I remember seeing this episode the day it aired and becoming an instantaneous fan of both the song and of Randi's. At the time, I was involved in community theater and knew that I just HAD to sing this song somewhere sometime. . A few months later, my voice coach signed me up for a local talent show where I performed it and won! And it was all because of how much this incredibly talented woman singing this heartwrenchingly beautiful song inspired me one afternoon while watching Phil Donohue... Thank-you, Randi... ❤
Randy was my neighbor growing up. I was great friends with her brother. When I had my first real girlfriend in college she got us amazing tickets to this show and then met us afterwards backstage. Plenty of boyfriend points for that one! I cried when she sang this, which as you know, is early on. I got more points for the tears! Always was super super talented growing up. Her de coached me playing softball. Great family. Love you Randy 😘
As a much younger man I had zero interest in a musical about (it really isn't) the French Revolution called The Miserables. Didn't sound like a fun night out. One afternoon I surfed onto Donahue as he was introducing this performance and over the next four minutes I... well for me, basically, the Earth stopped turning. I eventually became what I had previously laughed at, a Les Miz junkie, seeing the full production 17 times in the US, Canada and the UK. Each evening was carried by actresses of almost transcendent gifts... but for me, Randy Graff will forever own this role. Simply a STUNNING moment. She's the Gold Standard. And she still rips my heart out.
I hadn't heard many nice things about Ms. Graff's Fantine over the years (mostly from Patti LuPone fans) but when I got a hold of her Broadway rendition I was very pleasantly surprised. I think she did a fantastic job and deserves much recognition for her performance. I'm so glad to see that she does indeed have a strong fanbase. My compliments to you, Ms. Graff, for a wonderful job.
In the novel "Les Miserables", Fantine, as a character was very gentle. She drew her strength from her inner courage, strength and extreme desire to be with her only daughter, Cosette, and survive their extreme poverty and hunger.
In a word; formidable. In other performers' (including Patti Lupone's) hands the song is quite pretty and feminine, but not resonating with raw emotive power. Randy Graff's evocative singing, gestures and facial expressions had me shivering and feeling each note and emotion. Very powerful performance. Thank you for posting!
Hello David I saw her live a few weeks after the show opened. You are so right. No one will ever do this like she did. Many people can sing but a scarce few can make you feel like YOU are singing and feeling it along with them.
Thank you for sharing this.. she is the only one that can sing the hell out of this song and I have heard many others sing it they can not top her voice..
Les Miz redefined it's dramatic approach many times over the past quarter century. This performance, and how it's sung, is the way it HAD to be when it first opened in America. This performance is gold, but it's not how see the show today.
This is the best of the youtube renditions I have seen so far, in my opinion of course. It just has that perfect combo of grit and emotion that really makes the song work, without any mannerisms that distract from the strength of the song. Love the other versions and singers, but I think I have to say Ilke this one the best.
Thank you for posting this! I had this episode saved for the longest time, and then this tape got switched by accident with my moms daily soaps tape! That was a sad day, but so happy to be able to see this again...any chance you could post any more? Thanks bunches!
You can't sing that way forever. Lots of wear and tear on the vocal cords. Very effective, but all that pushing really takes its toll. Interesting to compare Lupone and Graff's versions, LuPone treats her voice very smoothly, and I think it loses some of it's pathos because of it. She's judicious, and it's a wise way to preserve the voice. But still effective. Hathaway, who has much more limited vocal resources, had to sing it with much more fragility, which really rather worked.
The best Fantine. Her naturally deep voice fits the character so well. This is an older woman weary with life’s letdowns versus the young female characters with higher voices. I love Lea Salonga, but Graff fits better as Fantine for me.
I've seen a number of actresses perform this beautiful song including Randy Graff and still believe she performed it best. Lea Solonga and Ruthie Henshall probably come as close to the original as I've hears. Don't like Anne Hathaway's performance in the movie at all.
Now this rendition by Randy Graff is what I call real emotion, Anne Hathaway= forced emotion. She's a celebrity, she's not even a credible actress...Judi Dench, that is a great actress. Much less is Hathaway a foremost interpreter of musicals. Its artists like Randy Graff and Ruthie Henshall that really are singing actors.
My problem is, that my favourite "I Dreamed a Dreaam"'s are not sung by Fantines, for example Susan Boyle, Hayley Westerna or Connie Talbot. They've never palyed the role. She is propably one of the best Fantines, but not the singer who've sung this song. It's only my opinion
+Kate Wibberly Your opinion is exactly what's wrong with the 'talent' shows that spawn the horrors you mentioned. The acceptance of these hacks via TV shows. None have equaled - by a light year - any cast member who've ever played Fantine on stage. They're sterile, soulless robots.
Obviously her voice is amazing, But there is something about this that seems like she is just over singing. Almost yelling at me . On top of her vague facial expression and the fact for half the song she stands like a statue, this leaves much to be desired for me. Sorry, I know she is considered the best, I guess I just don't see why
Liam Pal I cant stand you. You are horrible and you don’t even display your talent. This is a world class voice, while you may not like her voice, you can not deny that she is talented. Very few people can sing in this manner and further more I expect many more people pay her to sing than pay you.
I remember seeing this episode the day it aired and becoming an instantaneous fan of both the song and of Randi's. At the time, I was involved in community theater and knew that I just HAD to sing this song somewhere sometime. . A few months later, my voice coach signed me up for a local talent show where I performed it and won! And it was all because of how much this incredibly talented woman singing this heartwrenchingly beautiful song inspired me one afternoon while watching Phil Donohue... Thank-you, Randi... ❤
Randy was my neighbor growing up. I was great friends with her brother. When I had my first real girlfriend in college she got us amazing tickets to this show and then met us afterwards backstage. Plenty of boyfriend points for that one! I cried when she sang this, which as you know, is early on. I got more points for the tears! Always was super super talented growing up. Her de coached me playing softball. Great family. Love you Randy 😘
As a much younger man I had zero interest in a musical about (it really isn't) the French Revolution called The Miserables. Didn't sound like a fun night out.
One afternoon I surfed onto Donahue as he was introducing this performance and over the next four minutes I... well for me, basically, the Earth stopped turning. I eventually became what I had previously laughed at, a Les Miz junkie, seeing the full production 17 times in the US, Canada and the UK. Each evening was carried by actresses of almost transcendent gifts... but for me, Randy Graff will forever own this role. Simply a STUNNING moment. She's the Gold Standard. And she still rips my heart out.
Watching this while in class with her. She is an amazing woman and teacher I'm so thrilled to be her student!
@@snlescaille manhattan school of music
I hadn't heard many nice things about Ms. Graff's Fantine over the years (mostly from Patti LuPone fans) but when I got a hold of her Broadway rendition I was very pleasantly surprised. I think she did a fantastic job and deserves much recognition for her performance. I'm so glad to see that she does indeed have a strong fanbase. My compliments to you, Ms. Graff, for a wonderful job.
Brian McMann I agree
I totally agree. Actually had a verbal fight about it with a Patti LuPone fan). She was then, and still, one of my absolute favorite Fantines.
What did Patti say about Randy?
In the novel "Les Miserables", Fantine, as a character was very gentle. She drew her strength from her inner courage, strength and extreme desire to be with her only daughter, Cosette, and survive their extreme poverty and hunger.
No one has EVER sung it better. Few have even come close. (My brother was in the OBC with her. She is as NICE as she is talented).
Except for Patti, of course.
I worked with Randy in a tour of Pal Joey with Joel Grey She is the absolute professional. And funny as hell. What a wonderful and kind person
Now, looking back I believe Susan Boyle sang it the best on Britain’s got talent!
Her version has always been my favorite of this song. She's so damn good.
What are you talking about? Patti Lupone sang it
Worked with this sweet, lovely and extremely talented woman. Just a dream. Love her.
Damn! I felt every word. This remains my favorite version. Year after year. 👏🗣💕😢
Same.
Randy ( junior high classmate of mine) was outstanding and deserved the Tony award for this (although she did win it for City of Angels)
So many singers have performed this song since. I feel hers is still the best
how was the audience not on their feet at the end. She is the quintessential Fantine - her voice blows me away
I like her interpretation. She was a hungry actress, and she brought that to the part.
Taking a class with her right now! She's amazing!
Where was the class?
@@fbueller NYC
In a word; formidable.
In other performers' (including Patti Lupone's) hands the song is quite pretty and feminine, but not resonating with raw emotive power. Randy Graff's evocative singing, gestures and facial expressions had me shivering and feeling each note and emotion. Very powerful performance. Thank you for posting!
Randy Graff sings this song better than anyone else. This performance was amazing. Thanks for posting!
She’s just the absolute best. Gives me chills every time!
That was amazingly powerful.
Hello David
I saw her live a few weeks after the show opened. You are so right. No one will ever do this like she did. Many people can sing but a scarce few can make you feel like YOU are singing and feeling it along with them.
Thank you for sharing this.. she is the only one that can sing the hell out of this song and I have heard many others sing it they can not top her voice..
Les Miz redefined it's dramatic approach many times over the past quarter century. This performance, and how it's sung, is the way it HAD to be when it first opened in America. This performance is gold, but it's not how see the show today.
Can't help but wonder about Julie Andrews in this role. I can imagine her singing this very well in her day.
This is the best of the youtube renditions I have seen so far, in my opinion of course. It just has that perfect combo of grit and emotion that really makes the song work, without any mannerisms that distract from the strength of the song. Love the other versions and singers, but I think I have to say Ilke this one the best.
Ms. Graff will always be my favorite Fantine by far.
aboslutely wonderful. thank you so, so much for posting this. i think her version is my favorite of all.
ImpeccabLe dictioN!
Great voice
I love her voice!
excelente!!! impresionante
It's had to believe she is a cut comedian, and have you rolling in the with laughter.
Best Fantine ever!
Thank you for posting this! I had this episode saved for the longest time, and then this tape got switched by accident with my moms daily soaps tape! That was a sad day, but so happy to be able to see this again...any chance you could post any more? Thanks bunches!
Amazing.. 🥰🥰😔
she is the best Fantine!
amazing
shes a cross between ruthie henshall and patti!!!!
THIS IS HOW YOU SING FANTINE GOT IT HOLLYWOOD?!
This is how fantine is supposed to sound...
accomplishment
THE Fantine!
You can't sing that way forever. Lots of wear and tear on the vocal cords. Very effective, but all that pushing really takes its toll. Interesting to compare Lupone and Graff's versions, LuPone treats her voice very smoothly, and I think it loses some of it's pathos because of it. She's judicious, and it's a wise way to preserve the voice. But still effective. Hathaway, who has much more limited vocal resources, had to sing it with much more fragility, which really rather worked.
I love her voice in this rendition. But I'm still partial to ruthie henshall. :)
The best Fantine. Her naturally deep voice fits the character so well. This is an older woman weary with life’s letdowns versus the young female characters with higher voices. I love Lea Salonga, but Graff fits better as Fantine for me.
Ruthie
Right!? So refreshing to not have it just be another "whiny girl song" that most people tend to make out of the female les mis songs lol
Randy I want to work with you😢
I've seen a number of actresses perform this beautiful song including Randy Graff and still believe she performed it best. Lea Solonga and Ruthie Henshall probably come as close to the original as I've hears. Don't like Anne Hathaway's performance in the movie at all.
I love what you said in parentheses cause personally I think LuPone's rendition is just...not good compared Graff's rendition.
1:35
Anne who?
Karen Carpenter also would have been great in this role (had she lived).
Now this rendition by Randy Graff is what I call real emotion, Anne Hathaway= forced emotion. She's a celebrity, she's not even a credible actress...Judi Dench, that is a great actress. Much less is Hathaway a foremost interpreter of musicals. Its artists like Randy Graff and Ruthie Henshall that really are singing actors.
theatre acting and film acting are different. doesn't matter whether or not they're both musicals, they are different.
Leopold Leopold Looks like you've been using Delusion by Jinkx Monsoon. Convince yourself.
Anne Hathaway’s version was not forced emotion , this is the one version I hate she literally screams instead of singing
She looks like Carol Burnett spoofing Patti Lupone
She didnt have to cry to make a point!
Anne Hathaway should take a little lesson from Randy on how to actually perform this song.
My problem is, that my favourite "I Dreamed a Dreaam"'s are not sung by Fantines, for example Susan Boyle, Hayley Westerna or Connie Talbot. They've never palyed the role. She is propably one of the best Fantines, but not the singer who've sung this song. It's only my opinion
+Kate Wibberly Your opinion is exactly what's wrong with the 'talent' shows that spawn the horrors you mentioned. The acceptance of these hacks via TV shows. None have equaled - by a light year - any cast member who've ever played Fantine on stage. They're sterile, soulless robots.
Wire Dreamer Susan boyle was amazing
Uii
Obviously her voice is amazing, But there is something about this that seems like she is just over singing. Almost yelling at me . On top of her vague facial expression and the fact for half the song she stands like a statue, this leaves much to be desired for me. Sorry, I know she is considered the best, I guess I just don't see why
no sorry! Beautiful singing but it´s not Patti Lupone! That´s my opinion
I think Anne Hatahway did a better job.
jasperwellington11 you’d be the only one
I can't stand this woman. She's horrible. :(
Liam Pal I cant stand you. You are horrible and you don’t even display your talent. This is a world class voice, while you may not like her voice, you can not deny that she is talented. Very few people can sing in this manner and further more I expect many more people pay her to sing than pay you.
Damn- Little harsh? Say what you think is wrong about it instead of being an ass, this was ten years ago, hope you got a little nicer