Part II of V

Inspector Javert: In my opinion, Javert is more crucial to the success of this musical than Valjean. You can't have a game of cat and mouse without a compelling cat; try imagining The Fugitive with Keanu Reeves in Tommy Lee Jones' role. With this in mind, there is no doubt that the best Javert actor is Philip Quast (C, T), whose voice and demeanor illustrate the character's obsession with the letter of the law over the intent of the law. Some of the most compelling scenes on the recordings are the result of Quast's exceptional work showing Javert's conflict between anger and remorse. Terrance Mann (B) is good enough, but his delivery is weak, and he often sounds like he's reciting nursery rhymes.

Terrance Mann, Broadway (MP3, 703KB)
Philip Quast, Complete (MP3, 716KB)

Thenardiér: All three actors do a decent job with the character, but the addition of a Cockney accent really adds a lot. Leo Burmester (B) does a good job portraying the comic side of Thenardiér, but doesn't sound dangerous at all. Alun Armstrong (T) is a little better, but has some annoying mannerisms when it comes to placing the notes against the accompaniment. Finally, Barry James (C) really nails the character perfectly. His voice sounds both sinister and sneaky, but is light enough to handle Master of the House as well. He may not be the best singer of the three, but he's perfect in the role.

Leo Burmester, Broadway (MP3, 579KB)
Barry James, Complete (MP3, 513KB)
Alun Armstrong, Tenth Anniversary (MP3, 569KB)

Madame Thenardiér: This is not a major character by any means, and she's more of an offshoot of her husband than anything else. Jenny Galloway (T) gives the most believable performance, while Gay Soper (C) gives the most interesting one. Gay essentially turns her into a cartoon caricature, but in this case, it works out pretty well. The Broadway version is okay, but is hurt by the absence of an exotic accent.

Madame Thenardiér, Broadway (MP3, 224KB)
Gay Soper, Complete (MP3, 236KB)
Jenny Galloway, Tenth Anniversary (MP3, 241KB)

To be continued...

The US government was quick to link the Kuwaiti attacks to al Qaeda. Anything that makes the faceless Middle East villainous to the common folk is newsworthy. No doubt before long, we'll find a Tarot card from the Montgomery County Sniper with 'I am Osama' written on the back of it.

Happy Birthday Mike!