her
Really great to watch this. Just too bad there is not some major old school talent from the original years in this. Randy Graff, Kelly Ground (San Francisco-1989), Christy Baron, Eleanor O'Connel, Hollis Resnik. I know I'm missing more. These are some of the pioneers before any of the ones featured here. Kudos to you though on your curation.
+Robert Lee I`m a Les Mis fan from way back and have the following on audio tape: Laurie Beechman (3rd NT - 1997); Randy Graff (Broadway - 1987); Christy Baron (Broadway - 1995); Eleanor O`Connell (Los Angeles 2nd NT - 1988); and several others. I`ve always wanted to hear Kelly Ground and Hollis Resnik. There is very little out there of their turns as Fantine. For some reason, audio and, especially, video footage of the 1st and 2nd national tours is extremely rare. I know there is likely a full video or maybe portions of the 2nd national tour`s Los Angeles engagement toward the end of its 14 month run at the Shubert with Jordan Bennett as Valjean because Bennett himself posted a clip of the full finale on here which appeared to be pro shot. I asked him if he knows whether or not that is part of a longer video but he didn`t say. I`d kill for a full performance of what was the exact cast I saw in my first ever performance of Les Mis.
I love how Patti Lupone plays Fantine as this woman who has to be strong for her daughter. The other Fantines act like helpless women. Patti was the original for a reason.
Ruthie’s note was so pure... and you wouldn’t expect it from her tone which is so guttural and intense. You’d expect a very thick sound, but no, it was such an angelic contrast. She’s soooo good and she’s definitely my favourite for those artistic and dynamic choices.
Ruthie Henshall is not getting nearly enough credit, she performed brilliantly in Les Mis and especially in Miss Saigon
Best Ever!!!
Ruthie Henshall will always be fantine for me
Rachelle Ann Go (2015) 30th Anniversary's Fantine sounds amazing and perfect! I can feel all the emotion especially the pain the character suffered! Good job!
ultimatearmand
She would go on to Eliza Schuyler Hamilton!
Patti LuPone is the only Fantine for me! I am obsessed with her “ You let your foreman send me away, yes, you were there and turned aside!” All sung on ONE breath without pausing to breathe before continuing with “yes, you were there and turned aside”. She’s tremendous!
Why is it that the former Kim's make such awesome Fantines and Éponine's.
I think it's because emotionally and vocally, the roles aren't that much of a stretch from each other. It also helps that both shows were developed by the same people.
Erika Henningsen's portrayal is so underappreciated, for me she gave one of the most gut-wrenching performances, particularly with the emotion in her voice on "sent me away"
My favorites: (in no specific order)
Debra Byrne
Gunilla Backman
Alice Ripley
Elena Roger
Joanna Ampil
Sierra Boggess
Grania Renihan
Celinde Schoenmaker
Lea Salonga
Rachel Beck
Joan Almedilla
Rachel York
Henriette Grawwert
Sophia Ragavelas
Betsy Morgan
Madalena Alberto
Carmen Cusak
Yumiko Takahashi
Nikki Renee Daniels
Cornelia Luna
Ruthie Henshall
Na-Young Yeon
Rachelle Ann Go
bless you betsy haze bc i was looking for a very certain vibe of this exact part 🙏🏻 for me it's the ones who capture the pure female rage!!
this is my FAVORITE moment in the whole show, i love that you made this!
My top picks are by far Kerry Ellis, Ruthie Henshall, Rachel York, Judy Kuhn, Lauren Kennedy, and Betsy Morgan.
Also Na-Young Jeon, Alice Ripley, Jayne Paterson, and Rebecca Seale.
Dead serious one of the best lines in the whole show
Na-Young Jeon holds a special place in my heart
My favorite "Fantine`s Arrest" to date is by original Los Angeles production Fantine Eleanor O`Connell. Absolutely heartbreaking.
This line has the ability to absolutely rip your heart out if delivered correctly… here to say Ruthie slayed it so hard!!
Caissie Levy 👏🏻 and sierra bogess 👏🏻. I would also love to see Betsy wolf in this role. If y’all haven’t listened to her in The mystery of Edwin Drood! I highly recommend!!
I love love love Sierra in general!!💖 but I have to say Lea, she broke my heart😭😱👍🏻
Well thanks I'm crying now
Sierra Boggess, Anne Hathaway, Caissie Levy and Rachelle Ann Go are the best!
KingdomHeartsFan3211 lea salonga!!!
I always appreciate when it sounds like they’re biting out their ‘ yeses. ‘ Like, it’s guttural, would be the word? Idk why, but it’s always a nice touch.
Great compilation, indeed. Jana Werner is my favorite.
1.Sierra
2.Anne
3.Lea
4.Celinde
5.Caissie
24:45 all the way emotion.
I saw Betsy Morgan on tour back in 2012, and she was phenomenal.
Caissie turned that song into death metal!!!!!
Omygosh, I did not know that Belle is here! What has the Beast/ Prince Adam done to you!!
I know this is really late but ironically Terrence Mann who was the beast on broadway was the original Javert.
1:15 What a powerful and strong voice, really shows her anger and pain
C'mon Betsy Morgan singing that high note lying down!
Ruthie is such a queen in this role. Hard to beat! I love the emotional range in these - Juliet, Joan, and Gunilla especially. Elena blew my mind- her voice is so raw and just had a different sort of gravitas to it. Carmen’s climb to “send me away” was so controlled! I like that Sophia and Natalie sounded a little younger than the traditional actor to that point. Cornelia’s, Na-Young’s, Caissie’s, and Alyson’s rage is awesome! Edyta is a perfect blend of anger and defeat. Of course Lea is incredible- to quote John Oliver, “nailed it. No notes.” The only real miss I see here is Daphne Rubin-Vega. She’s incredibly talented, and I loved her in other roles, but from a technical standpoint her voice just doesn’t seem to sit comfortably within the range of the music.
Debra Byrne, Yuko Ema, Ruthie Henshall, Cornelia Drese, Nikki Renee Daniels, Lea Salonga, Anne Hathaway (You go Anne!!!!), Patrice Tipoki, Rachel Ann Go are my favorites
I LOVE ANNE HATHAWAY
Ok but... Sierra tho
Did anyone else find it odd that Randy Graff wasn't included? The Original Broadway Fantine??
Zachary Walker maybe they couldnt find a recording for her
Maybe not, but a recording definitely exists.
I love Patti’s vibrato
FAVORITES: Debra Byrne, Rachel York, Ruthie Henshall, Cornelia Drese, Alice Ripley, Gunilla Blackman, Joan Almedilla, Grania Renihan, Joanna Ampil (POWERFUL), Henriette Grawwert, Kerry Ellis, Nikki Renee Daniels, Nurlaila Karim, Natalie Day, Edyta Krzemien, Madalena Alberto (YAS), Lea Salonga, Sierra Boggess, Betsy Morgan, Anne Hathaway, Celinde Schoenmaker, Na-Young Jeon, Melissa O'Neil (Eponine to Fantine so quick? You go, girl!), Patrice Tipoki, Alison Blackwell, Rachelle Ann Go
Can I make a suggestion? :) Will you please make a Cosette comparison too? You can choose the song. Thank you so much in advance! This video is pretty great too!
PhantomifyEponine Thank you! I'd love to make a Cosette video, the only issue is which song (or part of) to choose, all her highest notes are sung with at least 2 other people at the same time (Heart Full of Love, One Day More, Heart Full of Love reprise)
I suggest you do A Heart Full of Love reprise, since in the first you can hear Eponine and Marius with her too. But in the reprise, it's only her and Marius, so it will be easy to distinguish the voice :) But the final choice is up to you!
Betsy Haze i hope i dreamed a dream comparison too :-)
PhantomifyEponine I agree, Joanna Ampil is an underrated actor. She's the new grizabella
Betsy Haze Better choose In my life?
that note is so hard for me i just can’t
Rebecca Seale is fantastic
Lea all the way.
Uhh! I can’t choose all of these women are incredible!
Where is Randy Graff?
I actually really like Elena Medina's version 23:50 Incredible how she can make it sound like she's wailing but it's so beautiful at the same time.
Don't forget about Nikki Renee Daniels! She probably shows the most command over that note!
Oh my god, Catherine Hickland ( 3:25 ) really looks like Amy Manford (current Christine alternate on the West End) in this picture...they are all fabulous on their own way !
What exactly are we comparing here? A common theme of these comparison videos I`ve found to be high-note related. However, this is not exactly the best part of the show to showcase an actor`s pipes as it`s an emotional high point in a very nasty chain of events. As I`m sure yàll noticed the majority of these Fantines sound absolutely broken. Some are obviously really feeling it and can`t sing it prettily due to the sheer emotion but even those who aren`t crying for real are acting as if they`re crying which intentionally distorts any WoW factor in a high note. High notes are overrated anyway, so I listened mostly to the orchestration, hehe.
I loved Ruthie and Paige, but I got to give credit to Lauren Kennedy especially on that last few notes when she went so hard and let out her frustration and anger and then softened her voice to make it sound as she was disappointed in him for failing her
lea 😭😭😭😭😭
11:19 20:59 15:14 16:26 16:50 5:39 2:27 and 1:15 are my absolute favourites
15:36 THE DIVA!
Caissie
I liked Pocahontas and Mulan in this role. Also, 24:25 - I think you got the name wrong. Her name is Pam Beasley.
wirsindhelden0 PAM BEASLEY LMFAOOOO
na young jeon and lea salonga 🙌🏽🙌🏽
CAISSIE
Kyra Swartz I love the raw emotion in her voice, and not caring about how pretty she sounds because the character is in her lowest point in the show!
Paige O'Hara? As in Belle from Disney's Beauty And The Beast was Fontaine?
Ruthie is the only and one fantine
CAISSIE LEVY
Really great to watch this. Just too bad there is not some major old school talent from the original years in this. Randy Graff, Kelly Ground (San Francisco-1989), Christy Baron, Eleanor O'Connel, Hollis Resnik. I know I'm missing more. These are some of the pioneers before any of the ones featured here. Kudos to you though on your curation.
+Robert Lee I`m a Les Mis fan from way back and have the following on audio tape: Laurie Beechman (3rd NT - 1997); Randy Graff (Broadway - 1987); Christy Baron (Broadway - 1995); Eleanor O`Connell (Los Angeles 2nd NT - 1988); and several others. I`ve always wanted to hear Kelly Ground and Hollis Resnik. There is very little out there of their turns as Fantine. For some reason, audio and, especially, video footage of the 1st and 2nd national tours is extremely rare. I know there is likely a full video or maybe portions of the 2nd national tour`s Los Angeles engagement toward the end of its 14 month run at the Shubert with Jordan Bennett as Valjean because Bennett himself posted a clip of the full finale on here which appeared to be pro shot. I asked him if he knows whether or not that is part of a longer video but he didn`t say. I`d kill for a full performance of what was the exact cast I saw in my first ever performance of Les Mis.
Ruthie
Lea
Sierra
Rachel
Joanna
Lea Salonga all the way!!!!!
Where did you get the Kerry Ellis video?
RUTHIE
Why is NO ONE talking about nikki renee daniel
Ruthie... no question
Celinde and Sierra are the best
Nikki all the way!!!!!
Where did you get the Rachelle Ann Go audio?
Il aurait fallu mettre quand javert arrive
I didn't see my old pals Erika McLeod or Montego Glover in there. Is this supposed to be comprehensive?
I don't think there were recordings of them when this video was made. Montego Glover wasn't in Les Mis yet when this was uploaded either.
Faltaram Alessandra Maestrini e Kacau Gomes, ambas brasileiras
Debra Byrne was very good!
Do you have the full one for Erika Henningsen
CAISSIE LEVY!!! THE BEST!!!!
Lea Salonga and Ruthie
5:14
Is Lea in here?
15:35
Lea Salonga all the way
anne hathaway besttttt
Ruthie ❤❤
Lea is TJ only artist who appeared in both the 10ths and 25th anniversary concerts. That’s telling of her outstanding talent.
Lea, Ruthie, Sierra, and Rachelle.
I love how Patti Lupone plays Fantine as this woman who has to be strong for her daughter. The other Fantines act like helpless women. Patti was the original for a reason.