I agree, the sadness and her face just haunts me... this would be hard to watch if Eponine was my sister... but as Frances I marvel and I'm entertained...
i prefer Frances's Eponine to Lea's. Frances's voice is not necessarily the technical "standard", but it's more unique and sonically interesting in my opinion.
Just like how people who have just discovered Wicked don't exactly like Idina Menzel's voice, some people don't like Frances Rufelle's voice. I think she is absolutely amazing and she is the original Eponine. She will always be great no matter what.
Why are people acting like you can only like one Eponine and that all the rest are awful? Ruffelle has a unique voice which allows her to sing this song outstandingly without the need to belt. Lea Salonga can sing it easily and emotively. Carrie Hope Fletcher's acting is some of the best I've seen in this song and her "I have never known" sends chills through me. Samantha Barks doesn't own this song completely like the others I've listed, but her version of A Little Fall Of Rain is the best I've seen. Danielle Hope needs to be seen live to feel her performance properly. No Ep is perfect because her character has been changed ridiculously from the novel. All of the interpretations I've seen reflect different aspects of brick!Ep.
Wait a minute, brick!EP? In trying to figure out what you meant by brick!EP, it came to me that the novel is so large and thick, it can be thought of as a brick, hence the Eponine from the novel being referred to as brickEp. I like it, it's cute and funny. Is that a term people use?
She def uses her belt… maybe a strong mix…. Wait. I just listened to it… she does belt mostly at the end.. but wow she has such a strong head voice mix wow
All Eponines so far have been extraordinary. Some are even more powerful than Frances. BUT Frances is indeed that lost kid who seeks for love and gets nothing but rejection. You can almost hear it in her voice. She's rather sad than angry. That's why she's my favorite.
I think more modern fans of musicals have a hard time accepting this sound and style because their ears have been tempered by the more modern sound that b way developed in the late 80s and 90s. A more pop sound, more about singing bravado and less about the emotion of the words. She takes her time and at her own tempo many times, and that's something not a lot of modern singers do much more.
People now don't appreciate anything with character, it all has to be as you say, a conventional idea of talent that has absolutely nothing to do with bringing to life a role.
How so many people can dislike an actress who so clearly and vividly embodies this character is entirely beyond me. I've loved most Eponines, but none will ever beat the first in my mind.
I like Frances Rufelle's version because her Eponine doesn't sound refined. Aware of her lowly situation, feeling the unfairness of life, coveting those above her class, Rufelle displays powerlessness and innocence combined.
@@doeweeyah1236 lol, she originated the role, and the song was literally tailored to her voice. Lea did the role 8 years later in 1993. Love Lea too, but to say Frances is "trying to emulate Lea" makes no sense, as she sang it first.
I feel the same. I love Lea’s voice and all but Frances feels more the character from the story. The more I grow older the more I appreciate her performance. It does help that she’s part of the original london cast which I feel is extremely underrated, there were the ones who made Les Miserables with all its changes and polishing before it becomes the musical it is today
My favorite Eponine not because the others aren't good singers (which they are), but it is her QUALITY of voice which embodies Eponine - the tone, roundness, phrasing etc. - such a perfect, quintessential Eponine!! The Best.
Frances is the best Eponine. Her performance is filled with longing and warmth, and it's heartbreaking. Lea is amazing, too. She sounds less like a dreamer, more like a strong girl who knows that her dreams will never come true. But Frances' voice is just magical.
why do lea fans go on other eponines performances and be so negative? its not nice at all. same on miss saigon. if it wasn't for the original cast of les mis who totally smashed it you would not even be comparing lea as frances the first eponine 💗
because Lea's fans are fanatics. I'm a pinoy but i'm sometimes ashamed of these fanatic pinoys that are so insecure that they only want a pinoy to be the best. To think, I'm a Lea fan but sadly to say, she is an overrated artist. She sings good, pitch-perfect, angelic voice, but sometimes she doesn't have conviction when she sings. you have to watch her facial expressions to feel the song but listening to her closing your eyes, the emotion is sometimes not there.
Their fanatics man. If I’m right this happens a lot in kpop too I’m not a kpop fan so. Now not only that filipino people in general can be quite toxic people online not to say her all filipino fans are toxic but some people are.
Every time I watch this I just cry...all other such as Sam and Lea (Salonga) ARE AMAZING but Frances has this innocence to this character that makes me bawl she really shows the true pain of Eponine Not that Sam And Lea didn't but I feel a lot more from her Not hating I just love this girl
She was the only one who was cast for the original Broadway Soundtrack, original Broadway version of Les Miserables as Eponine. They change the entire song to her octave of singing. Fact.
When I think of Les Miserables think of Frances because she isn't just the character, she IS THE CHARACTER. Her voice suits Eponine so well knowing that Eponine is a thenadier. Frances also brings so much emotion in the song although she's not really belting it out. don't you notice that? she makes the song simple and easy. when i hear Lea's or Sam's rendition i don't feel Eponine. Frances will and always will be THE Eponine.
2:30, thats a belt, if the video didn t cut out at the end, she was belting there too. Her belts are straonger on the London cast recording nd the Broadway recording. I think Frances can belt
Hmm..not for me. Lea's version placed the character Eponine on the map. In fact I never heard of Frances until I've watched the performance of Les Miserables 10th anniversary concert Dream Cast and researched on who were the original cast members.
Faith Laurel Well this isn't the book, its a musical. There's the difference. The point is they evoke the emotions of the song (since the only way they can communicate is through song). For me personally I prefer Lea's rendition. Period. I'm not saying "Agree with me or else!", you are not required to agree with me, I just hope you won't force those who disagree with you to agree. Its simply my opinion.
Karen Santos Of course it isn't the book, but the music IS BASED on the book. without it the musical would not exist. and all of the characters are based off the book, so in that sense they should at least be similar to the story
'Most of the people know Les Miz through the 10th Anniversary concert. They think the "polished" version is the correct way of singing of "On My Own", and anybody who isn't belting the song is singing it incorrectly. ' I admit I was one of those people at first but reading the book and looking at the history of the casting I realized that this is what she's supposed to sound like.
For what it's worth, I love both performances. Salonga's voice is the strongest, but there's a unique quality to Rufelle's version that for me brings a greater connection to the character. Salonga's is a stage performance, Rufelle's brings a greater intimacy. As for those who compare Eponine in the musical to the book, I think you need a reality check. This is an interpretation of the book, not a translation. It is of course subjective anyway, and I'm happy to enjoy and admire both.
Frances Rufelle's acting of this piece is the best i've seen. It's not conventional, but she captivates you for the entire performance. She's not singing 'On My Own: The Famous Song From Les Mis'... she is in the character, in the scene, singing the lyrics in character. And by the way... when they transferred this to B'Way Frances won a Tony Award for her performance.
Damn straight. What I noticed also in EVERY DAMN REPLACEMENT except for Debbie Gibson is they sing with this affected over-pronunciation of all their consonants. Frances just sings everything normally and not even overly British and she back-phrases and makes the entire thing her own. She compliments what they've written. It's never what's on the page. That's a true artist: bringing to life the emotion of the piece, not merely showing off. The acting is so subtle. She's just lost in the piece.
Saw her in the original London cast of Les Miz during an overseas study with MSU. She is, and always will be, the original and best Eponine. Full stop.
I love this version, i think it reflects the character very well - FR's interpretation of the character. Lea Salonga's version perfectly reflects her own interpretation. I can't say who i think is better, but i can tell you that i think both are unique and beautiful.
This song was written for Ruffelle’s voice, therefore she will always sound the best singing it. She will always be THE Éponine, and I don’t think anybody can change that for me.
the first time I watched this I kind of hated it, but now I really enjoy her voice! She's different from more modern Eponines, but still absolutely lovely
Frances Ruffelle was the original broadways cast of Eponine. They literally altered the entire structure of that song to fit her voice, for the Broadway release of Les Miserables. She is and always will be the original Eponine. The one that I grew up listening to as a little girl at bedtime, the one I saw on Broadway. But that doesn’t take away, from the Eponine’s who came after her. She just is, an always will be the original. Fact
So there’s a few things I really like about this performance. First, which I already found this comment, but that she hit the belt note so hard, the tape broke. 😂 But the big thing I REALLY like, which has driven me crazy for years, is that this version is slowed down. She takes her time with the words so she can actually portray what she’s singing. Especially newer versions are so rushed, you can’t even take in the words before she’s on to the next line. Or, so rushed, you can’t even hear the words (unless you already know them). This is the showstopper. Idk why they rush it.
Frances Ruffelle, is first and forever, Eponine. She brings a venerability that is lacking with a many of the newer actresses. They rush through it and sing it by rote. She will always be the best!
I'll give credit to Ms Frances for being the first Eponine, I will shed off my bias and listen to her sing as if it's the opening night, when she owned the stage alone, hers alone, without all the Eponines she is being compared to, who are still yet to come, I would have cried for her misery, for her distinct voice adds to the wretchedness of the character, I would have stood in ovation for her because of the emotions she have given for a love that never was hers, enough to move me to tears.
Her voice is so strong yet vulnerable; it has the perfect raspy quality. Her acting is immaculate, she honestly has one of the best portrayals of Eponine. You can just feel her pain, unlike so many modern Eponines. There will never be anyone that plays Eponine as she does, she's just heartbreaking. That said, i don't mind the belty versions of this song if they're done well. The problem is that often they're not, or if they are, the actress doesn't act it well enough ( cough*Chasten*cough).
When it comes to Eponine, there are 3 performers that I like. Frances Ruffelle, Lea Salonga and Samantha Barks. All 3 portrayed the character differently, but they portrayed them well. When Frances sings, I pity Eponine, When Samantha sings, I want to comfort Eponine. And when Lea sings I want Marius to choose Eponine over Cosette. I chill whenever I hear her voice. All 3 of them appeal to my emotion. They make me imagine things. I can put myself on Eponine's shoes when I watch them perform.
Ohhh yes this is fantastic, her vulnerability is unbelievable in this track, been listening to the original recording for years had to come here to see her break it off live.
No one beats Frances in depth of emotion and expression. Someone else's technique may be better in terms of music theory, but you need emotion to give it life.
I can understand why many people might not like her. But i think people should understand, everyone of them, Lea, Samantha, Frances etc all portrayed a different Eponine each with their own unique characteristics. I first listened to Lea and Samantha's version and ive recently discovered Frances and i really think her portrayal of Eponine is very different and i love it!
Everyone who plays Eponine or even watches people play Eponine has a different iterpretation of how Eponine should be, but its better to just watch with an open mind as if each performance is completely unrelated and just appreciate that they are all good, thats why they were cast!!
I saw her in late 1986 at the Kennedy Center before Les Miz went to Broadway. This version 11 years later with her more mature voice is much more touching.
Frances has this pop star kind of skill that reminds me of Mariah Carey. She can exude the innocent charm of a small, fragile child in her tone and her facial expressions when she sings, and she knows exactly what she's doing. And it works.
love frances she got it right with this song. this is eponine's moment to break her tough girl facade and show vulnerability. frances voice is 80's pop and lea's voice is modern honestly that's why ppl perfer lea
I love Lea Salonga's singing and acting skills but Frances plays this best in my opinion. I can really visualize the character as her. And lovely voice. So from the streets. Love it!!!
@Capricaquarius89 Agreed. Theater is not American Idol. I think she was perfectly cast for this part. She completely captures the unrefined street urchin, raised by trashy parents, but with a heart of gold.
I really like Frances Ruffelle's Eponine. Vocally, she's not the best, but her voice really captures the character. It's odd, it's a little rough and whiny, but it suits Eponine. And she is absolutely charming on stage.
Originally, I think Lea (well only for the version of On My Own) was the best but when I saw Frances' version, she is now my fave. Frances' A Little Fall of Rain version is the best. Frances is the musical Eponine *NOTHING FOLLOWS*
@hole1991 - yes you are right, the only difference is back then, (and I am old enough to remember this) young people during the 70's and in the 80's were actually aspiring and trained first to sing in a broadway musical technic. Lea and Ruthie were both born and raised during those time era. Pop music had not really been established much til the late 80s. So Lea and Ruth grew up learning the broadway technic, The pop singing was almost like a way for them to do on the side to reach more audienc
@KateBushDepot I agree. when I listen to Frances sing "On My Own", I am far more affected emotionally than when Lea sings it. In Frances' version, she sounds so heartbroken, lonely, and passionate, and you can actually hear her emotions. And I think that, in part, that's from the sultry sound of her voice, not whiny sound. Lea is an amazing singer, but I definitely prefer Frances' Eponine. :)
if you would look at the music style of 70's and 80's it is very different from today espeically when it came for musicals. The development of good tone,breathing and singing properly was valued very high as oppose to today. Even movies like "Fame" " Rocky Horror Picture show" celebrated those ideals.
I'm going as eponine for halloween. I love frances. Not cus shes original because I genrally dont like original casts but I love her. I used to loathe her(i feel a song comin on.thumbs up if U agree)but now she is probably my favourite with or ahead of miss Salonga
@enagtiney Err... actually it is Frances who was chosen to sing Eponine in the Dream Cast but she declined. That is why Lea got the role instead. I know that a lot of Lea fans are annoyed by Frances' singing but this is how Eponine's part was originally intended to be sung. Eponines back in the day (e.g. Linzi Hately, Natalie Toro, Silvie Paladino, Jayne Draper, Kaho Shimada etc.) sang all the songs in this key.
She already sounds a lot different here than she did in 1985. It's not a as pure and clear a sound, but I think the more nasal performance in the 1980s actually better suits Eponine.
I'm not a Lea fan, but after that performance at the 10th anniversary before this, others past and future eponine seems try to copy her style, that shows how great impact she did there at the 10th anniversary
this is the 80's version...original, but everytime i search other renditions it is always based on lea salonga's version. I guess lea's eponine were more fierce, strong , brave and yet coward young lady when it comes to love....that anyone can sympathized with.
In my opinion, you can't compare Frances, Sam, and Lea to each other. Each are super duper talented, and the role fits them, and their versions of this song are each in their own way flawless. I grew up with my Grandma and mother listening to the original London cast, so I was born into the idea that she is the PERFECT Eponine. As my interest in Les Mis became bigger, I figured I would prefer her over any other singer, but to be perfectly honest, Sam is honestly my favorite. She connects to me..
After seeing Les Miz on Broadway circa 1997, I went straight out and bought the "Original Broadway Cast Recording," which obviously included Frances as Eponine. I don't remember who played that role the night I was there, but I was immediately captivated by that role, and all these years later Frances epitomizes the role for me. I wish the tape you got this from didn't mess up during the crescendo near the end, but I have absolutely no complaints. Thank you for this, KBD!
To all saying that she portrayed the book's Eponine, you're definitely wrong. She was not a weak (and seductive) girl. Many of course would choose the original and a more weak and vulnerable Eponine because they are all expecting a pathetic Eponine where they can sympathize on. But there is more to the character. She's a strong, independent woman but at the same, hopeless for the love of Marcus. And for me, Lea was the first one who nailed it.
Asdf Ghjkl The portrayal of Eponine in the book is irrelevant to the musical, as all actors portraying her may have used the book as a guide but they ultimately used the musical as their reference. As for Lea Salonga...beautiful voice and she did nail it...but I think Frances Ruffelle got the pain of the character (acting) better than Salonga--which is the main element of this song;it's all about pain
Lloyd B i agree but for me, lea has more depth and story than the others who mainly focus on pain. Remember that this song is just a part of a story, not a stand alone one.
@aaprato It makes me laugh to read some people's comments saying Frances can't sing. Boublil and Schönberg used her vocals in the demo recordings of Miss Saigon, and she also sang in the Sydmonton Festival presentation of Lloyd Webber's partially completed Sunset Boulevard. Ironically people who knew so little are the ones who are very critical.
Frances is the first Eponine. Like Crawford as the Phantom. She deserves the credit. The character was developed around her. Likewise, Salonga was not bad at all
For me, there are different aspects of Eponine that I like in different actresses' portrayals. I really like Leas Version as well but Frances just hits the spot. Eponine isn't supposed to come across as a tragic character that people root for. Back in the day, everyone would have considered him crazy if he actually went for a poor, fairly ugly, unkept/dirty girl without proper manners, education or connections. She's often drunk and a criminal. Yes, we can share her misery but I don't understand how people realistically consider her the better option. And I think that Lea played her "too perfect" while Frances gave her just the right amount of "edge" and unpleasantness in her voice (which I mean in the best way possible)
I know everyone's going to be like "oh no she's mentioning glee" but honestly you should give Lea Michele's version a listen...she is also amazing at this song, having been in other broadway musicals such as spring awakening :)
ive heard ruffle's performance only on cd. this is my first time seeing her in stage performance. while everyone has their preferences, each person who played this role has a postive for it is the individual that makes the role unique. if everyone performed the role the same way it be dull, no?
@broadwaydream14 Fair enough, I uploaded this video for people who prefer Frances. But you know, it's not always a question of who is the better singer. Eponine's part is meant to be sung this way. As for her acting, no one can portray Eponine's vulnerability & sadness the way Frances does imho. It takes more than just amazing pipes and flawless technique to take a role and make it your own. If you still don't get it, listen to 'Send in the Clowns' by either Glynnis Johns or Judi Dench.
sam barks is ponine now, and did you see chaston harmon, cause i did too on nov 9 (my b-day, best present ever) i read the playbill and was jealous of chaston cause, she got to play my two dream roles, eponine and ti moune
I respect that everyone has their favorites. Frances Ruffelle will always be Eponine for me. Just. Amazing. Such sadness in her voice.
I agree, the sadness and her face just haunts me... this would be hard to watch if Eponine was my sister... but as Frances I marvel and I'm entertained...
Exactly I think frances ruffelle is and always will be the best eponine
She has the best emotions. But not the best technically.
i prefer Frances's Eponine to Lea's. Frances's voice is not necessarily the technical "standard", but it's more unique and sonically interesting in my opinion.
She sangs like trash tho, you can’t heart the rage in her voice she sound like a 8 years old girl ( she also has the skill of one lol
Just like how people who have just discovered Wicked don't exactly like Idina Menzel's voice, some people don't like Frances Rufelle's voice. I think she is absolutely amazing and she is the original Eponine. She will always be great no matter what.
Exactly and has the most innate emotion in her voice.
Isaac W The truth hurts eh? Lea Salonga has fans because she is the best.
She is def the best
That’s exactly how I was. I now love her, and can’t think of a better rendition.
I really like Frances Ruffelle, she is my favorite and the second best
Why are people acting like you can only like one Eponine and that all the rest are awful?
Ruffelle has a unique voice which allows her to sing this song outstandingly without the need to belt. Lea Salonga can sing it easily and emotively. Carrie Hope Fletcher's acting is some of the best I've seen in this song and her "I have never known" sends chills through me. Samantha Barks doesn't own this song completely like the others I've listed, but her version of A Little Fall Of Rain is the best I've seen. Danielle Hope needs to be seen live to feel her performance properly.
No Ep is perfect because her character has been changed ridiculously from the novel. All of the interpretations I've seen reflect different aspects of brick!Ep.
Wait a minute, brick!EP?
In trying to figure out what you meant by brick!EP, it came to me that the novel is so large and thick, it can be thought of as a brick, hence the Eponine from the novel being referred to as brickEp.
I like it, it's cute and funny. Is that a term people use?
@billny33 The Brick is a popular nickname for the novel
Yessss😩✋
Lea is awesome but sounds like a Disney Princess not a troubled young women.
She def uses her belt… maybe a strong mix….
Wait. I just listened to it… she does belt mostly at the end.. but wow she has such a strong head voice mix wow
All Eponines so far have been extraordinary. Some are even more powerful than Frances. BUT Frances is indeed that lost kid who seeks for love and gets nothing but rejection. You can almost hear it in her voice. She's rather sad than angry. That's why she's my favorite.
I think more modern fans of musicals have a hard time accepting this sound and style because their ears have been tempered by the more modern sound that b way developed in the late 80s and 90s. A more pop sound, more about singing bravado and less about the emotion of the words. She takes her time and at her own tempo many times, and that's something not a lot of modern singers do much more.
People now don't appreciate anything with character, it all has to be as you say, a conventional idea of talent that has absolutely nothing to do with bringing to life a role.
I agree fellow theater nerd.
I guess that's the best explanation
@ugly dog Just couldn't agree with you more.
So you’re saying Lea’s version has less emotion? Okay….
3:30 she nailed that note so hard she broke the video 😂
MC Wyman lol
Omg I was just about to put that in my comment! 🤣
I’ve never heard this version before, she’s so good!!
Do you know her daughter?
How so many people can dislike an actress who so clearly and vividly embodies this character is entirely beyond me. I've loved most Eponines, but none will ever beat the first in my mind.
Samantha and Lea are good, but after listening to this, Frances Ruffelle is THE Eponine to me. So full of emotions...
Lea is not good, she's great..subtle condescending..
I like Frances Rufelle's version because her Eponine doesn't sound refined. Aware of her lowly situation, feeling the unfairness of life, coveting those above her class, Rufelle displays powerlessness and innocence combined.
She sound like she's trying to emulate Lea, but still it is one of the best version
@@doeweeyah1236 lol, she originated the role, and the song was literally tailored to her voice. Lea did the role 8 years later in 1993. Love Lea too, but to say Frances is "trying to emulate Lea" makes no sense, as she sang it first.
I feel the same. I love Lea’s voice and all but Frances feels more the character from the story. The more I grow older the more I appreciate her performance. It does help that she’s part of the original london cast which I feel is extremely underrated, there were the ones who made Les Miserables with all its changes and polishing before it becomes the musical it is today
Thanks for posting this. Frances' original performance is still the best ever. She is so beautiful and her voice so unique.
My favorite Eponine not because the others aren't good singers (which they are), but it is her QUALITY of voice which embodies Eponine - the tone, roundness, phrasing etc. - such a perfect, quintessential Eponine!! The Best.
Still gives me chills. Just as powerful as when I first heard her on cassette in the Les Mis soundtrack in the early 90s. Love this lady.
Frances is the best Eponine. Her performance is filled with longing and warmth, and it's heartbreaking. Lea is amazing, too. She sounds less like a dreamer, more like a strong girl who knows that her dreams will never come true. But Frances' voice is just magical.
why do lea fans go on other eponines performances and be so negative? its not nice at all. same on miss saigon. if it wasn't for the original cast of les mis who totally smashed it you would not even be comparing lea as frances the first eponine 💗
because Lea's fans are fanatics. I'm a pinoy but i'm sometimes ashamed of these fanatic pinoys that are so insecure that they only want a pinoy to be the best. To think, I'm a Lea fan but sadly to say, she is an overrated artist. She sings good, pitch-perfect, angelic voice, but sometimes she doesn't have conviction when she sings. you have to watch her facial expressions to feel the song but listening to her closing your eyes, the emotion is sometimes not there.
Those are bandwagons they don't known anything about musical
Their fanatics man. If I’m right this happens a lot in kpop too I’m not a kpop fan so. Now not only that filipino people in general can be quite toxic people online not to say her all filipino fans are toxic but some people are.
@@DodongBibo go fuck yourself, her credits absolutely defy your shitty comment, tangina mo bobo ka go to hell!
@@doeweeyah1236 You certainly don’t know your grammar, idiot! Known your stupidity 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Every time I watch this I just cry...all other such as Sam and Lea (Salonga) ARE AMAZING but Frances has this innocence to this character that makes me bawl
she really shows the true pain of Eponine
Not that Sam And Lea didn't but I feel a lot more from her
Not hating I just love this girl
Les Miserables' French composers saw Eponine as being like a young Edith Piaf , and instructed Frances Ruffelle to play it that way.
ThefightingCelt exactly! They wanted Eponine to be like Piaf, like a street singer.
ciociosan which makes more sense for her character I think
She was the only one who was cast for the original Broadway Soundtrack, original Broadway version of Les Miserables as Eponine. They change the entire song to her octave of singing. Fact.
She is THE Eponine.
Exactly like saying Lea Salonga is THE Kim. Originals will always be the originals.
@@SuperS800 the original but not the Standard 🤭
Hell no LEA IS EPONINE
@@faftc-rcompany2800real
See, the difference between Frances and other Eponines is the fact that she actually moves me to tears.
When I think of Les Miserables think of Frances because she isn't just the character, she IS THE CHARACTER. Her voice suits Eponine so well knowing that Eponine is a thenadier. Frances also brings so much emotion in the song although she's not really belting it out. don't you notice that? she makes the song simple and easy. when i hear Lea's or Sam's rendition i don't feel Eponine. Frances will and always will be THE Eponine.
2:30, thats a belt, if the video didn t cut out at the end, she was belting there too. Her belts are straonger on the London cast recording nd the Broadway recording. I think Frances can belt
Hmm..not for me. Lea's version placed the character Eponine on the map. In fact I never heard of Frances until I've watched the performance of Les Miserables 10th anniversary concert Dream Cast and researched on who were the original cast members.
+Karen Santos in the book she was supposed to have a very winy coarse ugly voice, like she had drunk a lot..leas rendition is a little less her
Faith Laurel
Well this isn't the book, its a musical. There's the difference. The point is they evoke the emotions of the song (since the only way they can communicate is through song). For me personally I prefer Lea's rendition. Period. I'm not saying "Agree with me or else!", you are not required to agree with me, I just hope you won't force those who disagree with you to agree. Its simply my opinion.
Karen Santos Of course it isn't the book, but the music IS BASED on the book. without it the musical would not exist. and all of the characters are based off the book, so in that sense they should at least be similar to the story
Frances will ALWAYS be Eponine to me, she sings the song haunting and forlorn like it was meant to be sung.
It is utterly amazing how she feels every single note. Gotta love her.
'Most of the people know Les Miz through the 10th Anniversary concert. They think the "polished" version is the correct way of singing of "On My Own", and anybody who isn't belting the song is singing it incorrectly. ' I admit I was one of those people at first but reading the book and looking at the history of the casting I realized that this is what she's supposed to sound like.
For what it's worth, I love both performances. Salonga's voice is the strongest, but there's a unique quality to Rufelle's version that for me brings a greater connection to the character. Salonga's is a stage performance, Rufelle's brings a greater intimacy.
As for those who compare Eponine in the musical to the book, I think you need a reality check. This is an interpretation of the book, not a translation.
It is of course subjective anyway, and I'm happy to enjoy and admire both.
I'll never forget the first time I saw Frances sing this song - Barbican Theatre 1985. She is the original and best Eponine.
Frances Rufelle's acting of this piece is the best i've seen. It's not conventional, but she captivates you for the entire performance. She's not singing 'On My Own: The Famous Song From Les Mis'... she is in the character, in the scene, singing the lyrics in character. And by the way... when they transferred this to B'Way Frances won a Tony Award for her performance.
Damn straight. What I noticed also in EVERY DAMN REPLACEMENT except for Debbie Gibson is they sing with this affected over-pronunciation of all their consonants. Frances just sings everything normally and not even overly British and she back-phrases and makes the entire thing her own. She compliments what they've written. It's never what's on the page. That's a true artist: bringing to life the emotion of the piece, not merely showing off. The acting is so subtle. She's just lost in the piece.
Honesty In the moment. A brilliant light.
Now she is my FAVE.
Lea's and Sam's were good vocally but Frances's voice has an innocence and sweetness that fits the role perfectly while everyone else belts it out
Even though I really really love Lea Salonga as Eponine. No one can change the fact that Frances is the original Eponine! I love them both
This version makes me cry. Amazing!
People who dislike Ruffelle and prefer the others obviously didn't read the book...
Saw her in the original London cast of Les Miz during an overseas study with MSU. She is, and always will be, the original and best Eponine. Full stop.
My first and favorite Eponine. I think one is just partial to the artist you grew up listening to.
I love this version, i think it reflects the character very well - FR's interpretation of the character. Lea Salonga's version perfectly reflects her own interpretation. I can't say who i think is better, but i can tell you that i think both are unique and beautiful.
She is the voice of her!! No one is better and I love lea but the emotion and unique quality of her voice is what made us all fall in love!!
This song was written for Ruffelle’s voice, therefore she will always sound the best singing it. She will always be THE Éponine, and I don’t think anybody can change that for me.
the first time I watched this I kind of hated it, but now I really enjoy her voice! She's different from more modern Eponines, but still absolutely lovely
Frances Ruffelle was the original broadways cast of Eponine. They literally altered the entire structure of that song to fit her voice, for the Broadway release of Les Miserables. She is and always will be the original Eponine. The one that I grew up listening to as a little girl at bedtime, the one I saw on Broadway. But that doesn’t take away, from the Eponine’s who came after her. She just is, an always will be the original. Fact
Frances is THE AND THAT Eponine to me. Soft, tender, and a lady.
So there’s a few things I really like about this performance. First, which I already found this comment, but that she hit the belt note so hard, the tape broke. 😂
But the big thing I REALLY like, which has driven me crazy for years, is that this version is slowed down. She takes her time with the words so she can actually portray what she’s singing. Especially newer versions are so rushed, you can’t even take in the words before she’s on to the next line. Or, so rushed, you can’t even hear the words (unless you already know them). This is the showstopper. Idk why they rush it.
Frances Ruffelle, is first and forever, Eponine. She brings a venerability that is lacking with a many of the newer actresses. They rush through it and sing it by rote. She will always be the best!
For someone who read the Les Mis book long time ago, she had the exact Eponine character and emotions.
Frances Ruffelle and Samantha Barks are both amazing Eponines
I'll give credit to Ms Frances for being the first Eponine, I will shed off my bias and listen to her sing as if it's the opening night, when she owned the stage alone, hers alone, without all the Eponines she is being compared to, who are still yet to come, I would have cried for her misery, for her distinct voice adds to the wretchedness of the character, I would have stood in ovation for her because of the emotions she have given for a love that never was hers, enough to move me to tears.
Her voice is so strong yet vulnerable; it has the perfect raspy quality. Her acting is immaculate, she honestly has one of the best portrayals of Eponine. You can just feel her pain, unlike so many modern Eponines. There will never be anyone that plays Eponine as she does, she's just heartbreaking. That said, i don't mind the belty versions of this song if they're done well. The problem is that often they're not, or if they are, the actress doesn't act it well enough ( cough*Chasten*cough).
Awesome. I grew up listening to the original London cast so to see any video clips of them sings the songs is awesome! Thank you.
Now this is Eponine.
Lea sang well too. But this Frances is like Eponine in the flesh.
When it comes to Eponine, there are 3 performers that I like. Frances Ruffelle, Lea Salonga and Samantha Barks. All 3 portrayed the character differently, but they portrayed them well. When Frances sings, I pity Eponine, When Samantha sings, I want to comfort Eponine. And when Lea sings I want Marius to choose Eponine over Cosette. I chill whenever I hear her voice. All 3 of them appeal to my emotion. They make me imagine things. I can put myself on Eponine's shoes when I watch them perform.
Ohhh yes this is fantastic, her vulnerability is unbelievable in this track, been listening to the original recording for years had to come here to see her break it off live.
No one beats Frances in depth of emotion and expression.
Someone else's technique may be better in terms of music theory, but you need emotion to give it life.
I can understand why many people might not like her. But i think people should understand, everyone of them, Lea, Samantha, Frances etc all portrayed a different Eponine each with their own unique characteristics. I first listened to Lea and Samantha's version and ive recently discovered Frances and i really think her portrayal of Eponine is very different and i love it!
I like the sensitivity that Frances brings. Lea doesn't show the sadness that Eponine feels.
Everyone who plays Eponine or even watches people play Eponine has a different iterpretation of how Eponine should be, but its better to just watch with an open mind as if each performance is completely unrelated and just appreciate that they are all good, thats why they were cast!!
I saw her in late 1986 at the Kennedy Center before Les Miz went to Broadway. This version 11 years later with her more mature voice is much more touching.
I do not know. I also saw her at the Kennedy Center. I was brought to tears with her performance then and continue to be now.
Frances Ruffelle is the original Eponine... I look up to this woman. She will always be my favorite Eponine, then Samantha Barks.
I wish I could sing like Frances Ruffelle
Frances has this pop star kind of skill that reminds me of Mariah Carey. She can exude the innocent charm of a small, fragile child in her tone and her facial expressions when she sings, and she knows exactly what she's doing. And it works.
love frances
she got it right with this song. this is eponine's moment to break her tough girl facade and show vulnerability. frances voice is 80's pop and lea's voice is modern honestly that's why ppl perfer lea
Frances Ruffelle was the original and won the Tony for Eponine. You can subjectively like the others better, but objectively she is more accomplished.
Beautiful ♥️
Frances Rufelle's voice is unique. I can recognize her voice immediately even though she sings together with hundreds of sopranos.
I love Lea Salonga's singing and acting skills but Frances plays this best in my opinion. I can really visualize the character as her. And lovely voice. So from the streets. Love it!!!
@Capricaquarius89 Agreed. Theater is not American Idol. I think she was perfectly cast for this part. She completely captures the unrefined street urchin, raised by trashy parents, but with a heart of gold.
my favorite eponine ever
I really like Frances Ruffelle's Eponine. Vocally, she's not the best, but her voice really captures the character. It's odd, it's a little rough and whiny, but it suits Eponine. And she is absolutely charming on stage.
Originally, I think Lea (well only for the version of On My Own) was the best but when I saw Frances' version, she is now my fave. Frances' A Little Fall of Rain version is the best.
Frances is the musical Eponine
*NOTHING FOLLOWS*
PAUL just seen it. thanks for that xx
***** i'll check that! 😊😊
She's SO WONDERFUL......
Im love him! Is the eponine!!! Fantastic!!!
@hole1991 - yes you are right, the only difference is back then, (and I am old enough to remember this) young people during the 70's and in the 80's were actually aspiring and trained first to sing in a broadway musical technic. Lea and Ruthie were both born and raised during those time era. Pop music had not really been established much til the late 80s. So Lea and Ruth grew up learning the broadway technic, The pop singing was almost like a way for them to do on the side to reach more audienc
I've never been a huge fan of Frances' voice in this number, but she's beautiful and she's emotional, so I can't dislike her.
It's so cute. And innocent.
@KateBushDepot I agree. when I listen to Frances sing "On My Own", I am far more affected emotionally than when Lea sings it. In Frances' version, she sounds so heartbroken, lonely, and passionate, and you can actually hear her emotions. And I think that, in part, that's from the sultry sound of her voice, not whiny sound. Lea is an amazing singer, but I definitely prefer Frances' Eponine. :)
Thank you for uploading this, btw!
@KateBushDepot She is the original Eponine in London and Broadway. She's the first one to sing all the songs of Eponine.
I think she's an amazing singer... How the hell is she not here?
if you would look at the music style of 70's and 80's it is very different from today espeically when it came for musicals. The development of good tone,breathing and singing properly was valued very high as oppose to today. Even movies like "Fame" " Rocky Horror Picture show" celebrated those ideals.
I'm going as eponine for halloween. I love frances. Not cus shes original because I genrally dont like original casts but I love her. I used to loathe her(i feel a song comin on.thumbs up if U agree)but now she is probably my favourite with or ahead of miss Salonga
@enagtiney
Err... actually it is Frances who was chosen to sing Eponine in the Dream Cast but she declined. That is why Lea got the role instead. I know that a lot of Lea fans are annoyed by Frances' singing but this is how Eponine's part was originally intended to be sung. Eponines back in the day (e.g. Linzi Hately, Natalie Toro, Silvie Paladino, Jayne Draper, Kaho Shimada etc.) sang all the songs in this key.
She's so beautiful and sad...
She already sounds a lot different here than she did in 1985. It's not a as pure and clear a sound, but I think the more nasal performance in the 1980s actually better suits Eponine.
I'm not a Lea fan, but after that performance at the 10th anniversary before this, others past and future eponine seems try to copy her style, that shows how great impact she did there at the 10th anniversary
this is the 80's version...original, but everytime i search other renditions it is always based on lea salonga's version. I guess lea's eponine were more fierce, strong , brave and yet coward young lady when it comes to love....that anyone can sympathized with.
She is beautiful
Yes her cut is mesmerizing she completely defines it!
In my opinion, you can't compare Frances, Sam, and Lea to each other. Each are super duper talented, and the role fits them, and their versions of this song are each in their own way flawless. I grew up with my Grandma and mother listening to the original London cast, so I was born into the idea that she is the PERFECT Eponine. As my interest in Les Mis became bigger, I figured I would prefer her over any other singer, but to be perfectly honest, Sam is honestly my favorite. She connects to me..
After seeing Les Miz on Broadway circa 1997, I went straight out and bought the "Original Broadway Cast Recording," which obviously included Frances as Eponine. I don't remember who played that role the night I was there, but I was immediately captivated by that role, and all these years later Frances epitomizes the role for me. I wish the tape you got this from didn't mess up during the crescendo near the end, but I have absolutely no complaints. Thank you for this, KBD!
To all saying that she portrayed the book's Eponine, you're definitely wrong. She was not a weak (and seductive) girl. Many of course would choose the original and a more weak and vulnerable Eponine because they are all expecting a pathetic Eponine where they can sympathize on. But there is more to the character. She's a strong, independent woman but at the same, hopeless for the love of Marcus. And for me, Lea was the first one who nailed it.
Asdf Ghjkl The portrayal of Eponine in the book is irrelevant to the musical, as all actors portraying her may have used the book as a guide but they ultimately used the musical as their reference.
As for Lea Salonga...beautiful voice and she did nail it...but I think Frances Ruffelle got the pain of the character (acting) better than Salonga--which is the main element of this song;it's all about pain
Lloyd B i agree but for me, lea has more depth and story than the others who mainly focus on pain. Remember that this song is just a part of a story, not a stand alone one.
i really do agree with you. I like her voice and way of showing her emotions but I prefer lea's way of delivering Eponine's character.
With you Herman - all these arses comparing performances like they've seen them in real life.
@@lloydb4469otally agree, Eponine’s sadness, tortured soul and desperation fits Frances’s voice
You are the minstrel & I'm your guitar❤️
o my gosh this is sooooo good!!!!! she is like seriously the best eponine!!!!!
@aaprato
It makes me laugh to read some people's comments saying Frances can't sing. Boublil and Schönberg used her vocals in the demo recordings of Miss Saigon, and she also sang in the Sydmonton Festival presentation of Lloyd Webber's partially completed Sunset Boulevard. Ironically people who knew so little are the ones who are very critical.
Frances is the first Eponine. Like Crawford as the Phantom. She deserves the credit. The character was developed around her. Likewise, Salonga was not bad at all
For me, there are different aspects of Eponine that I like in different actresses' portrayals. I really like Leas Version as well but Frances just hits the spot. Eponine isn't supposed to come across as a tragic character that people root for. Back in the day, everyone would have considered him crazy if he actually went for a poor, fairly ugly, unkept/dirty girl without proper manners, education or connections. She's often drunk and a criminal.
Yes, we can share her misery but I don't understand how people realistically consider her the better option. And I think that Lea played her "too perfect" while Frances gave her just the right amount of "edge" and unpleasantness in her voice (which I mean in the best way possible)
I know everyone's going to be like "oh no she's mentioning glee" but honestly you should give Lea Michele's version a listen...she is also amazing at this song, having been in other broadway musicals such as spring awakening :)
You are so vary right!
ive heard ruffle's performance only on cd. this is my first time seeing her in stage performance. while everyone has their preferences, each person who played this role has a postive for it is the individual that makes the role unique. if everyone performed the role the same way it be dull, no?
Magic
The best.
@broadwaydream14
Fair enough, I uploaded this video for people who prefer Frances. But you know, it's not always a question of who is the better singer. Eponine's part is meant to be sung this way. As for her acting, no one can portray Eponine's vulnerability & sadness the way Frances does imho. It takes more than just amazing pipes and flawless technique to take a role and make it your own. If you still don't get it, listen to 'Send in the Clowns' by either Glynnis Johns or Judi Dench.
i agree with the comment that says Frances portrayed Eponine as OBSESSED with Marius and not in love.
sam barks is ponine now, and did you see chaston harmon, cause i did too on nov 9 (my b-day, best present ever)
i read the playbill and was jealous of chaston cause, she got to play my two dream roles, eponine and ti moune