I love this musical and have the four English language recordings. This particular recording is good, but like many people, I find the Complete Symphonic and the 10th Anniversary Recordings to be superior. In the Eponine role, for instance, while Frances Ruffelle's acting is superb, her singing isn't -- she has such a bad voice and an annoying way of articulating (she eats her words); Kaho Shimada and Lea Salonga do much, much better. If you're a big Les Mis fan, however, it wouldn't be bad to get all four recordings as they show the musical's transformation over the years.

This is a very good cd . I heard all of the cast reconding of this and this is one of the best not the best one. That would have to go to the dream cast one. With this cd I like most of the people but the person that played musius I think does not have a very nice voice. Frances Ruffelle. Terrence Man, and Judy Kuhn the a very good job.


I think the music is very good. This Is one of my fav. musicals. I like most of the songs.

This is the best musical ever written. Period. The end. Schonberg and Boubil are geniuses. There is not a bad song on this soundtrack and the plot is the most brilliant and developed one I've ever seen in a musical (though of course we have Victor Hugo to thank for that!).

It seems like the only criticism others have had for this soundtrack does not have to do with the musical itself, but rather with this particular production. Since I first fell in love with this soundtrack before ever seeing a production of Les Mis, I am used to (and love) the performers on it, even though others argue that the London cast was better. I acknowledge that my views are quite biased, but here are my personal opinions on some of the original Broadway cast members:

I admit that Colm Wilkenson's voice takes some getting used to, but it's quite unique when you consider it, and even on the soundtrack, you can tell he completely brings Valjean's character to life. (I just heard about the Canadian version of Phantom of the Opera where he plays the phantom: must check that out!) I just can't imagine a better Jean Valjean.

I have heard tons of criticism of Frances Ruffelle's portrayal of Eponine. Most think that her voice does not suit the character, and that it is more for pop music. Where I agree that her voice is quite different, I think that the songs her character is required to sing need that pop-like edge. Her "On My Own" is absolutely beautiful. She definitely grows on you.

Randy Graff's portrayal of Fantine seemed unremarkable at first, but at points during "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Come to Me," her performance was absolutely stunning. I haven't heard Patti LuPone's portrayal (although I adore her in Evita) so I really can't compare the two.

David Bryant, playing Marius, is one cast member who I really don't like that much. His voice, although not awful, is nothing special, and the role of Marius, which could be something fabulous, is not taken to its full potential. Again, I haven't heard the London Marius, so I can't compare.

Those are all the characters I'll comment on, because I pretty much agree with everyone else's opinions.

I only went on Amazon.com to find out who was playing Fantine in this recording (my booklet for it fell apart long, long ago) and I was amazed by the slander going on, and the constant plugging of the CSR and the TACR. Gahh.

I got into Les Mis in 1st grade when my friend played Castle on a Cloud over the phone for me, and I was so enchanted that I bought highlights of the Original London Recording. I remember hating Fantine and loving Cosette. Then in 5th grade or so I bought the full OBC and it was switched... loved Fantine, hated Cosette. Well, now I love both Fantine and Cosette, but I digress.

I got Les Mis in Concert in 7th grade or so, got the CSR last year, then got the complete version of the OLCR not too long ago. I cannot say that I prefer one over the other, honestly. Each has its ups and downs, and it's best for me to combine them. I'll go through each part, as others seem to be doing, and evaluate performances compared to the other recordings.

Valjean - I saw someone here say Gary Morris is better than Colm Wilkinson. That makes me very, very sad. Colm Wilkinson is THE Valjean. As for which performance of his is better, it depends on the song. While I prefer OLC's "What Have I Done," in general I prefer him on the OBC(for example, "Who Am I?")

Javert - I have no preference on Quast or Mann. The guy from the OLC doesn't act enough for my taste. That's the main problem with the OLC IMO, they're too focused on just singing (except for Colm, he tries his hardest to act.)

Fantine - Definitely whoever played her in the CSR. But I really have no problem with Randy like everyone else seems to. As for Patti Lupone, I wasn't horribly impressed. I'm a big fan of Ruthie Henshall, but I still like CSR Fantine better.

Thenardiers - Am I the ONLY one who hates the Cockney accents in the OLC? This is France, not England! And CSR is just "ugh." So, definitely the OBC. I may be biased because I saw Jennifer Butt perform the role, but hey.

Enjolras - NO ONE compares to Anthony Warlow. Michael MacGuire is good of course, but Warlow is hard to beat.

Marius - I actually agree that Michael Ball is the best. His rendition of Empty Chairs at Empty Tables touches me everytime.

Eponine - Now, while I ADORE Lea Salonga, I just don't think she is right for Eponine. Nor do I like Frances Ruffle. The best Eponine I've heard recorded is Kaho Shimada. I LOVE her portrayal, and it's even more impressive because she didn't know English at the time.

Cosette - CSR because she sounds so sweet and young, actually sounds fifteen for once. But I do love Judy Kuhn in the role too. As for the girl in the OLC, ugh, no.

Really, don't listen to people who tell you which soundtrack to buy. Everyone is different. And maybe you'll be like me and like to mix them all to create your ideal recording. I dunno. But I really don't agree with these people who are saying "All you need is the TARC and the CSR" because the TARC cuts out a lot and the CSR's Valjean is just cringe-inducing horrible.