Philip Quast has one of the most powerful voices that I have ever heard and it fits perfectly with Javert's character. "Stars" is my favorite song mainly for that reason.

Colm Wilkinson of course is the best Valjean out there. Sometimes his little rips at the end of a sustained note are annoying but his performance of "Bring Him Home" is the best.

And finally Lea Salonga is simply perfect as Eponine. She has a powerful yet very sweet voice that conveys Eponine's sadness without sounding whiny. Her performance of "On My Own" is nothing short of FANTASTIC and is giving Quast's performance of "Stars" a run for its money in my mind. Lea Salonga is quickly becoming one of my favorite singers and this recording is what first got my attention about her.

Overall, this recording is the best Les Mis recording out there. To get the whole story buy the Complete Symphonic Recording but for just pure enjoyment in listening, you MUST get this one!


Ruthie Henshall and the ''Dream Cast''   July 13, 2004
Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood)
34 out of 35 found this review helpful

The 10th Anniversary Gala performance of LES MISERABLES, presented in concert-style at the Royal Albert Hall, drew together a cast of performers from productions worldwide, and came to be known as the Dream Cast for the musical. Colm Wilkinson again plays Valjean, with Javert played by Philip Quast (THE SECRET GARDEN). The lovely Ruthie Henshall (DIVORCE ME DARLING, MISS SAIGON) plays the tragic Fantine and belts out an impressive "I Dreamed a Dream". Lea Salonga (MISS SAIGON, FLOWER DRUM SONG) is a luminous Eponine and Michael Ball (CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG), the original Marius, returns to the role once again. Judy Kuhn, the original Broadway Cosette, also is in top voice. The comical Thenardier's are played by Jenny Galloway (OLIVER!) and Alun Armstrong (another original cast member). Also back from the original cast is Beverly Klein as the grasping old crone in the "Lovely Ladies" scene. This historic recording is a must-own for LES MIZ fans.


Finally, a good Eponine!   February 7, 2004
29 out of 29 found this review helpful

After three failed attempts (London, Broadway, Complete Symphonic) at finding a good actress for this part, here's one who has the perfect combination of voice and emotion. Squeeky-voiced Frances Ruffele should feel lucky: she woudn't have been cast (and wouldn't have eventually won a Tony on Broadway) had Lea Salonga been around to audition for the role in the mid80s!


THE definitive recording!   October 24, 2004
lesmizfan100 (London)
29 out of 30 found this review helpful

With a stellar cast backed up by more than 200 strong voices and a wonderful orchestra, this concert has so much power that you'll stay glued to your seat 'till the end. The quality of the performances is topnotch (as expected from the aptly described Dream Cast) and the atmosphere is as exciting as can be.

[The most notable performance, as many reviewers have pointed out, is from Tony and Olivier winner Lea Salonga, whose outstanding interpretation (right combination of dejection and bitterness; the great emotive voice is, of course, already a given) has provided the character Eponine the attention it deserves. Unfortunately for Frances Ruffele (whose non-stellar presence matched by her whiney, squeaky voice that leaves much to be desired kept this charming character out of the spotlight), comparisons are inevitable and her fans will have to content themselves with EXCUSES that Eponine is not a beautiful character and therefore deserves an ugly voice.]

If you want the complete score, definitely get the Complete Symphonic Recording (which also has a good cast). If you want attention-grabbing performances, however, this is the album to get!



Finally, no whiny Eponine!   February 6, 2004
tess (Los Angeles, CA)
27 out of 27 found this review helpful

And the other cast members remain as the best ever assembled for this magnificent show. If you can get only one recording, get THIS recording; otherwise, also purchase the Complete Symphonic Recording.

You can live without the 1995 London or the 1997 Broadway cast recordings.