Everyone else is great, but somehow I find that british Mr Thenardiers are funnier. Look at Alun (don't remember his last name) in the 10th anniversary concert
"Ragtime" is a brilliant show, and Ms. Mazzie was its brightest star. She was just as brilliant in every theatrical outing -- "Passion," "Kiss Me, Kate," "The King and I," etc. She was also beloved in the theatre community, as you can see if you watch the tribute to her by her friends in the community like Audra McDonald, Kelli O'Hara, Donna Murphy, Sutton Foster and more. When her ovarian cancer was diagnosed, she added a new dimension to her wonderful life, by courageously and frankly addressing her diagnosis and then allowing people to go along with her on the journey that was the rest of her too short life. She did so to bring attention to the disease, the need for an early diagnosis test, and to give courage to others who receive the same diagnosis. No one could have played any of her roles as well as she, but in that final role, she set a standard that will be difficult to match, but we all should try until that early diagnosis test becomes a reality and the treatments for the disease become regularly successful. Our hearts remain with Jason Danieley, who works courageously toward that dream, and we will never forget his beautiful and talented and brave wife!
ORCHESTRA Conductor - David Andrews Rogers Associate Conductor - Lawrence Green Violins - Vladimir Pollmitidi, Cindy Moussas Viola - Diane Gilbert Cello - Chris Ermacoff Flute/Piccolo - Patty Kaufman Clarinet/Alto Sax - Sal Lozano Oboe/English Horn - Jonathan Davis French Horns - Marilyn Johnson, Brad Kintschner Trumpets - Stuart Blumberg, Robert O'Donnell Bass Trombone - Kevin Porter Percussion - Cliff Hulling Drums - John Spooner Bass - David Stone Guitar - Chuck Pierce Keyboards - Michael Gribben, Craig Casper, Lawrence Green, Nick H. Venden
What an absolute treasure. Adore Colm as valjean. The best. The current tour though sure is AMAZING- the best in decades. We never miss an opportunity to see Les Mis and the last 4-7 times have felt phoned in and while still beautiful, not quite as immersive- but this current tour, omg. Every moment is intentional and the actors take their time to be present, make choices and PLAY with each other on stage within the structure of the work. To see that electric, present approach is so captivating when played against this masterpiece of a score/libretto. Just perfection. A masterwork and it’s a gift that you’ve shared Colm’s performance as pinnacle for so many to enjoy and love. Thank you.
Hi! This wasn't his last performance as Valjean in North America. He performed for two (possibly three) performances in San Francisco in 2002 before the company went to Shanghai.
This is so wonderful, thank you for posting!!! Colm and Frances are my absolute all-time faves ❤ I used to play Bring Him Home and On My Own on repeat back when I was a kid. And that wasn't easy considering I only had a cassette tape!
Frances Ruffelle sings like a teenage Bernadette Peters. And I mean that in a beautiful way. No wonder she ended up winning a Tony for her role on Broadway.
This is an incredible recording and cast; probably the best I’ve scene or heard of a live recording! My brother and I saw Colm three times in a month and made the trek from Orlando to Toronto twice in a month. Why? Because he was sick and out. There’s more to the story. We had seen the matinee and went back to see Phantom for the second night in a row starring Peter Karie. The purpose of the trip was to meet Colm in person. When he was sick we stuck around for several extra days hoping he would get better. Nope. We saw him in the matinee and evening performance. Not many were at the stage door that night. Because it was so cold and not many of us waiting, the store manager inviting us in. Colm was gracious with his time, signed my program and some of our CDs. I asked him if he had ever considered playing Tevye in ‘Fiddler On The Roof’ and Don Quixote in ‘Man Of La Mancha!’ Unfortunately, I don’t remember his response. He was gracious to sign a photo I sent him with the two of us and returned it. I had seen him in Phantom on a college band tour in 1992 during spring break. What a performance!
