Boublil, Alain

The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		The Pirate Queen (2007 Original Broadway Cast)

    Manufacturer: Sony Classics
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Curtains (2007 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. 110 in the Shade (2007 Broadway Revival Cast)
    3. Legally Blonde
    4. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. High Fidelity (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000QTCY72
    Release Date: 2007-07-03

    Amazon.com

    The Pirate Queen, with a score by Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (Les Misérables, Miss Saigon), took a critical beating when it opened on Broadway, but as this catchy cast recording demonstrates, that reception was really unnecessarily harsh. Set in the 17th century, the show (which closed after only 85 performances) tells the story of Grace O'Malley (Stephanie J. Block), an Irish ship captain and pirate who defied Queen Elizabeth I (Linda Balgord). The combination of that setting with the fact that the producers also brought us Riverdance means an overall Celtic flavor. But fans of Boublil and Schönberg should not fear. The duo delivers plenty of the over-the-top, super-emotional power ballads they're famous for--it's hard not to wonder what Celine Dion would make of songs such as "Woman" or "I'll Be There" (the latter sung by a man, but no matter!). Special kudos to Balgord, whose deliciously campy stage portrayal of Elizabeth I comes across well on "The Waking of the Queen," "The Role of the Queen," and two harpsichord-driven, vibrato-laden duets with Block, "She Who Has All" and "Woman to Woman." Also of note to fans of traditional singing is the participation of Áine Uí Cheallaigh (known from Riverdance) on several tracks. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
    Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • An average review for the average listener
    • BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER
    • An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe
    • A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars...
    • One of the greats
    		 Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Frances Rufelle , and Colm Wilkinson
    Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    General ModernGeneral Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
    2. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    3. Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
    4. Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. Rent (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000000OQI
    Release Date: 1990-10-25

    Tracks:

    1. Overture/Work Song
    2. Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven
    3. What Have I Done?
    4. At the End of the Day
    5. I Dreamed a Dream
    6. Lovely Ladies
    7. Who Am I?
    8. Come to Me (Fantine's Death)
    9. Confrontation
    10. Castle on a Cloud
    11. Master of the House
    12. The Thenardier Waltz of Treachery
    13. Look Down
    14. Stars
    15. Red and Black
    16. Do You Hear the People Sing

    Tracks:

    1. In My Life
    2. A Heart Full of Love
    3. Plumet Attack
    4. One Day More
    5. Upon These Stones (Building the Barricade)
    6. On My Own
    7. Upon These Stones (At the Barricade)
    8. Javert at the Barricade/Little People
    9. The First Attack
    10. A Little Fall of Rain
    11. Drink with Me
    12. Bring Him Home - Valjean
    13. Dog Eats Dog
    14. Javert's Suicide
    15. Turning
    16. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Marius
    17. Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
    18. Finale

    Amazon.com

    After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences. In fact, the 10th anniversary concert might have the best overall cast of the lot, while the three-disc symphonic recording is a must for completists.

    Regardless of cast, Les Misérables has become a sensation. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score is filled with beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?"), and Victor Hugo's classic novel of a student uprising in early-19th-century France provides a compelling story line that continues to thrill audiences all over the world. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars An average review for the average listener.......2007-05-08

    Looking for a Les Mis album but don't want to get caught up in a debate over so and so being better on London or Broadway or some other show?

    I read the book, saw the play, bought this album. Those are my qualifications. As such..

    I loved this CD. The sound quality was great, every song was worthwhile, and there was no major problem that would prevent anyone from enjoying their listening experience (despite what you might read on some of these other hyperventilating reviews).

    In short: Like the book? Haven't seen the play? Or maybe you have. Either way - Get this CD. You won't regret it.

    5 out of 5 stars BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER.......2007-03-25

    I HAVE SEEN LES MIZ 6 TIMES, INCLUDING ONCE IN LONDON, AND AS RECENT AS LAST MONTH ON BROADWAY. NOTHING COMPARES TO THIS ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM. THE VOICES ARE RICH AND THE LYRICS CLEAR. THE INSTUMENTALS ARE DYNAMIC AND IT IS EASY TO FOLLOW THE WHOLE STORY LINE AND PICTURE EACH SCENE AS YOU LISTEN.

    5 out of 5 stars An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe.......2007-01-08

    I began with the abridged version, then listened to the rest on free listings. This musical gives you the story in not only detail but atmoshpere. The songs are heartbreaking, uplifting, terrifying, inspiring, everything the novel was and more. Having read Hugo's long masterpiece is not a pre-requisite to enjoying this fine piece of music, though it does give the listener a feeling of having shared an inside joke.

    5 out of 5 stars A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars..........2006-12-31

    Okay, so I'm not a "kid" persay, but seeing how I first saw Les Miz when I was 14, am 15 now, and so I figured it would do.
    This musical was probably the best thing that I have ever seen. This CD puts together all the wonders and beauty of the musical through the amazingly brilliant (and talented) cast. I have encountered many people who have started out with saying that Broadway is for the weak, but I can safely say that I have shown them the light by playing them this CD. I fall asleep to it, and wake up to it nearly everyday, I listen to it on my iPod while reading the book by Victor Hugo and watch the movies, and while my family think it's a little obsessive of me, I can't help but get it out of my head. Frances Ruffelle (Eponine)'s voice seems to spark something in all those who listen. The best tracks by far have to be:

    On My Own
    In My Life
    A Heart Full of Love
    Drink With Me
    Lovely Ladies
    I Dreamed A Dream
    At The End Of The Day
    Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

    And that's only the first songs I have on first of many iTunes playlists. Among the other CDs of Les Miz that appear, I must recemmend as well the Complete Symphonic Recording. Although it is more expensive, it has all the songs that appear in the musical. This CD has the main bulk, but does not have those little songs that bring each character into more detail. Also, if you feel daring, I recemmend the French Albums. It gives the story more of a feeling of home, since it is France (The Country that speaks French) that the tragically beautiful tale takes place. All in all, this was my first CD of it I got, and I have to say that the music and cast leave a lasting impression. Buy it, and see for yourself.

    5 out of 5 stars One of the greats.......2006-12-09

    Not normally being a Broadway music fan myself, I must admit i was skeptical when I first discovered this collection some years ago. The book has always been a favorite so I was intrigued at the musical. I was instantly captured by the mood and the bigger than life feel that comes through and, for me, there will never be an improvement on the original cast. In nearly 20 years, I am still not tired of listening to these songs and singing along to my family's dismay. It is truly one of the greats.
    Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • Ms. Saigon CD
    • Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    • Miss Saigon- even better than Les Miserables!
    • Original (?) cast recording
    • GREAT
    		 Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    Alain Boublil
    Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. The Making of "Miss Saigon"
    3. Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
    5. Chess

    ASIN: B000000ORS
    Release Date: 1990-02-02

    Tracks:

    1. Saigon-April 1975: Overture - Orchestra/Martin Koch
    2. Saigon-April 1975: The Heat Is On In Saigon - Jonathan Pryce/Pinky Amador/Ruthie Henshall/Suchitra Sen Sawrattan/Shukubi Yo/Antoinette Lo...
    3. Saigon-April 1975: The Movie In My Mind - Isay Alvarez/Lea Salonga/Pinky Amador/Ruthie Henshall/Suchitra Sen Sawrattan/Shukubi Yo/Antoinette L
    4. Saigon-April 1975: The Dance - Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga/Jonathan Pryce
    5. Saigon-April 1975: Why God Why? - Simon Bowman
    6. Saigon-April 1975: This Money Is Yours - Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga
    7. Saigon-April 1975: Sun And Moon - Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga
    8. Saigon-April 1975: The Telephone Song - Simon Bowman/Peter Polycarpou
    9. Saigon-April 1975: The Deal - Simon Bowman/Jonathan Pryce
    10. Saigon-April 1975: The Ceremony (Dju Vui Vai) - Lea Salonga/Simon Bowman/Pinky Amador/Ruthie Henshall/Suchitra Sen Sawrattan/Shukubi Yo...
    11. Saigon-April 1975: What's This I Find - Andy Lanai/Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga
    12. Saigon-April 1975: The Last Night Of The World - Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga
    13. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: The Morning Of The Dragon - Bobby Martino/Jay Ibot/Jon Jon Briones/Chooi Kheng Beh/Robert Sena/Lyon Roque
    14. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: I Still Believe - Lea Salonga/Claire Moore
    15. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: This Is The Hour - Jonathan Pryce/Lea Salonga/Andy Lanai/Bobby Martino/Jay Ibot/Jon Jon Briones/Chooi Kheng Beh...

    Tracks:

    1. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: If You Want To Die In Bed - Jonathan Pryce
    2. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: Let Me See His Western Nose - Jonathan Pryce
    3. Ho Chi Minh City-April 1978: I'd Give My Life For You - Lea Salonga
    4. Atlanta-September 1978: Bui-Doi - Peter Polycarpou
    5. Atlanta-September 1978: The Revelation - Peter Polycarpou/Simon Bowman/Claire Moore
    6. Bangkok-April 1978: What A Waste - Jonathan Pryce
    7. Bangkok-April 1978: Please - Peter Polycarpou/Lea Salonga
    8. Saigon-April 1975: The Fall Of Saigon - Peter Polycarpou/Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga
    9. Bangkok-October 1978: Room 317 - Lea Salonga/Claire Moore
    10. Bangkok-October 1978: Now That I've Seen Her - Claire moore
    11. Bangkok-October 1978: The Confrontation - Claire Moore/Simon Bowman/Peter Polycarpou
    12. Bangkok-October 1978: The American Dream - Jonathan Pryce
    13. Bangkok-October 1978: The Sacred Bird - Lea Salonga
    14. Bangkok-October 1978: Finale - Lea Salonga/Simon Bowman

    Amazon.com

    It's probably best known for raising the stakes for 1980s blockbuster shows by landing a helicopter on stage, but Miss Saigon is also a good show with good music. As a follow-up to their international smash Les Misérables, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg (with an assist from Richard Maltby Jr.) adapted the tale of Madame Butterfly to the Vietnam War, realized here by the original 1989 London cast. While it may seem overheated at times, the despair and passion fit the tragic story, and Schönberg's pop-flavored style receives its most appropriate setting. Leading the cast are Jonathan Pryce as the Engineer (a Eurasian character whose casting generated some controversy when the producers wanted to have Pryce, a Caucasian, reprise the role on Broadway), Lea Salonga (in her first major role) as the young Vietnamese bride, Simon Bowman as her lover, and Claire Moore as his American wife (and a young Ruthie Henshall as one of the sweaty bargirls). The songs include the bawdy opener "The Heat Is on in Saigon," "The Movie in My Mind," "Why God Why," the romantic duet "The Last Night of the World," the female duet "I Still Believe," the male chorus number "Bui-Doi," and the Engineer's mocking "The American Dream." The booklet includes photographs and full lyrics. It's also available in a 58-minute highlights version. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Ms. Saigon CD.......2007-05-12

    I made the right decision buying this CD. I've enjoyed listening to it and thank you so much for delivering it on time.

    5 out of 5 stars Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast).......2007-01-05

    Outstanding recording containing moving music and lyrics that tug at the heart. A must for any Broadway enthusiast.

    5 out of 5 stars Miss Saigon- even better than Les Miserables!.......2006-12-11

    My personal opinion is that Miss Saigon is even better than Les Miserables. Now, don't get me wrong, I think that Les Miserables is also a really great production with a nice story. But with this recording, you can literally feel the feeling coming out of your speakers.

    To start, the cast is absolutley fantastic. Of course Lea Salonga is outstanding here and plays what I think think is her best performance of her career in Kim. Simon Bowman is also great, His big song "Why, God, Why?" is one of the stand-outs of the show. I was also very suprised at how much I liked the supporting cast as well. Claire Moore does an absolutley fantastic job as Ellen. and "Now That I've Seen Her" is one of my favorite songs of the whole recording. I also loved Peter Polycarpou as John, and of course, Jonathan Pryce as the Engineer.

    I also found the story so interesting and dramatic, but a good dramatic. While Les Miserables was more a "story within a story" kind of musical, Miss Saigon's is easy to understand, deep, and makes you feel instantly connected to the characters, not knowing who's side to take in the story.

    Miss Saigon is one of my favorite muscial's (which is saying a lot, sice my other favorites is Rent and Wicked) and this is a definitley a recording that you'll want to have if your a fan of musical theatre. Trust me when I say that if you give Miss Saigon a chance, you will be truly be rewarded with this beautiful tale.

    4 out of 5 stars Original (?) cast recording.......2006-09-25

    Interesting that they call this the original cast recording when Her or Me was replaced with the retooled Now That I've Seen Her...

    5 out of 5 stars GREAT.......2006-07-17

    I love this CD. It has a long story. I live in Costa Rica, when I was in highschool an interchange student from USA lend me his Miss Saigon cassette. I love it. since then I look for it all over my country but it is just impossible to fin it. So many years later I bought th CD and I'm happy about it. A Great deal!!
    Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • The best one I've heard
    • Great musical! Best singers!
    • if you like les miz you can't go wrong
    • My 1st "Les Mis"
    • Best Les Miz Recording Out There
    		 Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall)
    Alan Armstrong , Michael Ball , Ruthie Henshall , Michael Maguire , Anthony Crivello , Jenny Galloway , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Colm Wilkinson , and Judy Kuhn
    Manufacturer: Relativity
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    ContemporaryContemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music
    Vocal PopVocal Pop | Live Albums | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    1990s1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Traditional & Vocal PopTraditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
    2. Les Miserables Original London Cast
    3. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    4. The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
    5. Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)

    ASIN: B0000020C4
    Release Date: 1996-07-23

    Tracks:

    1. Prologue
    2. On Parole/The Bishop
    3. Valjean's Soliloquy
    4. At The End Of The Day
    5. I Dreamed A Dream
    6. Lovely Ladies
    7. Fantine's Arrest
    8. The Runaway Cart
    9. Who Am I?-The Trial
    10. Fantine's Death
    11. The Confrontation
    12. Castle On A Cloud
    13. Master Of The House
    14. The Bargain-Waltz Of Treachery
    15. Look Down
    16. Stars
    17. ABC Cafe/Red And Black
    18. Do You Hear The People Sing?
    19. Rue Plummet-In My Life
    20. A Heart Full Of Love

    Tracks:

    1. The Attack On Rue Plummet
    2. One Day More!
    3. Building The Barricade/On My Own
    4. Back At The Baricade
    5. Javert's Arrival/Little People
    6. A Little Fall Of Rain
    7. Night Of Anguish
    8. First Attack
    9. Drink With Me
    10. Bring Him Home
    11. Second Attack/The Final Battle
    12. The Sewers
    13. Dog Eats Dog
    14. Javert's Suicide
    15. Turning
    16. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
    17. Every Day/A Heart Full Of Love (Reprise)
    18. The Wedding Chorale/Beggars At The Feast
    19. Epilogue (Finale)
    20. Encore 1-Speeches/Do You Hear The People Sing?
    21. Encore 2-One Day More

    Amazon.com

    To celebrate 10 years as the world's most popular musical, the cast of Les Misérables threw a phenomenal birthday party at London's Royal Albert Hall in 1995. A decade after Trevor Nunn directed its premiere at the Barbican Centre, and the subsequent move into what became a permanent home at the West End Palace Theatre, producer Cameron Macintosh felt the time had come for a little outing for "the miserables." Conductor David Charles Abell, having climbed out of the cluttered Palace pit, for one glorious night has the entire Royal Philharmonic Orchestra at his disposal and there are appearances from over 150 singers--birthday celebs from Les Mis stagings worldwide--who flocked to the grandiose venue. Hosts for the night are the 1995 London cast: Colm Wilkinson's Valjean has power and beauty in "Who Am I?" and "Bring Him Home," and Michael Ball is a charming Marius. Miss Saigon herself, Lea Salonga, gets the crowd-pleasing favorite "On My Own." The Albert Hall sounds filled to the brim with an appreciative audience that contributes to the festive atmosphere. The result is a real treat for fans and lovers of Boubil and Schönberg's greatest musical--this double CD is an obligatory item in every collection of Les Mis memorabilia. --Yngvil V.G.

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars The best one I've heard.......2007-04-10

    The first time I ever heard Les Miserables, it was on the Original Broadway cast CD. That CD had great vocals, but I didn't realize how much I was missing until I saw the show in NYC. What sets this recording apart from many others, including the OBC version, is the fact that, like the musical, it is through-sung. The complete symphonic recording is also this way, and has all of the music. Although this CD is lacking a few parts, most noticibly a shortend Lovely Ladies, missing a section with Javert, and Gavroche's death, when looked at in terms of the completeness and vocal abilities, this is the best.

    Regarding the cast, Colm Wilkinson is THE Valjean. I love his vocals and the expression he puts into the character. Armstrong, as Therniere, is great, as is Jenny Galloway (Mme Therniere). They are both great actors and convey the comedic nature of the parts well. Hannah Chick, as young Cosette is splendid, especially in the fact that she sings right through the accidental gun shot noise in the middle of her song. Gavroche is priceless. The best I've ever heard. Ruthie Henshall does an absolutely brilliant Fantine, incredibly moving. Michael Ball (Marius) also has the supberb vocal ability and expression so prevolent in this cast.

    Now, my two favorite characters, Javert and Eponine...Phillip Quast (Javert) is practically flawless. I personally don't like his interpretation of the prologue, but that's just me. Other than that, perfect. He more than makes up for that with his rendition of Stars, and his soliliquy in which he dies. You can visualize him going mad and jumping from the bridge just from his voice...amazing. Lea Salonga's vocal ability is unmatched. Her rendition of A Little Fall of Rain is tearjerking, and you can fell Eponine's pain and anguish throughout the entire CD. Anything with her in it is worth buying.

    Finally, this CD has a recording of One Day More sung by the Valjeans from all over the world...amazing to hear.

    To conclude, this is the best recording of Les Miserables you can buy.

    5 out of 5 stars Great musical! Best singers!.......2007-03-13

    This is my favorite collection because the performers are amazing. I don't like the exploding balloon during little Cosette's song, but the lead singers in this CD couldn't be any better.

    5 out of 5 stars if you like les miz you can't go wrong.......2007-03-09

    personally I am a sucker for a good musical...and music in general...This however is exceptional. I love it, it is one of my favorite versions of the musical, and I have been eyeing this cd for sometime now, i am so happy to finally have it in my collection. the quality is good, the music great, and the voices are fantastic!

    4 out of 5 stars My 1st "Les Mis".......2006-10-27

    It took some time for this musical to sink in for me but when I sat down to watch this broadcast the characters, plot, motivation(s) and all the nuances of minor characters fell into place -- it was exquisite. Granted some of the voices might not be up to par for more experienced ears and there are technical glitches here and there but this is my favorite. I still admire Hannah Chick for continuing with Castle on a Cloud in spite of the distraction -- that's an actor. I also find the extended applause at the end of some songs annoying but that doesn't negate the 99.99% pure magic previous.

    My main beef is that discography is NOT IN ORDER on the second disc, and that works my nerves. I hate having to go in and edit the list.

    What worries me NOW is that when it comes to the time to making a film of the musical it might suffer the same fate that Sweeny Todd seems to have looming in the wings. The Broadway musical (ST) was cast with actors, some happened to be stars. I hate it when something as fine as Sweeny Todd, or Les Miserables, would be filmed with stars (OK, JD is both but the director and leading lady have to go) and not actors.

    Filming of Les Miserables -- in my life time please. Would it be asking to much to have someone do a remake of 'The Wiz' with spending a zillion dollars on junk? Ok, ok, ok, I'm going to go listen to Philip Quast who is simply amazing and blows my socks off.

    5 out of 5 stars Best Les Miz Recording Out There.......2006-09-23

    Now don't you disregard this because it says I'm a kid. I am very experienced in theatre and know exactly what I am talking about.
    Colm Wilkinson(Jean Valjean): His enunciation is annoying and he tends to rasp and whispers. Great false but not my favorite Valjean.
    Phillip Quast(Javert): Brilliant performance. This Aussie is the perfect Javert, his voice is clear and strong, wrapped in emotion.
    Ruthie Henshall(Fantine): In my opinion, the best in the entire cast. Her throaty, crystal voice is absolutely exquisite. My favorite singer. That reviewer who said she has an awful voice seriously needs help! She is breathtaking!
    Michael Ball(Marius): What can I say? Wonderful as always. Fantastic actor and very powerful singer. I get chills hearing "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables".
    Judy Kuhn(Cosette): Nice voice, I do like her better as Pocahontas or Florence (Chess) though. Her accent is extremely blatant. All in all, Rebecca Caine should have been cast but Judy Kuhn is still very good.
    Lea Salonga(Eponine): Wow. That's all I can say. She took my breath away as Kim in Miss Saigon and now in Les Miz, she impresses me once again. A magical rendition of "On My Own" and moves me to tears everytime I listen to her death scene with Michael Ball, "A Little Fall of Rain".
    Alun Armstrong and Jenny Galloway(M. and Mme. Thenardier): Hysterical performances by both! Such talents! Jenny Galloway is returning for the Broadway revival in November, too.
    Michael Maguire(Enjolras): Annoying accent again. Can't they all just sound English? Still, wonderful voice and great delivery. Very satisfying.
    Over all, I highly recommend this recording. It is the best I have heard so far. The Original Broadway one was horrid and the London was okay. But this one is thrilling and moving. Les Miz at its best.
    Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER
    • Time well spent.
    • Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs
    • Buy the full version, please
    • Argh Matey!
    		 Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Colm Wilkinson
    Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
    2. The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast)
    3. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights)
    4. Selections From Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection

    ASIN: B000084TRM
    Release Date: 2003-01-28

    Tracks:

    1. Overture/Work Song
    2. I Dreamed a Dream
    3. Who Am I?
    4. Castle on a Cloud
    5. Master of the House
    6. Stars
    7. Do You Hear the People Sing?
    8. A Heart Full of Love
    9. One Day More
    10. On My Own
    11. A Little Fall of Rain
    12. Drink with Me
    13. Bring Him Home
    14. Javert's Suicide
    15. Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
    16. Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
    17. Finale

    Amazon.com

    While not overly generous at 55 minutes, the highlights album of the 1987 original Broadway cast recording of Les Miserables is intelligently selected and likely to prove satisfying to most fans. It includes the best-loved numbers of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score, beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?") alike, but eliminates some choral numbers ("Lovely Ladies"), redundancies ("Red and Black"), and connective tissue that propels the plot along ("Valjean Arrested," "Come to Me (Fantine's Death)"). Sure, a more perfect selection could have lasted longer than half of the two-disc set's 104 minutes by adding "At the End of the Day" and "In My Life," among others, but it's still a good representation on a convenient single disc. Of course, those who always want to re-create the theatrical experience will never be satisfied with a highlights album.

    Re-creating their roles from the London production, Colm Wilkinson plays the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine. Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers) fill out the cast. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars BEST OPERA MUSIC EVER.......2006-11-03

    This is the BEST!! I would highly recommend this to anyone who likes this kind of music!

    5 out of 5 stars Time well spent........2005-09-14

    Each member of the Les Miserables cast stands to deliver this musical to its audience. Within moments we are transported to France during their Restoration. We experience sadness, laughter and, indeed, want to join in their crusade. The music and deliverance, in my opinion, is excellent.

    4 out of 5 stars Great Score, But Highlights Missing Critical Songs.......2005-08-05

    Composers Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score for "Les Miserables" is simply brilliant and the spectacular Broadway cast, led by Colm Wilkinson, Randy Graff, Terrence Mann, and Frances Ruffelle, help bring this incredible music to life!

    While I normally enjoy "highlight" cds, this one clocks in at a mere 55 minutes and could have easily included a couple of additional tunes (thus losing one star). Most notably missing: "At The End Of The Day", "Come To Me", "Red And Black", and "In My Life". The show's most memorable songs, however, are included.

    Best tracks:

    I Dreamed A Dream
    Master Of The House
    Stars
    Do You Hear The People Sing
    On My Own
    A Little Fall Of Rain
    Bring Him Home
    Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

    Great cast, great score ... even a good buy. But I would suggest the full double-disc score instead.

    2 out of 5 stars Buy the full version, please.......2005-01-20

    Highlights are never worth it. You will never get the little in-between songs which make a show complete, montages will be cut together badly instead of being full songs as they should be...so much is left out. This is a fantastic show and deserves to be heard in full.

    5 out of 5 stars Argh Matey!.......2004-11-22

    "Highlights" albums are not the full show, blah blah blah... THIS TAKES UP ONLY ONE SPACE IN YOUR CD RACK INSTEAD OF TWO LIKE THE FULL RECORDING. I rest my case.
    Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • This is the original for me
    • One Of The Best !
    • Worst of 4 versions
    • Some problems... but overall, a good album
    • Outstanding
    		 Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)
    Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Patti LuPone , Rebecca Caine , Colm Wilkinson , and Frances Ruffelle
    Manufacturer: Relativity
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    ContemporaryContemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Traditional & Vocal PopTraditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
    3. Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
    4. Les Miserables - The Musical That Swept the World (10th Anniversary Concert at the Royal Albert Hall)
    5. Cats (1981 Original London Cast)

    ASIN: B000006ONF
    Release Date: 1998-05-19

    Tracks:

    1. Prologue: Work Song
    2. Prologue: Valijean Arrested/Valijean Forgiven
    3. Prologue: What Have I Done?
    4. At The End Of The Day
    5. I Dreamed A Dream
    6. Lovely Ladies
    7. Who Am I?
    8. Fantine's Death: Come To Me
    9. Fantine's Death: Confrontation
    10. Castle On A Cloud
    11. Master Of The House
    12. Thenardier Waltz
    13. Stars
    14. Look Down
    15. Little People
    16. Red & Black
    17. Do You Hear The People Sing?

    Tracks:

    1. Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
    2. Plumet Attack
    3. One Day More!
    4. On My Own
    5. The Attack
    6. A Little Fall Of Rain
    7. Drink With Me
    8. Bring Him Home
    9. Dog Eat Dog
    10. Soliloquy
    11. Turning
    12. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
    13. Beggar At The Feast
    14. Finale

    Amazon.com

    This recording captures the 1985 London cast that transformed an obscure French musical based on Victor Hugo's gargantuan novel of pre-Revolutionary France into a worldwide phenomenon throughout the late-'80s and '90s and became one of the best examples of the era's trend of blockbuster musical spectacles. Yes, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg's score tends to recycle its themes, but the beautiful melodies and stirring anthems rarely fail to captivate and touch its audience. Colm Wilkinson is the heroic Valjean, Patti LuPone is the tragic Fantine, Michael Ball is the love-struck Marius, and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine, with Roger Allam (Javert), Alun Armstrong and Sue Jane Tanner (the Thénardiers), Rebecca Caine (older Cosette), and David Burt (Enjolras) filling out the excellent cast. Fans will want to take note that this recording includes some material that was revised when the show crossed the pond to Broadway--"Little People" was lost altogether, while the "Love Montage" was significantly rewritten. Les Misérables sounds especially vivid in its 1998 remastering, and a synopsis and full lyrics are included. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars This is the original for me.......2006-10-07

    Having seen Les Mis in London twice as a kid, the OLC version is simply the only worthwile version for me. While you could argue that some of the later versions are technically better, they just sound wrong and off-tempo to me.

    5 out of 5 stars One Of The Best !.......2006-07-31

    Simply put, Les Miserables is one of the greatest musicals ever written for the stage. Both the London and Broadway versions of this classic best each other in terms of superiority, but you can't really go wrong with either.

    The marvelous London cast includes Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, Roger Allam as Javert, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Michael Ball as Marius, and Frances Ruffelle as Eponine.

    Best Songs include:

    At The End Of The Day
    I Dreamed A Dream
    Come To Me
    Master Of The House
    Stars
    On My Own
    A Little Fall Of Rain
    Bring Him Home
    Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

    If I had to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Broadway version ... though it's hard to pass up anything Ms. LuPone does.

    3 out of 5 stars Worst of 4 versions.......2006-07-18

    Les Miserables is definitely one of the better musicals out there. Among the four (Original London, Original Broadway, Complete Recording, and 10th Anniversary) most popular versions, however, this is the least appealing. The tempo is slow, providing for some boring listening, plus the casting of some actors is questionable. Among the most annoying cast members is Frances Ruffelle, who should not be in musical theater at all. She has a bad voice, she can't enunciate well (major speech problems there), and worse, she has bad singing technique (cannot sustain long lines and high notes -- incorrect breathing). She doesn't even deserve to be compared to Lea Salonga (who is a million times superior over her Ruffelle). I'd second the thought that if Salonga were old enough to audition for this role in the early 80s, Ruffelle would not even been remotely considered. And no, Ruffelle was NOT invited to join the Dream Cast, even though the concert was going to be held in London; Cameron's asistant, in fact, had to persuade Lea Salonga to give up recording the Miss Saigon Complete Recording just to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime 10th Anniversary event.

    As some reviewers have mentioned, this album is a good buy if one wants to trace the evolution of this mega-musical. If you want the best buck for your money, however, get the 10th Anniversary version (it's live -- it has the dream cast, plus excitement in the air just fills the entire recording). An excellent second choice would be the Complete Symphonic Recording.

    4 out of 5 stars Some problems... but overall, a good album.......2006-07-16

    The London Cast has issues, it's been criticised as "too slow", and it is the next step up from the French concept album, so the show was still being sorted out. Some of the performers are unremarkable, but the majority are amazing. It is a nice album, but the best overall cast is the Tenth Anniversary Cast. I'd recommend this as a CD to see how the show evolved. I'd also take it over the Broadway and International cast recordings.

    However, one thing I noticed when I was reading through the reviews was that if Lea Salonga had been old enough to audition, she would have won the role of Eponine. Uh... NO. Frances Ruffelle was the first choice for the Dream Cast and couldn't make it so Lea was the second choice. Frances is simply amazing and the bucketload of awards Lea won for 'Miss Saigon'? That was Frances back in 1989 for Les Mis.

    4 out of 5 stars Outstanding.......2005-09-22

    Frances Ruffelle, who is a popular British pop star, is the best Eponine, she conveys the emotions perfectly and has a beautiful voice that fits the character (Lea Salonga is good, but her voice isn't Eponine material its Cosette material). Rebecca Caine is an amazing Cosette, though I cant decide if I like her better than Judy Kuhn, both are good-deciding between these two for the TAC must have come down to a coin-toss. Patti LuPone is a good Fantine, she has doesnt just wail about like Randy Graff and her soft voice in the beginning of "Dream" allows more room for her to work with unlike Ruthie Henshall who starts loud and can only move to louder. Wilkinson is a good Valjean as always. Thenardiers-They are just fine though I prefer the Thenardiers from the Symphonic cast. Michael Ball does a good job as Marius, as usual. Javert and Enjolras are both great, just not as great as other actors to take on these roles, i.e. Terrence Mann/Quast and Anthony Warlowe (not Maguuire, who strains his voice to hit the high notes). This is my favorite "Les Mis" recording, although I wish there hadnt been so much material cut out of it.
    Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights)
    Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
    • flashbacks
    • Excellent!
    • Lea Salonga- the one and only true Kim
    • addictive!
    • Great Great Job
    		 Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast - Highlights)
    Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Alain Boublil
    Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    The Decca Records StoreThe Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    2. Lea Salonga
    3. Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
    4. The Making of "Miss Saigon"
    5. The Best Of Rent: Highlights From The Original Cast Album (1996 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000000OTN
    Release Date: 1993-12-07

    Tracks:

    1. Overture - Orch
    2. The Heat Is On In Saigon - Jonathon Pryce/Bar Girls/Marines
    3. Why God Why? - Simon Bowman
    4. Sun And Moon - Lea Salonga/Simon Bowman
    5. The Last Night Of The World - Lea Salonga/Simon Bowman
    6. The Morning Of The Dragon - Vietnamese Soldiers
    7. I Still Believe - Lea Salonga/Claire Moore
    8. This Is The Hour - Jonathon Pryce/Lea Salonga/Keith Burns...
    9. If You Want To Die In Bed - Jonathon Pryce
    10. I'd Give My Life For You - Lea Salonga/Refugees
    11. Bui Doi - Peter Polycarpou/Chorus
    12. The Fall Of Saigon - Peter Polycarpou/Simon Bowman/Lea Salonga/Chorus
    13. Her Or Me - Claire moore
    14. The American Dream - Jonathon Pryce

    Amazon.com

    The highlights version of the two-disc set of Miss Saigon's 1989 London cast gives you 58 minutes (out of the original 107) and most of the best moments of the score. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's setting of Madame Butterfly in the Vietnam War includes beautiful and passionate music, most notably the bawdy opener "The Heat Is on in Saigon," "Why God Why," the romantic duet "The Last Night of the World," the female duet "I Still Believe," the male chorus number "Bui-Doi," and the Engineer's mocking "The American Dream." Time constraints, though, forced the elimination of "The Movie in My Mind," the wedding ceremony ("Dju Vui Vai"), and the revealing "Now That I've Seen Her," as well as much of the music that carries the plot forward. Casual listeners, therefore, might be satisfied with these highlights, while those who want to relive the show will need the complete recording. The booklet includes production photos and full lyrics. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    4 out of 5 stars flashbacks.......2004-03-05

    I had found this CD about a year after had seen the play in London.(about 7 years ago) And it certenly brought up spme good and emotional memories. And stilld does (esp. last night of the world. Classic.) I recommend it to all romantic people, and gave it only 4 stars for some of the songs are totally needless...

    5 out of 5 stars Excellent!.......2004-01-22

    Impressive through and through. If you can afford it, buy the whole album (the Original London Cast Recording) to get more of the brilliant Lea Salonga and the rest of the superb cast!

    5 out of 5 stars Lea Salonga- the one and only true Kim.......2002-06-14

    Lea Salonga is the the single most amazing Kim Miss Saigon will ever have. Even though she is Filipino, she captures the sporit of the tormented Vietnamese woman. Miss Saigon is an underated play. In my opinion, much better than Les Misrables. The story line is similar to Puccini's Tosca or Madame Butterfly where the heroine kills her self. This is such a wonderful musical that deserve more. Miss Saigon is the best musical ever.

    5 out of 5 stars addictive!.......2002-02-20

    This is the kind of music that you love or hate! I LOVE IT!
    Those who do not will never have the provieledge to apprciate it because I too as a teen never thought I would care for this kinda music until Mom took our family to see Phantom Of The Opera! This and Les Miserables were more type of plays. Please give this a chance!

    5 out of 5 stars Great Great Job.......2000-06-26

    Lea Salonga is awesome, she is very humble with her talent and most amazingly she is a good representative for Asian Singer, she is the best and her voice is very..... BEAUTIFUL
    Miss Saigon (1995 Studio Cast)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Superb Saigon
    • 1989 London Cast is much better that this CD
    • A must for any Miss Saigon fan!!
    • Superb
    • Fantastic
    		 Miss Saigon (1995 Studio Cast)
    Alain Boublil
    Manufacturer: Angel Records
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music
    Musical TheaterMusical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Broadway & VocalistsBroadway & Vocalists | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    SoundtracksSoundtracks | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    All Blowout MusicAll Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    More Titles at Least 25% OffMore Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. The Making of "Miss Saigon"
    2. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)
    3. Les Miserables - The Dream Cast in Concert
    4. Jekyll & Hyde - The Musical (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. Spring Awakening (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

    ASIN: B000002SM0
    Release Date: 1995-11-14

    Tracks:

    1. Overture: Back Stage Dreamland - The Orch/Kevin Gray/Sonya Swaby/Emy Baysic/Sylvia Dohi/Rona Figueroa/Lydia Gaston/Margaret Gates...
    2. The Heat Is On In Saigon - Kevin Gray/Emy Baysic/Sylvia Dohi/Rona Figueroa/Lydia Gaston/Margaret Gates/Zoie Lam...
    3. The Movie In My Mind - Sonya Swaby/Joanna Ampil/Emy Baysic/Sylvia Dohi/Rona Rigueroa/Lydia Gaston/Margaret Gates...
    4. The Transaction - Hinton Battle/Kevin Gray/Peter Cousens/Joanna Ampil/Company
    5. The Dance - Peter Cousens/Joanna Ampil/Kevin Gray
    6. Why God Why? - Peter Cousens
    7. This Money's Yours - Peter Cousens/Joanna Ampil
    8. Sun And Moon - Joanna Ampil/Peter Cousens
    9. The Telephone Song - Peter Cousens/Hinton Battle
    10. The Deal - Peter Cousens/Kevin Gray
    11. The Wedding Ceremony (Dju Vui Vai) - Peter Cousens/Joanna Ampil/Emy Baysic/Sylvia Dohi/Rona Figueroa/Lydia Gaston/Margaret Gates...
    12. Thuy's Arrival - Charles Azulay/Peter Cousens/Joanna Ampil
    13. The Last Night Of The World - Joanna Ampil/Peter Cousens
    14. The Morning Of The Dragon - Tito Abeleda/Alan Ariano/Norman Kauahi/Ray Santos/Francis J. Cruz/Juan P. Pineda...
    15. I Still Believe - Joanna Ampil/Ruthie Henshall
    16. Back In Town - Kevin Gray/Joanna Ampil/Charles Azulay/Tito Abeleda/Alan Ariano/Norman Kauahi/Ray Santos...
    17. Thuy's Death/ You Will Not Touch Him - Charles Azulay/Joanna Ampil/Company
    18. If You Want To Die In Bed - Kevin Gray
    19. Kim & Engineer - Kevin Gray/Joanna Ampil
    20. I'd Give My Life For You - Joanna Ampil/Company

    Tracks:

    1. Entr'Acte - Orch
    2. Bui Doi - Hinton Battle/Chor
    3. The Revelation - Hinton Battle/Peter Cousens/Ruthie Henshall
    4. What A Waste - Kevin Gray/Company
    5. Please - Hinton Battle/Joanna Ampil
    6. Chris Is Here - Junix Inocian/Hinton Battle/Kevin Gray/Joanna Ampil
    7. Kim's Nightmare - Thuy's Ghost/Joanna Ampil/Peter Cousens/Hinton Battle/Company
    8. Room 317 - Joanna Ampil/Ruthie Henshall
    9. Now That I've Seen Her - Ruthie Henshall
    10. The Confrontation - Ruthie Henshall/Peter Cousens/Hinton Battle
    11. The American Dream - Kevin Gray/Company
    12. Finale - Joanny Ampil/Peter Cousens

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Superb Saigon.......2007-01-26

    Wonderful to be able to catch the entire essence of Saigon. The highlights are good but, to be able to catch EVERY aspect of the show.....is amazing. Completely suggest for any diehard fan!

    2 out of 5 stars 1989 London Cast is much better that this CD.......2006-12-15

    Lea Solonga will always be Miss Saigon. Not putting her on this CD is a crime.

    4 out of 5 stars A must for any Miss Saigon fan!!.......2006-08-20

    Miss Saigon is my favorite all-time musical! I was hesitant when buying this recording because in my mind Lea Salonga is and always will be Kim! But I was pleasantly surprised. Joanna Ampil as Kim holds her own. While she doesn't have the vocal range of Lea, she has a beautiful, crisp voice which she uses to emote the emotional turmoil of Kim. She expresses herself in a way that makes you feel her love, pain and anguish and in turn she makes this part her own. The rest of the cast is superb (especially the amazing Ruthie Henshall as Ellen) but make no mistake, this show belongs to Ampil!

    I also fell in love with some of the material left out of the LCR. There a beautiful bridges and songs which enrich the story. "Back in Town" stands out for me because of the gorgeous melodies. Anyone who has fallen in love with the story of "Miss Saigon" will appreciate these added gems! This cast recording is definitely worth a listen!!

    5 out of 5 stars Superb.......2006-06-30

    This 1995 studio recording is fabulous. While I don't necessarily prefer it entirely over the original cast recording, there are elements to this recording that are over and above the original.

    Joanna Ampil, while delightful as Kim, lacks Lea Salonga's essence. There are moments I find her, how shall I say it - too much? - even when the score calls for drama. Perhaps it is the over enunciation of certain words, or perhaps it is my yearning for Salonga's angelic, crystal clear rendition. I might have preferred Toronto's Ma-Anne Dionisio on this recording as well. Kevin Gray, as The Engineer, is nothing short of thrilling. He was fabulous on stage and just as magical on this CD - lending a greasy, snake-like feel to the role. Hinton Battle and Peter Cousens disappoint slightly (what is it with Peter Cousens' heartless, cold reading-esque "You shouldn't be here"?); Sonia Swaby a perfect Gigi; but Ruthie Henshall - beyond words! What I would have given to see her and Lea Salonga in New York. And perhaps the most wonderful performance on this CD is that of Charles Azulay's - his Thuy is deeper and much more complex than the original Thuy.

    The extra music and lyrics suddenly provide the bridge between gaps found in the OLC. For example, in the original recording, on disc one, it goes straight from Kim and Ellen's beautiful ballad, "I Still Believe," straight into the Engineer's shrieking, "Are you waiting for them to kill me? Did you not get what he said? There's a big screw loose inside you - I will rip it out of your head!" Even having seen the show, I'd forgotten what the moments in between were - what was the Engineering going on about? On this complete recording is a vital part of the show - a powerful explanation of Kim and Thuy's past, and an essential look into the very things Thuy himself hopes for, as well as the man he has has become. Also, whereas the OLC finishes disc one at This Is The Hour, the studio recording goes straight into I'd Give My Life For You, providing us with the Entr'acte on the second disc.

    The finale is an improvement as well. While seemingly shorter, it is undoubtedly more forceful and significant. The heart is the same; but there's less of Kim "praying" to her parents and more of her concentrating on her very last moments with Tam, the very one who has "sustained her for miles."

    The music of Miss Saigon is captivating, capturing the very essence of Kim and Chris' doomed love, as well as the shattered fantasies of the other characters. It is all at once heartbreaking, hopeful, and soaring. A lovely addition to any music theater lover's collection.

    5 out of 5 stars Fantastic.......2006-05-21

    After listening to the OLC all my life, I was desperate to see the show, but it had closed in London. But then something amazing happened - Cameron Mackintosh announced a new touring production. Off I went, and it was not disappointing. I immediately invested in the CSR, eager to know the parts omitted from the OLC, and again, it was certainly not disappointing.

    First of all, like the Les Miserables CSR, there is much more 'voice acting', (in lack of a better term), such as shouts in 'The Heat is On' and more screams in 'The Fall of Saigon'. When I listened to it, it felt like I was there, in the action. I could see the show play out in front of me.

    The cast is also fantastic, and I enjoy Joanna Ampil's performance as Kim just as much as Lea Salonga's, as well as strongly favouring Peter Cousens as opposed to Simon Bowman, whose vibrato is just too much to bear someatimes. And Kevin Gray, well, fantastic! He really brought out the sinister character of the Engineer, stealing the show in my opinion. Sonia Swaby is a nice alternative as Gigi, (with somewhat of a 'cleaner' voice than the OLC), and Thuy is excellent also, providing an intense performance. The only weak link in my opinion is Hinton Battle as John, who, though he plays the American G.I. aspect of the character well, his ad libs in Bui Doi are simply awful, (a shame as it is one of my favourites).

    As for the orhcestrations...well, the orchestrations don't seem to be too different from the original, but obviousley feel fuller.

    My two favourite tracks are Back in Town/You will not touch him, as it's great to see it in its full form, (this bit also got me the most emotionally in the theatre, not Bui Doi or the ending, this bit), and The American Dream, with the dance section intact! I do however favour the original orchestrations for the dance section, (heard on 'The Heat is on' VHS), to the slinky saxaphone on this CD). I also love 'The Fall of Saigon'.

    One thing mentioned alot when regarding Miss Saigon is the lyrics. Many complain about their simplicity, but apart from some occasional comically horiffic rhymes, ('first stop Bangkok, then I roam, cross that ocean white with foam'), I don't think the lyrcis are terrible at all.

    What makes Saigon most special for me, (along with Phantom, Les Mis and Cats), is that I was in love with the music long before I ever saw the show, so it wasn't the helicopter, the cadillac, or the Ho Chi Minh statue that wowed me. It was the music, and this CD is a perfect testament to the fact that British (well, French/British in thisnd for making grown men across the world cry like babies, ;-). case), musicals don't depend on scenery after all. Bravo Boubil & Schonberg for a fantastic show, a
    Les Miserables (Highlights from the Complete Symphonic International Cast Recording)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • A triumph!
    • The Best Cast
    • What's the point of this?
    • What Got Me Hooked On Les Miz
    • Great Highlights Album!
    		 Les Miserables (Highlights from the Complete Symphonic International Cast Recording)
    Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Gary Morris , and Michael Ball
    Manufacturer: Relativity
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Jazz | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Styles | Music
    ContemporaryContemporary | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
    Movie ScoresMovie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Movie SoundtracksMovie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Traditional Vocal PopTraditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Traditional & Vocal PopTraditional & Vocal Pop | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast)
    2. All-Time Greatest Hits
    3. Hits
    4. Les Miserables (Highlights from the 1987 Original Broadway Cast)
    5. "Gary Morris - Greatest Hits, Vol. 2"

    ASIN: B000003BW7
    Release Date: 1991-10-22

    Tracks:

    1. At The End Of The Day
    2. I Dreamed A Dream
    3. Who Am I?/The Trial
    4. Fantine's Death
    5. The Confrontation
    6. Master Of The House
    7. Stars
    8. The ABC Cafe/Red And Black
    9. Do You Hear The People Sing?
    10. A Heart Full Of Love
    11. One Day More!
    12. On My Own
    13. Drink With Me
    14. Bring Him Home
    15. Javert's Suicide
    16. Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
    17. Finale

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars A triumph!.......2006-04-04

    There are no two ways about it: this album is phenomenal. I've listened to the others, but the singers on this recording are so emotional and involved, not to mention talented.

    First of all, Gary Morris as Jean Valjean. He's amazing. He has a smooth voice, hits the high notes, and I just fell in love with him. Philip Quast as Javert takes my breath away. "The Confrontation" is probably my favorite song on the album; Morris and Quast are perfect together. Debbie Byrne is wonderful as Fantine, Kaho Shimada is great as Eponine; sure she has a little bit of an accent, but she has a great voice. Anthony Warlow, as Enjolras, stole the show in my opinion. His voice is unbelievable. Tracy Shayne, as Cosette, is good, but her voice is a little too sugary for me. Michael Ball is said to be the best Marius of them all, and he's good, but sometimes he's a little whiney. Great voice, though.

    One thing that shocks me about a lot of the other reviews here is that Barry James and Gay Soper, as M. and Mme Thenardier, are said to be bad. In my opinion, everyone else falls far short. James and Soper actually do the accents, instead of sounding like upper-crust British actors. They're amazing.

    Obviously "One Day More" is the greatest song on the album. It's amazing. I recommend this to anyone. If you're new to Les Miserables, this is the place to start. If you're a Les Mis veteran, you HAVE to hear this one.

    5 out of 5 stars The Best Cast.......2006-01-18

    Don't listen to the Les Mis snobs that have posted before me. This cast is excellent. The personalities of the actors are distiguished much better on this version than any other and the actors seemed to sing more from the heart than on the original Broadway cast version. You get an image of these characters from just their voices without ever having to see them. This was my introduction to Les Mis so I have to admit I am probably biased. However, no other version has been able to replace this one. The main reasons are, Jean Val Jean sounds tortured, Javert sounds like he will hunt Val Jean to the ends of the earth, Marius and Cosette sound like they are in love, and the students have much more distinguished voices on this version. No matter what people say about the girl who play Eponine on this version she doesn't wimp out on the high notes like the girl on the original Broadway cast did and she has no Japanese accent. Her Japanese accent is about as noticable when she sings as a New York accent or a Boston accent when someone sings. Another thing the Les Mis snobs complain about is that this album doesn't contain the entire story of Les Mis. This isn't an audiobook, it's a highlights album. Get the story from the actual play or the book or the movies. Overall this is a great album that will last forever.

    2 out of 5 stars What's the point of this?.......2005-06-30

    "Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.

    However, serious Les Mis fans also want the Complete Symphonic Recording because it does have the complete score. The Original London (OLC) and Original Broadway (OBC) Cast albums only have selected songs. I have all 4 major full-length English-language versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses. But the main advantages of the CSR are its completeness and Andy Warlow (a truly stirring Enjorlas). Also, on the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions). Beyond these fine performers, the CSR has a rather weak cast in general. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. "Who am I?" isn't so bad, but "Bring Him Home" makes me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button. One of the few advantages of this trimmed down version is that we are spared Morris singing "What have I done?" He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Finale". Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is also OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is really irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or even Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

    The bottom line is that cutting it down to one CD eliminates the major advantage of the CSR. If you just want nice performances of the major songs cheap, get the OLC version or the OBC Highlights

    5 out of 5 stars What Got Me Hooked On Les Miz.......2005-04-05

    This C.D. is what started it for me with my Les Miserable passion and it will for you too if you choose to buy this Les Miserable C.D!

    I love this musical with all my heart and I know most of the words to every song. Les Miserables isn't a common musical it really has whole differant life- the lyrics are all what we can relate to and the themes of love, loss, and trying to better ourselves are all things we have expierenced as human beings. This musical does more than live up to Hugo's book on many ways it outshines in the lyrical sense. If given the chance I would see it everyday and I hope that someday Les Mis will visit my city so I do get the chance too.

    Gary Morris isn't as good as Colm Wilkinson- but, Gary's great anyway and the rest of the cast is star pick of the litter- including one of my favorite singers of all-time Michael Ball- who is just as attractive as Ellijah Wood with a singing voice that matches Josh Groban.

    All in all with a wonderfully written composed music and good direction it's understandable why this musical has been translated into ten differant languages and has swept the world literally-even in countries that don't usually support or like musical theater.

    I only have one suggestion if you haven't read or seen a movie about Les Miserables you should probably buy the complete version it will be easier to understand than this Les Miz greatest hits C.D. All in all no matter what kind of music fan you are you have to have some kind of copy of Les Miz in your collection!

    5 out of 5 stars Great Highlights Album!.......2003-03-12

    I think the cast on this album is great. I loved Gary Morris as Valjean. Colm Wilkinson's singing, from what I've heard, is not as smooth as Gary Morris's, and I feel like his high notes are far more forced. The choppy quality of Wilkinson's singing also really gets to me.

    I had no problems with the Fantine on this album, and although everyone seems to be complaining about Kaho Shimada's Japanese accent, I couldn't hear it. She sounded really clear and a little too girlish for my taste, but hey. Eponine's a young character. As others have commented, Javert and Marius were great. I also really enjoyed the singing of Anthony Warlow as Enjolras.

    Additionally, I thought the selection of songs was really great. I'm not sure why people seem to want the album to project the full story of Les Mis. People who haven't seen the musical or read the book ought not to expect the full story out of a Highlights album. That kind of expectation is really too much to ask out of a short album which has been cut down from 4 hours long.

    I'd recommend this to people who liked some of the Les Mis songs but don't want to buy 4 hours' worth of music to get a couple of songs. I think this is also a great choice for people who have read the book or who otherwise know the story, and would like to get a taste of how the musical treats the story of The Miserable.
    Martin Guerre (1999 UK Tour Cast)
    Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
    • Listen until it grows on you!
    • Why oh why did they change it?
    • Les Mis lovers, this is even better!
    • What on earth is this?
    • Martin Guerre soundtrack and musical was brilliant
    		 Martin Guerre (1999 UK Tour Cast)
    Claude-Michel Schonberg , and Alain Boublil
    Manufacturer: Dreamworks
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    Contemporary MusicalsContemporary Musicals | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
    Similar Items:
    1. Martin Guerre - New Edition Vocal Selections
    2. Marie Christine (1999 Broadway Cast)
    3. Titanic (1997 Original Broadway Cast)
    4. The Scarlet Pimpernel: The New Musical Adventure - Original Broadway Cast Recording
    5. Miss Saigon (Original 1989 London Cast)

    ASIN: B00000K3WS
    Release Date: 1999-09-14

    Tracks:

    1. Live With Somebody You Love
    2. Your Wedding Day
    3. The Deluge
    4. I'm Martin Guerre
    5. Without You As A Friend
    6. Death Scene
    7. God's Anger
    8. How Many Tears
    9. Welcome To The Land
    10. Don't
    11. The Holy Fight
    12. The Revelation
    13. The Day Has Come
    14. The Courtroom
    15. Who?
    16. All That I Love
    17. The Imposter Is Here
    18. The Final Witness
    19. The Verdict
    20. Justice Will Be Done
    21. Why?
    22. The Killing
    23. Martin Guerre, Act Two: Why? - Stephen Weller/Matthew Cammelle/Joanna Riding
    24. Martin Guerre, Act Two: The Burning - David Shrubsole/Douglas Whyte/Seann Alderking/John Blackshaw/Mark Broadhead/Matthew Cooke...
    25. Martin Guerre, Act Two: The Killing - Stephen Weller/Matthew Cammelle/Maurice Clarke
    26. Martin Guerre, Act Two: Live With Somebody You Love (Reprise) - Stephen Weller/Joanna Riding

    Amazon.com

    It was supposed to be the last in Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's trilogy of worldwide hits following Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, but Martin Guerre had a bumpy road between its West End debut in 1996 and its aborted attempt to open on Broadway in spring 2000. This 1998 recording of the U.K. touring cast is vastly different from the original 1996 album (now out of print), with a simplified plot, almost entirely new lyrics, and new singers (including Stephen Weller, Matthew Cammelle, and Joanna Riding, who played Julie in the 1993 London revival of Carousel).

    Best known from a 1982 French film (as well as an Americanized remake, Sommersby), the story is based on a documented court case from 16th-century France in which a man claiming to be Martin Guerre apparently returned to the village and wife he had left years earlier, but no one was sure if he was the same man they remembered. This musical version bypasses the mysterious elements of that plot in favor of a passionate story of love, friendship, and religious persecution, reinforced by three powerful new songs--"Live with Somebody You Love," "Without You as a Friend," and "How Many Tears." Veteran Les Mis patrons will enjoy the familiar soaring melodies and rousing choruses, but the show's passions often become overheated, and because it's sometimes difficult to totally sympathize with these variously flawed characters, ultimately Martin Guerre is not as emotionally involving as Boublil and Schönberg's earlier works. Still, this recording is notably superior to the original version, and with the show's immediate future in limbo, this might be the last word on Martin Guerre for a while. Accordingly, those interested in the current state of musical theater--and of course Boublil and Schönberg fans--will want this album. --David Horiuchi

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Listen until it grows on you!.......2007-05-29

    While I am a major fan of Schonberg & Boublil's musical work and have listened to their soundtracks hundreds of times, I have never actually SEEN any of their shows. I enjoy them - am obsessed with them, even - for the music and the story told through the score. Perhaps that gives me a different perspective, because while Les Mis seems to be everybody else's favorite, it is only my third, after Miss Saigon and Martin Guerre.

    To me, this version of Martin Guerre is not only extremely melodious, but also dramatic and passionate. As in their other soundtracks, Schonberg & Boublil's characteristic duets make the melodies even more stirring and the emotions more heart-wrenching. How a previous reviewer could have said that "there is just no passion in the music" is way beyond me. I find "The Day has Come" and "Why" to be probably the two most passionate songs I have ever heard.

    It's obvious that some people do not enjoy this version of Martin Guerre, but if you have not yet heard it, I highly recommend that you try it out. It may take several listenings before it grows on you, but once it does you may find that you can't stop playing it!

    2 out of 5 stars Why oh why did they change it?.......2006-05-06

    For some reason (don't ask) I saw all three versions of this show - the very first original, the minor reworking and the British tour version, which is the one this soundtrack is from. The first two versions were amazing with soaring harmonies, dramatic orchestral pieces and lovely lyrics. But unfortunately for the tour version they cut its balls off. They took out almost all of the best numbers - the prologue that gets into your brain for years after, 'Here Comes The Morning' and 'When Will Someone Hear,' both with beautiful melodies and sentiments that add and explain the emotion of the whole show, 'Working On The Land' that set the scene, and they even took away 'Bethlehem,' which is, I think, my favourite hymn (and I'm not even Christian!)

    So, basically, when they did the tour version, they made the lyrics twee, the storyline so truncated that it became completely shallow, and took out all of the best bits (even Sleeping On Our Own, the traditional Boubil and Shonberg comedy routine!). Not such a problem for the soundtrack, but they also castrated the brilliant chase/fire/fight scene near the end, which was so dynamic with the original set, and became some plywood slowly and boringly burning down in the background in the tour version.
    All in all, I'm going to continue listening to my original cast recording - and I'd advise anyone who can get hold of it to do the same.

    5 out of 5 stars Les Mis lovers, this is even better!.......2006-03-28

    I love this CD and loved the musical. I have been a Les Miserables fan for years and was delighted to find this sweet story. The songs are beautiful--yes, similar music with many different lyrics, but it's GOOD....and Les Mis does that a little bit too. The voices in this are excellent. The story is intriguing and keeps you at the edge of your seat. This is one of my favorite CDs that I own.

    1 out of 5 stars What on earth is this?.......2006-02-04

    I saw the original MG in London, and got the CD, and I must admit that although the music was superb, the actual show lacked in substance (not musically, book wise). The show closed and opened and the music remained the same more or less, the orchestration was sublime and the melodies soaring and sweet. Suddenly they closed the show and re-worked it into this pile of (your fill here as long as it is bad). Yes, some of the songs are ok, but the silly orchestration is a pain to the ear!!! And the story lacks a flow the original at least had (the prologue, working on the land...all gone). I don't care about silly religious wars, I care about people and how they love and cry and learn. Biggest mistake the team could have done, thank god it flopped to no avail, they deserve it, they took a great score, chopped the thing to nonsensical bits and gave us back a regurgitated concoction that insults the senses (specially compared, musically, with the original), who did you guys listened to when making these changes? Stop being his/her friend! Claude and Alain, keep that person out of your life, may the Pirate Queen be deserving of your past and may it never, EVER go through what MG went through!

    5 out of 5 stars Martin Guerre soundtrack and musical was brilliant.......2006-01-19

    This musical is wonderfully written with inspired music that is so emotive that just from listening to the CD soundtrack one can be in tears. The issues explored in the musical, written by the genius brains behind Les Mis and Miss Saigon, are sensitively touched and are resolved well. This musical was brilliant and the actors themselves portayed their complex characters extremely well. I loved every minute of this.

    Music Composers:

    1. Boulanger, Lili
    2. Boulez, Pierre
    3. Boyce, William
    4. Brahms, Johannes
    5. Bretón, Tomás
    6. Brian, Havergal
    7. Bridge, Frank
    8. Brito, Estęvâo
    9. Britten, Benjamin
    10. Brown, Earle

    Music Composers

    Music Composers