Alfie Boe Ramin Karimloo Jonathan Williams John Owen-Jones Killian Donnelly Chris Jacobsen David Shannon Colm Wilkinson Drew Sarich Simon Shorten Simon Bowman Stig Rossen xD But I could listen to my top 8 over and over again.
1.Ramin is my favourite! (yes yes and one of my favourite actors) Seen him live and he totally had me in tears everytime! 2.Killian! (Still cant belive he did that as a swing! I hope he will be back for a run as JVJ someday)! 3.Alfie Boe 4.Colm (is and always will be a favourite) 5.Christopher Jacobsen (an amazing understudy!!!!!!) I have also seen Stig Rossen live and I really liked him, also Jonathan. David Shannon I'll see in may :D (his voice didnt sound like it was at its best here)
Favorites in order: 1. Ramin 2. Killian 3. Colm 4. JOJ 5. Jonathan To me, Simon B., Alfie, and David S. really have better voice types for Javert or the Bishop, and Simon S., Drew and Chris sounded too young for this part. I think they would have been better as Marius or Enjolras.
my top 3... 1. Colm Wilkonson 2. John Owen Jones 3. Ramin Karimloo Two and three are actually tied...amazing! But I got spoiled on the original cast thanks to my brother-in-law so it was no contest that Colm was first...also Jonathan Williams was brilliant as well
I just love to see that in practically every list Ramon is on it. By far he is my favorite because he is not only a great singer but also a tremendous actor.
Favourites Alfie and Ramin and JOJ by FAR :) impressed by Jonathan though...Didn't know Killian did it though...David Shannon sounds OK - he's coming back...
Hmm hard one. Ramin is good as is Colm but I think Alfie is the best. His voice is so tender, strong and deep. Exactly what you need for a Jean Valjean :D
Listening to all these realized that some JVJs put the lyrics, the sense of the words, first. Others use the words to push the music and voice. I happen to think that in musicals the story should come first, so: Alfie (by far), Jonathan, Killian and Drew. If you want just the voice, it's Alfie, John, and a 3-way tie bw Jonathan, Killian and Ramin. Guess that leaves Alfie at the top, and a tie bw Jonathan and Killian. Interesting that two u/s are so damn good. (Colm's in his own class.)
it's really hard to compare colm to anyone since he did make valjean what it is, he had no one to base his performance on as it was him who gave the producers the idea to make it a tenor part before colm auditioned it was for a baritone and most people here have had over 25 years worth of performances to base theirs on, colm was the original
For about 2 seconds, I didn't recognize the image for Alfie Boe. I'm so used to the facial hair! I guess most people will be surprised by Killian since we're used to have his voice a bit... shrilly and vibrato. In this recording, he comes out whole and strong.
I'm used to Colm's version, I didn't realize that the others didn't hold that last note for so long! But yeah, he's the only one that could ever really be Valjean for me. Also, Ramin sounds like he's having difficulties in this recording! Never actually seen him as Valjean, but I know he's fantastic as Phantom!
Okay, I based on a scale of 1 to 10, the top 4 for me were Alfie and JOJ, both with perfect 10's and Ramin and Killian, both with 9's. I think I like Alfie so much because he was the first JvJ I ever saw. JOJ is just amazing. I love Ramin, but he's definitely not my favorite JvJ. Killian did an excellent job for being an emergency cover. I think he could go back to Les Mis and play JvJ all the time.
Am I the only person who really does not like Alfie Boe? I mean, in an opera, he would be Heaven, but his voice is way too clean for the part - I think Jean Valjean needs some grit and pain in his voice. Alfie might actually be my least favorite person in this video...
I know you posted this years ago, so my apologies for responding so late. I just wanted to say that I sadly agree with you. I recently saw Alfie and Michael Ball perform in NYC and I absolutely love the man, but I feel like he doesn't do any kind of interpretation of ValJean. he just sings technically well, which hurts the portrayal of the character if that makes sense. He may technically have the best voice out of all of them, but I feel more listening to every other JVJ. And again, I happen to be a very big fan of his, I just don't get any acting coming through in his voice.
Bink Hinkle I agree. In terms of ability, he’s a better singer than anyone who’s ever played the role. But his clean operatic tenor is really distracting when you’re trying to get lost in the story. It’s also why I don’t care for his Queen covers.
This is 10th anniversary Colm, right? He sounds better in the 1985 recording. Understudies kick butt. Ramin is always the fury, JOJ is the refined class.
I hated all of them except for JOJ and Colm. Except I hated how Colm enunciated his words in this recording so he doesn't count. But he and JOJ were the only ones I thought that didn't do it over the top, and who didn't sound like they were straining with the top notes.
some of my favourites (no particular order)
Colm Wilkinson
Ramin Karimloo
killian Donnelly
John Owen Jones
Jonathan Williams
1. Jonathan Williams
2. Ramin Karimloo
3. Killian Donnelly
4. Alfie Boe
5. John Owen Jones
Anyone who doesn't include Colm in at least the their top five should never be allowed to listen to this musical again :)
Alfie Boe
Ramin Karimloo
Jonathan Williams
John Owen-Jones
Killian Donnelly
Chris Jacobsen
David Shannon
Colm Wilkinson
Drew Sarich
Simon Shorten
Simon Bowman
Stig Rossen
xD But I could listen to my top 8 over and over again.
Jonathan Williams is by far my favourite, with JOJ as a close second
1.Ramin is my favourite! (yes yes and one of my favourite actors) Seen him live and he totally had me in tears everytime! 2.Killian! (Still cant belive he did that as a swing! I hope he will be back for a run as JVJ someday)! 3.Alfie Boe
4.Colm (is and always will be a favourite) 5.Christopher Jacobsen (an amazing understudy!!!!!!)
I have also seen Stig Rossen live and I really liked him, also Jonathan. David Shannon I'll see in may :D (his voice didnt sound like it was at its best here)
JOJ, Killian, Ramin! But they're all amazing!
Ramin does it for me! I saw him yesterday, he has improved SO much since this recording! He was perfect!
Favorites in order: 1. Ramin 2. Killian 3. Colm 4. JOJ 5. Jonathan
To me, Simon B., Alfie, and David S. really have better voice types for Javert or the Bishop, and Simon S., Drew and Chris sounded too young for this part. I think they would have been better as Marius or Enjolras.
my top 3...
1. Colm Wilkonson
2. John Owen Jones
3. Ramin Karimloo
Two and three are actually tied...amazing! But I got spoiled on the original cast thanks to my brother-in-law so it was no contest that Colm was first...also Jonathan Williams was brilliant as well
Omg, Killian!
I just love to see that in practically every list Ramon is on it. By far he is my favorite because he is not only a great singer but also a tremendous actor.
From a few clips, personally, I think he makes a better valjean than phantom. But I much prefer alfie
Holy shit, Killian should be the next Valjean! I love Ramin too but then again I always do :D Colm, Alfie and JOJ = legends!
alfie will always be the best jean valjean by far in my opinion!!!!
John, Ramin, Colm, Killian!
1. Colm Wilkinson
2. Ramin Karimloo
3. Alfie Boe
i like ramin, alfie, simon b, killian (dang), of course colm (the original), JOJ (good phantom too),
Favourites Alfie and Ramin and JOJ by FAR :) impressed by Jonathan though...Didn't know Killian did it though...David Shannon sounds OK - he's coming back...
ramin, jonathen, killian and john owen jones jesus christ!
Alfie, Ramin, Killian, John and Jonathan are my favorites, in that order.
Very Cool!
Hmm hard one. Ramin is good as is Colm but I think Alfie is the best. His voice is so tender, strong and deep. Exactly what you need for a Jean Valjean :D
IMHO, they were all good! I guess I am sentimental-there is nothing like the original.
Listening to all these realized that some JVJs put the lyrics, the sense of the words, first. Others use the words to push the music and voice. I happen to think that in musicals the story should come first, so: Alfie (by far), Jonathan, Killian and Drew.
If you want just the voice, it's Alfie, John, and a 3-way tie bw Jonathan, Killian and Ramin. Guess that leaves Alfie at the top, and a tie bw Jonathan and Killian. Interesting that two u/s are so damn good. (Colm's in his own class.)
david shannon. you can feel that voice a bit. many of the others seem too practiced and quaint considering the story
@LOVxxE Saw him in feb, and he is SOOOO GOOD now! I do hope he will be back at a later time and do a full run..
My favorites in order: Alfie, Killian, JOJ, Ramin, Jonathan. They all sounded great, though!
Film and colm ever!
Drew Sarich is seriously overlooked. He's gotta be my favourite.
my favorites are colm Wilkinson alfie boe john owen jones and ramin karimloo
it's really hard to compare colm to anyone since he did make valjean what it is, he had no one to base his performance on as it was him who gave the producers the idea to make it a tenor part before colm auditioned it was for a baritone and most people here have had over 25 years worth of performances to base theirs on, colm was the original
Christopher Jacobsen still my favorite
Colm. Always.
But I appreciate Owen-Jones too.
For about 2 seconds, I didn't recognize the image for Alfie Boe. I'm so used to the facial hair! I guess most people will be surprised by Killian since we're used to have his voice a bit... shrilly and vibrato. In this recording, he comes out whole and strong.
Ramin Colm and Alfie hands down
I'm used to Colm's version, I didn't realize that the others didn't hold that last note for so long! But yeah, he's the only one that could ever really be Valjean for me. Also, Ramin sounds like he's having difficulties in this recording! Never actually seen him as Valjean, but I know he's fantastic as Phantom!
My top 3 in order are Alfie, Ramin and John
There's no besting the great Colm Wilkinson, but Ramin and Alfie both came really damn close :)
JOJ and Colm ever~~
Ramin and Alfie of course
Ramin y alfie are the best jean valjean ;)
Alfie and Colm!
@Evviex Alfie is the best, beyond doubts!
Ramin, Colm
Okay, I based on a scale of 1 to 10, the top 4 for me were Alfie and JOJ, both with perfect 10's and Ramin and Killian, both with 9's. I think I like Alfie so much because he was the first JvJ I ever saw. JOJ is just amazing. I love Ramin, but he's definitely not my favorite JvJ. Killian did an excellent job for being an emergency cover. I think he could go back to Les Mis and play JvJ all the time.
I was the most disappointed by Ramin's. o.o"
Am I the only person who really does not like Alfie Boe? I mean, in an opera, he would be Heaven, but his voice is way too clean for the part - I think Jean Valjean needs some grit and pain in his voice. Alfie might actually be my least favorite person in this video...
I know you posted this years ago, so my apologies for responding so late. I just wanted to say that I sadly agree with you. I recently saw Alfie and Michael Ball perform in NYC and I absolutely love the man, but I feel like he doesn't do any kind of interpretation of ValJean. he just sings technically well, which hurts the portrayal of the character if that makes sense. He may technically have the best voice out of all of them, but I feel more listening to every other JVJ. And again, I happen to be a very big fan of his, I just don't get any acting coming through in his voice.
Bink Hinkle I agree. In terms of ability, he’s a better singer than anyone who’s ever played the role. But his clean operatic tenor is really distracting when you’re trying to get lost in the story. It’s also why I don’t care for his Queen covers.
JOJ and Ramin
This is 10th anniversary Colm, right? He sounds better in the 1985 recording. Understudies kick butt. Ramin is always the fury, JOJ is the refined class.
Has Chris Jacobsen hit puberty? He sounds like a 10 year old singing!
Alfie Boe with John Owen Jones tied with Colm.
1.- alfie BOE
Alfie boe all day
Colm is great, too.
1,- alfie BOE 2.- ramin karinloo
I hated all of them except for JOJ and Colm. Except I hated how Colm enunciated his words in this recording so he doesn't count. But he and JOJ were the only ones I thought that didn't do it over the top, and who didn't sound like they were straining with the top notes.
is there anything ramin can't do?!
Killian Donelly is brilliant.
Shannon has has better performances
If Drew Sarich didn't sound soooo american he'd be great!
Well, live is always better.
JOJ!!! Never likes Alfie Boe and Colm's diction just annoys me.
Drew Sarich.....i didn't realise valjean was gay