Frances Ruffelle performing "On My Own" from Les Miserables on the Tonight Show, November 1987. Like my clips?? Check out my radio station, Sho-Toonz, at www.live365.com...
She was the original Eponine, bc like you said, she was the only one asked to play the role. The ORIGINAL Broadway role. It’s her voice that I grew up listening to on original Broadway soundtrack, and seeing in New York as a child
I think her voice is perfect for Eponine. She pulls off the longing in her voice so well, and she sounds young and wonderous, but heartbroken all at the same time. It's great.
Frances is by far the best Eponine - she has a great voice for the part! Young and vulnerable. I feel others have belted this song out for effect, rather than delivering the words like Frances does with the emotion and pain that Eponine must have been feeling! Excellent! The original and still the best!
Amazed that some people have the audacity to say Ms Ruffelle can't sing. Admittedly, dressed for the television show she doesn't look like an Eponine, but she is, of course, dressed to suit the fashions of the time as she is appearing on American television. The emotion in her voice cannot be disputed, amazing performance, amazing woman.
My thoughts exactly. Her voice (as I think someone mentioned in a video interview) has the perfect, tragic quality to it. That's exactly what Eponine is; a tragic character who is pushed into the shadows and almost exiled into a constant longing for love.
Frances is the only Eponine who sounded like she came from the streets and was one of the people. She was the genuine article, everybody else has no inkling of how to play it right.
I Love Frances Ruffelle specially Her Her Duet with Christopher Cross ..Her Movement and Her Captivating Facial Reaction on how the way she Sing....But, I disagree with you....that she Is the only one who can Play it Right..Dont Forget Lea Salonga... she sang it great too.
I agree. All of the Eponines I have seen ever since (and that's a long time now), lack the same feeling of vulnerability that Frances Ruffelle put into her performance. The others can no doubt sing well, but I find that they sing too strongly/aggressively, sometimes too angrily, and almost always they pronounce their words in an exaggerated manner like they are doing elocution lessons, so it sounds unnatural and out of character.
yesss omg im reading the book right now and she’s perfect for éponine. the character is much different in the book from the way people usually portray her in the musical
Wonderful! She has always been my favorite in this role. The voice is just soooo unique and unlike most girls who sing this, she never resorts to falsetto tones on the top.
I love her. You have to give respect to the original cast as they really played a huge part in the beginning of this amazing show and if they hadn't of been so fantastic we wouldn't be comparing roles
Francis Ruffelle was a brilliant Eponine. I had the good fortune to see her sing this when I went the theatre as a kid to see Les Miserables. She was fantastic.
I'm a sucker for her candy vocals, sweet and girly and emotional. And of course she hits all the notes effortlessly and she's cute as a button. I'd be surprised if I found a better version.
I LOVE FRANCES RUFFELLE! She is probably my favorite Eponine and she totally deserves the Tony award for her performance. In a way, it's kind of a shame she wasn't chosen for the 10th anniversary dream cast.
Frances's voice has seized my ears since the very first moment when I heard the CD of Les Miserable, London original cast. I agree Lea is an excellent, brilliant singer with a powerful, crystal clear voice. But, for me, Eponine is Frances. Her voice makes my heart aching. It reaches me by cutting through the air even when she is backing in "One day more."
I know there's a lot of Frances vs. Other Eponines due to Frances' unique voice. Yes, it's nasally. It's scratchy, it's full of vibrato, and it's maybe even startling to listen to if you're not expecting it. But through her voice Frances gives Eponine true character, passion, longing, and vulnerability--something that I rarely see in other Eponines. Lea, for instance, sung beautifully, but lacked emotion. It was too controlled and perfect for such a broken, imperfect character.
I am astonished that anyone would criticize her voice! It's so unique - no-one else sounds like her. Everyone else sounds cookie-cutter, like they all went to the same singing teacher for 10 years. Yawn. There will never be anyone else like her - I don't think anyone can even compete. Good God, they even had Sutton Foster as Eponine. How ridiculous can you get. They cast anyone they like personally who has a trained "theatre" voice. Yawn yawn yawn yawn.
I love Frances' performance I understand that the voice sounds a bit odd and nasally, but you have to listen to the conviction in her voice--how, at some points, she sounds close to tears at certain parts and sincerely happy in others
The first and best Eponine EVER. I saw her at the University of Iowa in 1987 when she was touring with Les Mis in the States (Colm Wilkinson was also there). Her interpretation is the strongest - she may not have the best voice, but she ilicits emotion while many others do not.
she was the first eponine in Broadway and the London cast her voice is celestial, angelic, and divine despite the song being kinda depressing her voice comforts me
was lucky enough to see orignal cast - Frances Rufelle stole the show - was absolutrly breathtaking! I knew one of the orchestra at the time - everyone concerned with the production were amazed by her - remember her part was nor supposed to be a major one. She stole the show!
+Halsey “B” R Ya me too. Though I find that most who hate her are a younger generation that dont appreciate character in a voice. They like everything straight line and technically proficient, even if it ultimately comes off cold and emotionless. I dont get it but, hey, to each his own.
Bushviper I don’t know if I necessarily classify as the “younger generation” but I’m 18 and just graduated from high school and can say that I love the way she sang this and the way she portrayed Eponine. Regardless of of whether or not it’s “technically proficient” it’s great to listen to. It’s a shame I’ll never get to hear here sing this live though.
Frances Ruffelle is one of my broadway influences. She's one of those performers that I would totally want to emulate. I sometimes see myself being a lot like her vocally and emotionally. I love you Frances, I want to give you a hug. Whoever thinks Frances' voice is whiny and annoying is a stupid ignoramous.
This is by far the best rendition of this piece and the definitive version of Eponine that no one else can ever match. It just cuts through my heart, the way she pours her emotions in each song.
I think that Lea Salonga's voice is better technically--and she did a kickass version of this in 1995--but I think Frances Ruffelle owns this role and earned her Tony for this. I haven't heard a more heartfelt rendition than this one (I'm including the original Broadway recording)
+Lloyd B frances ruffelle&on my own nobody can do that song as well as she did and its the same thing as colm wilkinson&bring him home nobody can do that song as well as he did
She says she had a husky voice and a bunch of people think she's whiny, but I LOVE that quality in her voice! See, in the original book, it SAID Eponine had a husky voice. I really like how Frances managed to stay loyal to that discription and still sing beautifully!!
I just heard her voice for the first time about 3 days ago when I searched for the original Eponine. I've been listening to her about 5 times a day ever since. I love her!
Frances Ruffelle was 22 when she played Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway. That is the perfect age to make your Broadway debut especially if you just graduated from college with a degree in theater.
Actually, I like Frances interpretation of Eponine. What I love about every Eponine (Lea, Samantha and Frances, specifically) is that each bring a totally different side of Eponine but they all fit with Hugo's character. It's weird but I like them quite a lot. Though my favorite has to be Samantha, I think Lea is vocally flawless and Frances is quite likeable.
This may not be Frances’ best performance that I have ever heard of, but she certainly has an amazing voice which moves me so much. I still think nobody else has ever sung just as touching as the way she sings “On My Own”.
@ilovemyidina she wasn't weak as a character at all. Only in this song did we find out her feelings. She was fabulous. I was lucky to see her and still remember it 25 years later.
i am a straight man that cries everytime i hear this song, how is this even possible?!?! lol :') . . SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! i just want to hug that woman!!
Oh, for heavens sake! She originated the role in London and won the Tony for it in the US. Can't we just learn from many different performers? She obviously captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Sheesh, why can't I ignore the comment section on You Tube? It's like trying to not look at a car wreck, I guess.
What I love about how she pursues the character of Eponine is that she sounds so cute and stubborn :) I love how 80's everything is =P I love her so much :) !
thanks for this amazing video. Frances seems to be getting more beautiful at her 40's. 3 kids and all and still looks great. The best eponine. Lea is the best Kim.
The way she sings and the sound of her voice is absolutely what draws me to her rendition over that of others. This isn't to say I dislike other vocalists, but hers just grabs me so much more powerfully.
Susan Boyle did not bring me here. I've seen this video before and listen to this song on my iPod almost daily. Oh, i love this musical. Her voice is so....so....great.
I just saw les mis in London and this was my favorite song. Ive been looking wicked hard for a version on youtube that sounds like the version i heard. This is it. I love it.
Saw her in DC at Kennedy Center around this time, fell in love with her. She does have some rock star in her. Maybe thats why. An English Linda Ronstadt?
She IS Eponine. The first one I saw on Broadway in London. She made me fall in love with theater. She is amazing.This is not her best performance, but if you listen to the CD... she owns it, or if you were lucky enough to see it live like me, you would know. The part was written for her.
Never seen Frances before. Great performance. Lea Salonga's great too. I guess to each her own style (and voice of course). Man! Miss the Johnny Carson Show, too! But I digress. Thanks for the post :)
I think she is fantastic and this (her original portrayal) should be lauded and respected. Eponine is a waify kid, strong but still delicate--Frances perfectly captures it. Every performer has the right to create a character in her own way, and she was the first for this one. This was also a 'concert' type of performance, not staged, so it's a tricky line between acting while interpreting a piece and just belting it out. Bravo! The emotion she infuses into the song is amazing!
I do love her as well . I mean there is a lot of other eponine that i like but the original is always the best; she created the role , an eponine for a fantatic music muical. I wish I had been there at that time to see her on stage, to see the original cast. Her voice is so powerfull!
for me, certain actors own their roles. Frances is EXACTLY how I pictured Eponine to look and sound in the book, so she is my favorite Eponine. Same thing with Colm Wilkinson and Jean Valjean. I wish the people who don't like her singing voice would piss off and allow people who DO like her to listen and enjoy.
Eponine is described in the book as small with a "drunken" kind of voice so Frances Ruffele is perfect. When I first heard the OBC soundtrack, I thought her voice was awful...but she really grows on you...there's a weird deep emotion to it.
@wonderjosh11 Eponine is an immature teenager whining...plus if you read the book, eponine is a heavy drinker, so her vocal roughness fits the character perfectly. Lea salogna sounds too sweet
I have heard many renditions of this song, but do not remember ever hearing it the way you describe. That moment is such a pivotal point in the song... I can't imagine that it would be nearly as effective that way.
I can see what you're saying if this is the only time you've heard her sing it. But on the original London soundtrack, she was so amazing that she even blew the incredibly talented Lea clear out of the water.
It's not a difference of quality, but of musicality. Frances gives it a more gritty desperation, while Lea has a more pure childlike sound. It's what make their performances different but equally important to the role.
![Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/VjfmP7h3gBw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Lea Salonga - On My Own (Les Misérables) [720p]](/img/tr.png)
![[Re:all TREASURE] EP.6 in 방콕ㅣ🚩 쩡캠의 방콕 투어 빵 마이 와이 👍](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/uyFw-nItA_s/mqdefault.jpg)
you guys forget the song was made for her. literally. She was asked to play eponine and the song was shifted for her.
Yuni Aniceto she is the Eponine I first loved. The others are amazing, but she will always be the Eponine of my heart
She was the original Eponine, bc like you said, she was the only one asked to play the role. The ORIGINAL Broadway role. It’s her voice that I grew up listening to on original Broadway soundtrack, and seeing in New York as a child
She was great, they should have muted the accompying backup and let her voice carry the performance.
To me she is the only Eponine to exist :)
my favorite Eponine her voice was perfect for the part..
I think her voice is perfect for Eponine. She pulls off the longing in her voice so well, and she sounds young and wonderous, but heartbroken all at the same time. It's great.
Frances is by far the best Eponine - she has a great voice for the part! Young and vulnerable. I feel others have belted this song out for effect, rather than delivering the words like Frances does with the emotion and pain that Eponine must have been feeling! Excellent! The original and still the best!
Amazed that some people have the audacity to say Ms Ruffelle can't sing. Admittedly, dressed for the television show she doesn't look like an Eponine, but she is, of course, dressed to suit the fashions of the time as she is appearing on American television.
The emotion in her voice cannot be disputed, amazing performance, amazing woman.
she is the ONLY one who can truly sing Eponine
My thoughts exactly. Her voice (as I think someone mentioned in a video interview) has the perfect, tragic quality to it. That's exactly what Eponine is; a tragic character who is pushed into the shadows and almost exiled into a constant longing for love.
Frances is the only Eponine who sounded like she came from the streets and was one of the people. She was the genuine article, everybody else has no inkling of how to play it right.
I Love Frances Ruffelle specially Her Her Duet with Christopher Cross ..Her Movement and Her Captivating Facial Reaction on how the way she Sing....But, I disagree with you....that she Is the only one who can Play it Right..Dont Forget Lea Salonga... she sang it great too.
I agree. All of the Eponines I have seen ever since (and that's a long time now), lack the same feeling of vulnerability that Frances Ruffelle put into her performance. The others can no doubt sing well, but I find that they sing too strongly/aggressively, sometimes too angrily, and almost always they pronounce their words in an exaggerated manner like they are doing elocution lessons, so it sounds unnatural and out of character.
you should read the book, frances as eponine is the most accurate performance in the whole miserables franchise.
yesss omg im reading the book right now and she’s perfect for éponine. the character is much different in the book from the way people usually portray her in the musical
Ruffelle does Eponine justice. Cosette is classical, Eponine is punk rock.
Frances Ruffelle sings so beautifully. She is officially the best Eponine.
She has one of a kind voice. She's my favorite Eponine.... I don't understand why people don't like her. She is THE Eponine!
I totally agree! Frances Ruffelle IS Eponine. I LOVE this performance, too - it's impassioned! This is the anthem of unrequited love!! SO beautiful!
why is everyone fighting i like all the eponines. theyre all pretty and theyre all talented and i like all of them.
Wonderful! She has always been my favorite in this role. The voice is just soooo unique and unlike most girls who sing this, she never resorts to falsetto tones on the top.
I love her. You have to give respect to the original cast as they really played a huge part in the beginning of this amazing show and if they hadn't of been so fantastic we wouldn't be comparing roles
I can feel Eponine's sadness and helplessness when she sings her version
Francis Ruffelle was a brilliant Eponine. I had the good fortune to see her sing this when I went the theatre as a kid to see Les Miserables. She was fantastic.
@neville animusic I totally agree and wow your friend sounds extremely talented.
When she says "LIKE silver" I die
I'm a sucker for her candy vocals, sweet and girly and emotional. And of course she hits all the notes effortlessly and she's cute as a button. I'd be surprised if I found a better version.
I love the 80's feel to this video and performance, it feels so majestic.
Frances is still my favorite Eponine. Her voice is perfect for it. It's a good contrast to the operatic Cosette.
She made Eponine what it is today, people need
I LOVE FRANCES RUFFELLE! She is probably my favorite Eponine and she totally deserves the Tony award for her performance. In a way, it's kind of a shame she wasn't chosen for the 10th anniversary dream cast.
Frances's voice has seized my ears since the very first moment when I heard the CD of Les Miserable, London original cast. I agree Lea is an excellent, brilliant singer with a powerful, crystal clear voice. But, for me, Eponine is Frances. Her voice makes my heart aching. It reaches me by cutting through the air even when she is backing in "One day more."
I love her Eponine. She doesn't have the biggest voice but it works.
DontDoSadness91 agreed, i was great to see her back for the 25th anniversary concert encore.
DontDoSadness91 the song was made for her. literally
Alot of great eponines out there but to me, this version plucks my heartstrings better than the others. The song is sooo beautiful!
I know there's a lot of Frances vs. Other Eponines due to Frances' unique voice. Yes, it's nasally. It's scratchy, it's full of vibrato, and it's maybe even startling to listen to if you're not expecting it. But through her voice Frances gives Eponine true character, passion, longing, and vulnerability--something that I rarely see in other Eponines. Lea, for instance, sung beautifully, but lacked emotion. It was too controlled and perfect for such a broken, imperfect character.
I am astonished that anyone would criticize her voice! It's so unique - no-one else sounds like her. Everyone else sounds cookie-cutter, like they all went to the same singing teacher for 10 years. Yawn. There will never be anyone else like her - I don't think anyone can even compete. Good God, they even had Sutton Foster as Eponine. How ridiculous can you get. They cast anyone they like personally who has a trained "theatre" voice. Yawn yawn yawn yawn.
Yeah, her voice just completely moves me. Samantha Barks, Lea Salonga, I'm like yeah, great, pitch perfect and all, but just doesn't move me THIS way
I love her and her rendition is what i always go to for listening. She’s like cyndi lauper of broadway
yes..definately..great comment@@winterinjuly4901
Best forever hands down ❤️💝
I love Frances' performance
I understand that the voice sounds a bit odd and nasally, but you have to listen to the conviction in her voice--how, at some points, she sounds close to tears at certain parts and sincerely happy in others
There's just something about Frances' vocal imperfection (sulky, childlike) that makes me so invested in her Eponine.
The first and best Eponine EVER. I saw her at the University of Iowa in 1987 when she was touring with Les Mis in the States (Colm Wilkinson was also there). Her interpretation is the strongest - she may not have the best voice, but she ilicits emotion while many others do not.
she was the first eponine in Broadway and the London cast her voice is celestial, angelic, and divine despite the song being kinda depressing her voice comforts me
Frances Ruffelle will always be the best Eponine in my eyes.
But how about ears?
R20set
You're right. That, too.I wasn't trying to encompass all the senses with my comment. lol XD
No one can do on my own as well as she did because no woman I have ever heard has a celestially angelic voice like hers
starwarzfan71 What about Lea Salonga
Love her!
was lucky enough to see orignal cast - Frances Rufelle stole the show - was absolutrly breathtaking! I knew one of the orchestra at the time - everyone concerned with the production were amazed by her - remember her part was nor supposed to be a major one. She stole the show!
I can't believe that people hate her lol
+Halsey “B” R Ya me too. Though I find that most who hate her are a younger generation that dont appreciate character in a voice. They like everything straight line and technically proficient, even if it ultimately comes off cold and emotionless. I dont get it but, hey, to each his own.
I don't understand how people could hate her i mean despite the song being kinda depressing her celestially angelic voice always calms me down
Bushviper I don’t know if I necessarily classify as the “younger generation” but I’m 18 and just graduated from high school and can say that I love the way she sang this and the way she portrayed Eponine. Regardless of of whether or not it’s “technically proficient” it’s great to listen to. It’s a shame I’ll never get to hear here sing this live though.
She’s so beautiful and tragic!
Frances Ruffelle is one of my broadway influences. She's one of those performers that I would totally want to emulate. I sometimes see myself being a lot like her vocally and emotionally. I love you Frances, I want to give you a hug. Whoever thinks Frances' voice is whiny and annoying is a stupid ignoramous.
love her voice, like colm wilkinson it is so original and unique!! and oh, the 80's hair!!
Ms. Ruffelle is my favorite Eponine. She's an iron butterfly and portrayed and sang the role wonderfully.
I saw her perform this when I was 16 years old many years ago. I remember the power of her voice plastering me back into my chair. It was stunning.
This is by far the best rendition of this piece and the definitive version of Eponine that no one else can ever match.
It just cuts through my heart, the way she pours her emotions in each song.
Best. Eponine. Ever. She literally became the role. Period!
I think that Lea Salonga's voice is better technically--and she did a kickass version of this in 1995--but I think Frances Ruffelle owns this role and earned her Tony for this. I haven't heard a more heartfelt rendition than this one (I'm including the original Broadway recording)
+Lloyd B frances ruffelle&on my own nobody can do that song as well as she did and its the same thing as colm wilkinson&bring him home nobody can do that song as well as he did
Lloyd B yeah your right frances ruffeles is cringy
@@amazinglittlekelly7044 she spanks lea's bum.
Fran is the best Eponine ever and I have been listening to Les Miz since 1986 #bye
Oh, the eighties of it all.
i love how vulnerable she seems while singing this song.
She was wonderful. So moving. Just perfect for the show.
My favorite song from my favorite musical,performed by the best,original Eponine!
The original and still the BEST!
Frances Ruffelle is my favorite Eponine too. I think she has a unique voice, which is nice because most female voices in opera sound very similar.
I loved Lea's Eponine ... until I heard this. This is giving me chills :O
She says she had a husky voice and a bunch of people think she's whiny, but I LOVE that quality in her voice! See, in the original book, it SAID Eponine had a husky voice. I really like how Frances managed to stay loyal to that discription and still sing beautifully!!
I just heard her voice for the first time about 3 days ago when I searched for the original Eponine. I've been listening to her about 5 times a day ever since.
I love her!
Her voice is so special!
Frances Ruffelle was 22 when she played Eponine in Les Miserables on Broadway. That is the perfect age to make your Broadway debut especially if you just graduated from college with a degree in theater.
Actually, I like Frances interpretation of Eponine. What I love about every Eponine (Lea, Samantha and Frances, specifically) is that each bring a totally different side of Eponine but they all fit with Hugo's character. It's weird but I like them quite a lot. Though my favorite has to be Samantha, I think Lea is vocally flawless and Frances is quite likeable.
Best Eponine 🎉
when I look up this song I see LS.. Frances Ruffelle is the only Eponine I have every liked.
This may not be Frances’ best performance that I have ever heard of, but she certainly has an amazing voice which moves me so much. I still think nobody else has ever sung just as touching as the way she sings “On My Own”.
The best singer for this.
@ilovemyidina she wasn't weak as a character at all. Only in this song did we find out her feelings. She was fabulous. I was lucky to see her and still remember it 25 years later.
i am a straight man that cries everytime i hear this song, how is this even possible?!?! lol :') . . SOOOOO BEAUTIFUL!!!!! i just want to hug that woman!!
Oh, for heavens sake! She originated the role in London and won the Tony for it in the US. Can't we just learn from many different performers? She obviously captured the hearts of audiences and critics alike. Sheesh, why can't I ignore the comment section on You Tube? It's like trying to not look at a car wreck, I guess.
What I love about how she pursues the character of Eponine is that she sounds so cute and stubborn :)
I love how 80's everything is =P
I love her so much :) !
Whatever you think about her voice, you gotta luv the big 80's hair.
thanks for this amazing video. Frances seems to be getting more beautiful at her 40's. 3 kids and all and still looks great. The best eponine. Lea is the best Kim.
FRANCES IS TOO ADORABLE.
I don't care what anyone says -- I really like her voice.
The way she sings and the sound of her voice is absolutely what draws me to her rendition over that of others. This isn't to say I dislike other vocalists, but hers just grabs me so much more powerfully.
She is lovely
I don't know why people don't like her. I think her voice is so unique and beautiful.
Susan Boyle did not bring me here. I've seen this video before and listen to this song on my iPod almost daily.
Oh, i love this musical.
Her voice is so....so....great.
Perfect
I just saw les mis in London and this was my favorite song. Ive been looking wicked hard for a version on youtube that sounds like the version i heard.
This is it.
I love it.
Saw her in DC at Kennedy Center around this time, fell in love with her.
She does have some rock star in her. Maybe thats why. An English Linda Ronstadt?
+David Viar I saw her in DC as well. I also fell in love with her.
Frances is hands down the best Eponine out of all of them... Her voice is beyond amazing!
She IS Eponine. The first one I saw on Broadway in London. She made me fall in love with theater. She is amazing.This is not her best performance, but if you listen to the CD... she owns it, or if you were lucky enough to see it live like me, you would know. The part was written for her.
Kacy Booth well said although I have to tell you Broadway is in New York not London... lol....
Never seen Frances before. Great performance. Lea Salonga's great too. I guess to each her own style (and voice of course). Man! Miss the Johnny Carson Show, too! But I digress. Thanks for the post :)
I heard her version on another video - I’ve been digging for who it was bc I love her distinct style - reminds me of Kate bush a little bit
I love the "Without me!" 3:54
I think she is fantastic and this (her original portrayal) should be lauded and respected. Eponine is a waify kid, strong but still delicate--Frances perfectly captures it. Every performer has the right to create a character in her own way, and she was the first for this one. This was also a 'concert' type of performance, not staged, so it's a tricky line between acting while interpreting a piece and just belting it out. Bravo! The emotion she infuses into the song is amazing!
And she won a Tony for her performance in Les Miserables.
I do love her as well . I mean there is a lot of other eponine that i like but the original is always the best; she created the role , an eponine for a fantatic music muical. I wish I had been there at that time to see her on stage, to see the original cast. Her voice is so powerfull!
Oh boy she has great talent! I wish I could do something like that! But don't we all wish we had her voice? XD Yeeshkabob she is amazing!
for me, certain actors own their roles. Frances is EXACTLY how I pictured Eponine to look and sound in the book, so she is my favorite Eponine. Same thing with Colm Wilkinson and Jean Valjean. I wish the people who don't like her singing voice would piss off and allow people who DO like her to listen and enjoy.
I really can't ever get into other singer's versions of this song. They just don't have what she has.
Frances Ruffelle's version has feeling. Salonga drowns in indulging the power of her voice, robbing the song of its ethereal beauty.
Eponine is described in the book as small with a "drunken" kind of voice so Frances Ruffele is perfect. When I first heard the OBC soundtrack, I thought her voice was awful...but she really grows on you...there's a weird deep emotion to it.
@wonderjosh11 Eponine is an immature teenager whining...plus if you read the book, eponine is a heavy drinker, so her vocal roughness fits the character perfectly. Lea salogna sounds too sweet
I have heard many renditions of this song, but do not remember ever hearing it the way you describe. That moment is such a pivotal point in the song... I can't imagine that it would be nearly as effective that way.
I would give almost anything to see Frances perform this on stage in '85 or '86, there would be nothing like it.
thank God she did!
I agree! Lea really owns this song.
She is the best Éponine when she sings this song. The voice and acting are just right.
I can see what you're saying if this is the only time you've heard her sing it. But on the original London soundtrack, she was so amazing that she even blew the incredibly talented Lea clear out of the water.
Absolutely wonderful performance.
This song is so beautiful!
Well, being one to actually remember when this hit the airwaves and theatre...Francis will always be Eponine to me.
That's exactly what I want to say, thank you! Completely agreed.
BRAVO! BRAVO!
It's not a difference of quality, but of musicality. Frances gives it a more gritty desperation, while Lea has a more pure childlike sound. It's what make their performances different but equally important to the role.