JOJ's face when Colm starts singing is absolutely precious. He has like so much respect for this guy. Ah! They all are so amazing. Alfie and JOJ are absolutely amazing and my favorites, though Colm and Simon are amazing too.
look at that smile Colm has when JOJ takes over, that is pure respect. and letting Colm with the final note is pure respect as well. all of these singers/actors are extremely talented and respectful. it is great! thanks for posting!
@mylesag2 I'm sorry, but you are either tone deaf or have serious starstruck syndrome because of Nick Jonas.
While I think he did better in this production than in anything he has ever done and I commend him for it, Nick Jonas cannot hold a candle to these men and to say he can is an insult to their God given gifts.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
@ayamekai1 Those 4 "Valjeans" are all OVERACTING & OVer-singing the part!! Nick Jonas did best in under-playing and under-singing Marius. The true professional has more control than the over-acting divos. Less is always MORE!!
@mylesag2 Considering Les Miserables is a musical -a PLAY- of course they're acting. Besides, "Bring Him Home" is a devout prayer to God asking for the safe return of someone they revere as their son. And just because Nick did his best doesn't mean his best is as good as their best, or even them at their worst. As I said, I commend him, but less is more in ALMOST every case...Les Miserables is not one of them.
Sorry, but I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
@mylesag2 you've got to be freaking INSANE to think that! even though i admit that i love nick to pieces, and he has done better in this than anything he has done, he just doesn't have the experience or the proper training to be up there with these INCREDIBLY talented men who have probably done it for 15+ years of their lives!
I've never heard anything better than the four of them singing this song together,
have you seen that at the end, when Colm Wilkinson wants to finish as he did in the 10th anniversary he can't do that because his hand almost deforms the microfone :)
I cry every time without fail. All I can say is beautiful. No words can encompass the perfection these four exude with their performance. Brilliance! <3
What a feel good moment. Fantastic singers enjoying themselves and each other. Beautiful the respect they have for each other. On another video Colm throws back his head and grins from ear to ear when Alfie starts singing. Classy guy. Inspiring.
every man that has been tapped to play Valjean has brought something extraordinary and remarkable to their portrayal of one of Victor Hugo's most iconic characters.
to think that one is the best over the others breaks my heart, they all gave it their all and for that, i am totally in awe of all of them.
i really dunno if there is anyone out here who can even measure up to these men? i'd give both my legs and my life's worth of savings to be half as good as they are.
This was absolutely breahtaking but they all have their own qualities:
Colm Wilkinson - The original and was and will always be fantastic at holding those high notes
John-Owen Jones - In my opinion the best singer of the 4
Simon Bowman - I think he is the most father like figure and the best looking Valjean is terms of looking the part of someone who's broken out of Jail and is on the run
Alfie Boe - Purely the most emotional and probably the best 'actor'
@DaisyOwner24 The others humiliated? How? I see Simon smiling. Colm, on another video (matinee encore), throws his head back and smiles. I don't doubt that JOJ also felt good to hear Alfie come in. Michael Ball introduced Alfie to Cameron for the part, and Simon let Alfie take over several of his performances to practice. All supportive of the new guy. Contrast this with Boe's solo in the concert, which is much more restrained. I would not be surprised if he were directed to be 'operatic' here.
A TRUE TALENT!!! I HATE WHEN MY FRIENDS ALWAYS BOTHER ME BECAUSE I LOVE LES MISERABLES...But this is a BEAUTIFUL and TRUE TALENT no like they always listen that is a shit!
This video gives me the chills. In a good way, of course. Love the harmonies, and the singers.
Love at 2:21 to 2:43 when Alfie really takes off, the other Jean Valjean standing beside him looks away as if he's saying "Alright, alright! you win! You have the biggest voice!"
all four of them are incredible. Absolutely brilliant. Saw JOJ when the les mis tour came to cardiff last year - excellent. but, Colm Wilkinson will always be THE Valjean.
As an experienced tenor, I have to say that I love the four part tenor harmony. All four men have powerful voices and I believe that all make good Valjeans in their own rights, but I like Colm Wilkinson and Alfie Boe the most, especially Wilkinson ability to conjure up such power after so many years.
although i agree Alfie does a great job and is amazing...with the opera type singing it seems that he loses some of the emotions that the others bring...not sayin he has NO emotion...just loses some but that was still great
I thought Alfie Boe was great as Valjean. Not as good as Wilkinson though. When Alfie can sustain the long note at the end of the song, like Colm, then will he be better.
@cstoycos Absolutely! If anyone needs proof, watch the Alfie Boe solo version, 25th Anniversary concert.....he held it at LEAST as long as Colm, with MUCH more accuracy in respect to pitch. The entire song was a masterpiece! The tears at the end say it all, his and mine.
I saw this on my local pbs several times over the last few weeks during pledge month. I've never been to a Les Mis production although I have scene vignettes, etc on tv & I've scene Colm Wilkonson in concert. What do you all think each of the 4 "Valjeans" brought to this song? So much of the debate seems to be Boe vs Wilkinson. What about the other two men--Jones and Bowman? I'm really curious what facets they give this wonderful song.
It's funny that Colm Wilkinson, JOJ, and Simon Bowman have all not only played Jean Valjean, but also the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. It seems like there are a lot of people who have been in Les Mis have also been in Phantom as well. I wonder how many people have been in both? I know that both Ramin and Michael Ball were in both as well. It's almost seems that if you're a guy and you are in Les Mis you have to be in POTO as well. Maybe it's because Cameron Mackintosh produced both.
all of them are absolutely incredible. These are the true singers of the world. forget pop top 100 shit. This is true talent. This video brought me to tears
I love the reactions of the felow cast/concert members on stage...all four voices are just beautiful...the original..the 2 current...and Alfie. I memorable moment for everyone. and us who have watched it over and over and over again. Any one find the prayer version? please post...thanks
I like seeing the deep breaths Alfie Boe takes at 1.37 and 2.07 as he's preparing to sing. And then when he begins to sing at 2.21 - wow!! I was enjoying the other singers until then, but he just blew them away. Incredible. What a voice. What a gift.
Alfie Boe sings opera and has a lovely, powerful voice, but his performance is nowhere near as expressive as Colm Wilkinson's definitive 1995 reunion concert performance, where Valjean's anguish was palpable. I didn't really buy into Alfie's Valjean, because he seemed to lack the maturity of the character and I found him rather impassive, even though his voice is strong. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. This 'Valjean Quartet' is a truly wonderful arrangement and a marvelous blend of voices.
@acuison1, I agree 100%. Many people view Colm as the standard since he originated the role (which is fine and dandy); however, Alfie played and sang this part into the stratosphere. Colm is okay, but Aflie's voice is incredibly moving.
I think that aside from the amazingly awesome voice, Alfie Boe gave a powerful lesson in hoe to immerse one's self into a character. The tears that were flowing down his face during The Prayer just blew me away. That's Oscar/Emmy/Tony worthy right there, a tremendous instrument of a voice wrapped inside an immensely talented actor and stage presence. More, Alfie, more!
With all due respect to the other three in this quartet, and all of their fans, Alfie Boe just commands the scene when he sings. His voice is simply magnificent. I think the other three men are good, even great, singers, but Alfie is in a class by himself. He will be a major, major, world singing star.
With all due respect to the other three in this quartet, and all of their fans, Alfie Boe just commands the scene when he sings. His voice a simply magnificent. I think the other three men are good, even great, singers, but Alfie is in a class by himself. He will be a major, major, world singing star.
@chiquitabonitad They were in Kismet together. It was Michael Ball who recommended Alfie for the role of Valjean, to Cameron Mckintosh, got to love Michael Ball for that, as Alfie is just brilliant.
@VonBraunsky Alfie's "body language" at the start? He's actually doing a very generous thing. That white shirt pulls "focus," pulls the eye like a neon sign. He's standing back, barely moving, letting the others take center focus. He also really watches and listens. Worked in Chicago in theater on the tech side. Some actors can be serious stage hogs, grabbing attention in very subtle ways. Alfie isn't one of them.
OMG!!!!! I love alfie boe!!!!!!!!! I fell in love with les miserable even more because of him!!!!! Why couldn't you be my father :( definitely the best Jean Val Jean ever!!!!!
I think I've watched this 20 times and I get goosebumps every single time. Alfie's voice coming in at that 2 min mark is like how I imagine heaven would be like. The only way this could be an even more amazing performance is if I could see it in person. LUCKY LUCKY audience!!!! I would have passed out from joy!
this was a spectacular feat, but am i the only one who thinks Alfie should be playing the phantom? i would love to hear an opera singer portray the phantom, who is, after all, an opera singer.
@aceofclubs002 he's not an opera singer at all he writes operas. andrew lloyd webber picked gerard butler for the film role because that was how he wanted the phantom to sound a bit raw and rough compared to all the classically trained singers
lol all the other valjeans r singing really softly together then alfie comes in with this really stronge voice, wen he does im guessing hes thinking yer im voice is sik :P
They are so amazing..i love them!!! STUNNING PERFORMANCE..Thank God i have the opportunity to see and listen wonderful people like you. I LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. God bless you and hope one day i'll see you face to face..what a dream..
I dont like an opera singer in the role of Valjean... Alfie is clearly an amazing singer... when Colm starts singing he clearly steals the show... his falsetto is still unmatchable.
I think Alfie Boe will erase whatever legacy the previous Valjean's have. He is the best one ever. How come I've never heard of him before. He is awesome.
@acuison1 He's had some albums out, but I don't think he's had a huge amount of publicity. I'd heard a little of him, but his performance here was a total shock.
@EmiRose05 Sorry, Alfie was not nominated for or win a "Tony for La Boheme"... the Baz Luhrmann Broadway production of La Boheme received 7 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction, Best Orchestrations, Best Costume Design, and won Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, and 1 of 4 special Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre given in 2003, for Principal Ensemble Cast. Alfie also appeared in the English National Opera production in early 2009.
@pywacket12 As you said, La Boheme won a special Tony for Excellence in Theatre for the principal ensemble cast. Alfie was a member of that cast and has a Tony sitting on his mantle (he says by his 100 meter breaststroke award). I think people can accurately say Alfie won a Tony for La Boheme.
@cstoycos Guess what, that Tony doesn't have his name on it... it says "Excellence in Theatre, 2003, Principal Ensemble Cast, La Boheme". Sorry to offend you and scullen08, but saying "won a Tony for La Boheme" insinuates that Alfie himself won an acting Tony for his performance, and his performance alone. And I bet if you asked him, Alfie would NOT say "I won a Tony", he would graciously say "the ensemble cast" or "our production" won a Tony, or something along those lines.
@pywacket12 I'm not offended, but I think we are just arguing semantics. Are you saying that if a team wins the Super Bowl or World Series or World Cup, no member of that team can ever say he won? Would you feel better if people said he won a "joint Tony"? In the one interview I've seen in which Alfie brought up the Tony, I believe he said they were fortunate to be given a Tony. In all other media I've heard him described as a Tony award winning tenor, which I don't think is false. YMMV.
@cstoycos There's a big difference in your example -- Super Bowl/World Series/World Cup are TEAM sports & everybody knows any reference to "winning" those is a team win. The only individual award is an MVP; to follow your analogy, Alfie was never awarded an MVP/best actor Tony. And I've never said Alfie falsely claims to have "won a Tony". I took issue with scullen08's statement of "HE... won a Tony for La Boheme"; better to say "he was a member of the Tony-winning cast of La Boheme". IMHO
@acuison1 Alfie is fab i may even be totally in love with both him and his voice but he will never erase Colm as he is Valjean, well my Valjean, i hope to get over to London to see Alfie i saw Colm in Dublin years ago so it seems only right to try see Mr Boe! But Colm will never be erased!
@acuison1 forget not that the part was actually written for Colm and his voice. Every single Valjean has made a stamp on the role. Each is unique. Hearing them singing together proves this. Amazing all of them.
@acuison1 Alfie Boe and Colm Wilkonson ARE Jean Valjean. Two different styles, but both embody the character perfectly. Just phenomenal for this piece.
@acuison1 Alfie is absolutely fantastic, you're right. But for so very, very many of us, Colm Wilkinson is THE Valjean. I've been listening to the recording of the original London cast since 1988 and to see him still singing that song just gives me goosebumps. Alfie is an amazing Valjean and I think has created a legacy all his own - but he'll never erase the legacy of the original. :)
@acuison1 - Absolutely not. Wilkinson is the father of this role and set the standard. Alfie is an excellent Opera style singer and makes a very good Valjean, but Colm Wilkinson will always be known as Jean Valjean, for good reason.
@acuison1 Sorry man, Colm wipes the floor with him. Alfie seems to have the same "deer in the headlights" expression, Colm shows so much emotion with his performance it is just heart breaking. I don't like much of the 25th cast (esp the Jonas Bro), its too sing-songy rythmically, Colm and Philip and Lea in the 10th punctuated their songs with drama and emotion. To me, Colm IS Jean Valjean.
@acuison1 I think that's a terrible thing to say. Of course Alfie is wonderful, but the others were, too, in their own ways, and it's neither possible or desirable for their memorable interpretations of this role to be "erased." I find that offensive. They're all great men.
@acuison1 Very much disagree. While Alfie Boe has a fantastic and powerful voice, he does not embody the character of Jean Valjean the way Colm Wilkinson. To me it sounds more like a fantastic singer singing the lyrics of the character while with Colm Wilkinson, the character in his voice and face make me believe he IS tat character. In my mind Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean...and Alfie Boe is just portraying Colm Wilkinson :D
@yanks4everontop420 And when watching this performance, I felt that Alfie Boe IS Jean Valjean - but portrays another aspect to his character to what Colm portrays.
One thing Boe is NOT doing is portraying Colm Wilkinson. Boe has a completely different emotional interpretation of Valjean, which apparently does not resonate with you as it does with others. I love them both, but prefer Boe because his intensity feels closer to the way I experience emotions. Others feel differently ;-) obviously.
@StupidityImpulseInc yes but what, AddsMusical means is that it loses the human edge to it, and even if itis a opera that doesn't mean you have to be operatic to be in it.
I fell in love with Alfie ♥_♥ hahaha :)
alero12productions 7 months ago
JOJ's face when Colm starts singing is absolutely precious. He has like so much respect for this guy. Ah! They all are so amazing. Alfie and JOJ are absolutely amazing and my favorites, though Colm and Simon are amazing too.
woahitsbrooke92 7 months ago
I like Alfie and the guy with the brown curly hair. I -3 Raminloo
Mswiee 7 months ago
That Alfie Boe key change gets me every time......
na12la 7 months ago
look at that smile Colm has when JOJ takes over, that is pure respect. and letting Colm with the final note is pure respect as well. all of these singers/actors are extremely talented and respectful. it is great! thanks for posting!
shindouhikaru43 8 months ago
Four individual interpretations of Jean-Valjean, all unique with their own effectiveness, put them together and you have PERFECTION!
greeneyedcrow 8 months ago
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I think Nick Jonas can be right up there with these four OK guys!!
mylesag2 8 months ago
@mylesag2 I'm sorry, but you are either tone deaf or have serious starstruck syndrome because of Nick Jonas.
While I think he did better in this production than in anything he has ever done and I commend him for it, Nick Jonas cannot hold a candle to these men and to say he can is an insult to their God given gifts.
ayamekai1 8 months ago
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@ayamekai1 Those 4 "Valjeans" are all OVERACTING & OVer-singing the part!! Nick Jonas did best in under-playing and under-singing Marius. The true professional has more control than the over-acting divos. Less is always MORE!!
mylesag2 8 months ago
@mylesag2 Considering Les Miserables is a musical -a PLAY- of course they're acting. Besides, "Bring Him Home" is a devout prayer to God asking for the safe return of someone they revere as their son. And just because Nick did his best doesn't mean his best is as good as their best, or even them at their worst. As I said, I commend him, but less is more in ALMOST every case...Les Miserables is not one of them.
Sorry, but I think we'll just have to agree to disagree on this one.
ayamekai1 8 months ago
@mylesag2 Uhm... why would you UNDER perform anything when you're performing for a stadium...
LeanneJaseyRae 8 months ago
@mylesag2 I'm sorry but I think Michael Ball will always be the best Marius. Amazing singer.
Valaraukar94 7 months ago 2
@mylesag2 you've got to be freaking INSANE to think that! even though i admit that i love nick to pieces, and he has done better in this than anything he has done, he just doesn't have the experience or the proper training to be up there with these INCREDIBLY talented men who have probably done it for 15+ years of their lives!
amberlynn103 8 months ago
I have repeated this vid about 12 times now....en-counting
forgottenwatcher 9 months ago
Amazing!
TheYugiohmaster011 9 months ago
HAIL THE IRISH TRUBADOR!
DjTokenMusic 9 months ago
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1 person was blinded by tears and accidently clicked 'dislike'.
bostaffbaby 9 months ago
1 person was blinded by tears and accidently clicked 'dislike'.
bostaffbaby 9 months ago 10
I've never heard anything better than the four of them singing this song together,
have you seen that at the end, when Colm Wilkinson wants to finish as he did in the 10th anniversary he can't do that because his hand almost deforms the microfone :)
Themistocles1993 9 months ago 4
If I saw that in person I'd pee myself!
PurenonsenseLove 10 months ago
@PurenonsenseLove me too..and I definitely cry
NelenaLoveForever95 10 months ago
Fantastic . When I was there it was like heaven on Earth. Amazing.
benyg2 10 months ago 2
@benyg2 YOU WERE THERE!! YOU'RE SO LUCKY...I wish I had been there...But I'm from Peru So I couldn't :'(
NelenaLoveForever95 10 months ago
Fantastic
benyg2 10 months ago
Love this, just perfect
wargames198384 10 months ago
The most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard!
AnneLodz 10 months ago
The most beautiful arrangement I have ever heard!
AnneLodz 10 months ago
The most incredible vocal performance I have ever seen. I don't think there could be anything more perfect then that.
TheSkribba 10 months ago 2
I cry every time without fail. All I can say is beautiful. No words can encompass the perfection these four exude with their performance. Brilliance! <3
sally018 10 months ago 2
@sally018 :))))))))
benyg2 10 months ago
SCREAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM. OMGGGGGG. I CAN'T HANDLE IT!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!! <3333
DumplingzOwO 10 months ago
alfie boes notes are SO effortless!!!!!!!! im not sure when the last time i heard him crack on a high note was!
DaisyOwner24 10 months ago 3
This is special. An exquisite performance of a very beautiful song.
EyesofMarkWick 10 months ago
Simon's really good. (: I love them all!! Thankies for posting. :D
RockinJbird 10 months ago
They're all amazing and then Alfie just NAILS it at the end. Michael's Ball's face at the back says it all.
MissRamble 10 months ago 2
What a feel good moment. Fantastic singers enjoying themselves and each other. Beautiful the respect they have for each other. On another video Colm throws back his head and grins from ear to ear when Alfie starts singing. Classy guy. Inspiring.
topper4936 10 months ago
every man that has been tapped to play Valjean has brought something extraordinary and remarkable to their portrayal of one of Victor Hugo's most iconic characters.
to think that one is the best over the others breaks my heart, they all gave it their all and for that, i am totally in awe of all of them.
i really dunno if there is anyone out here who can even measure up to these men? i'd give both my legs and my life's worth of savings to be half as good as they are.
tomtompataygutom 10 months ago
This was absolutely breahtaking but they all have their own qualities:
Colm Wilkinson - The original and was and will always be fantastic at holding those high notes
John-Owen Jones - In my opinion the best singer of the 4
Simon Bowman - I think he is the most father like figure and the best looking Valjean is terms of looking the part of someone who's broken out of Jail and is on the run
Alfie Boe - Purely the most emotional and probably the best 'actor'
PvMRaggsie 10 months ago
2:23- u can see that Alfie Boe makes the rest of them feel humiliated
DaisyOwner24 10 months ago
@DaisyOwner24 The others humiliated? How? I see Simon smiling. Colm, on another video (matinee encore), throws his head back and smiles. I don't doubt that JOJ also felt good to hear Alfie come in. Michael Ball introduced Alfie to Cameron for the part, and Simon let Alfie take over several of his performances to practice. All supportive of the new guy. Contrast this with Boe's solo in the concert, which is much more restrained. I would not be surprised if he were directed to be 'operatic' here.
IheartZorro 10 months ago
@IheartZorro hmm yes u are right now that i see it again lol i need 2 get better at reading expressions :P
DaisyOwner24 10 months ago
1 people don't know what true talent is
NelenaLoveForever95 10 months ago
A TRUE TALENT!!! I HATE WHEN MY FRIENDS ALWAYS BOTHER ME BECAUSE I LOVE LES MISERABLES...But this is a BEAUTIFUL and TRUE TALENT no like they always listen that is a shit!
NelenaLoveForever95 10 months ago
And yep, I'm back again.
Why is this song so compelling???!!!
EponineOrAlice 10 months ago 2
I just keep coming back to listen to this. I think i just melted because of exposure to pure awesomeness.
EponineOrAlice 10 months ago 2
This video gives me the chills. In a good way, of course. Love the harmonies, and the singers.
Love at 2:21 to 2:43 when Alfie really takes off, the other Jean Valjean standing beside him looks away as if he's saying "Alright, alright! you win! You have the biggest voice!"
EponineOrAlice 10 months ago
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EponineOrAlice 10 months ago
Love when Alfie 'points' at Colm at 3:40
VonBraunsky 10 months ago
SO. FREAKING. BEAUTIFUL.
musicalqueen101 10 months ago 2
I'm sorry, I just can't stand Colm Wilkinson! All that sliding around the notes, sticking his lips out so far. It's just awful!
sassydivamom 10 months ago
@sassydivamom ....
Lamecore31 10 months ago
@sassydivamom i know !why does nobody see that?!??!?!
DaisyOwner24 10 months ago
Colm Wilkinson's still got the voice. He's still pretty darn good for all of his white hair.
virusguy5611 10 months ago
JOJ will always be the nearest and dearest to my heart, but Alfie Boe is just on a whole new level...
fotok8 10 months ago
Personally I like Alfie Boe more than Colm Wilkinson. But they are both fantastic!
bfdordan 10 months ago 2
all four of them are incredible. Absolutely brilliant. Saw JOJ when the les mis tour came to cardiff last year - excellent. but, Colm Wilkinson will always be THE Valjean.
rhim21 10 months ago
Alfie Boe completely drowns out the other three valjeans. His voice gives me chills. I'm always reduced to tears when he sings this particular song.
jaelsegura 10 months ago
gives me chills everytime
dancingirl91 10 months ago
Alfie Boe will be great, he's an outstanding and celebrated tenor and his acting skills will grow with each performance.
Wilkinson will forever be the standard by which others will be judged though.
rikofold 10 months ago 2
Alfie Boe....the absolute BEST most spectacular and incredibly phenomenal tenor voice ever! His voice is truly a gift from G-d!
FredSchall 11 months ago
that was soooo powerful and it was a marriage of perfect harmony omg i wish i were there
joesmaria25 11 months ago
As an experienced tenor, I have to say that I love the four part tenor harmony. All four men have powerful voices and I believe that all make good Valjeans in their own rights, but I like Colm Wilkinson and Alfie Boe the most, especially Wilkinson ability to conjure up such power after so many years.
MidniteBlackoutFilms 11 months ago
shivers down my spine every time x
Goatbreath10 11 months ago
Highlight of the 25th Anniversary. This is so moving it's almost too much to bear. WOW!!!!! No words.
Naltino 11 months ago
Not gonna lie, I was totally in tears by the end of this
babbling0o0vale 11 months ago
although i agree Alfie does a great job and is amazing...with the opera type singing it seems that he loses some of the emotions that the others bring...not sayin he has NO emotion...just loses some but that was still great
tynyrable 11 months ago
Sorry, but Alfie knocks this performance out of the freakin' park! When he starts his run on the West End, you can bet they'll ALL be sold out.
maxxbob 11 months ago 2
colm kills it
Amy85Bell 11 months ago
colm kills it.
Amy85Bell 11 months ago
I thought Alfie Boe was great as Valjean. Not as good as Wilkinson though. When Alfie can sustain the long note at the end of the song, like Colm, then will he be better.
joselopez626 11 months ago
@joselopez626, Alfie can definitely sustain the long note. They all bowed out to let Colm finish the song, not because they ran out of air.
cstoycos 11 months ago 2
@cstoycos Absolutely! If anyone needs proof, watch the Alfie Boe solo version, 25th Anniversary concert.....he held it at LEAST as long as Colm, with MUCH more accuracy in respect to pitch. The entire song was a masterpiece! The tears at the end say it all, his and mine.
Isusue1 11 months ago 3
I saw this on my local pbs several times over the last few weeks during pledge month. I've never been to a Les Mis production although I have scene vignettes, etc on tv & I've scene Colm Wilkonson in concert. What do you all think each of the 4 "Valjeans" brought to this song? So much of the debate seems to be Boe vs Wilkinson. What about the other two men--Jones and Bowman? I'm really curious what facets they give this wonderful song.
emerybayblues 11 months ago
It's funny that Colm Wilkinson, JOJ, and Simon Bowman have all not only played Jean Valjean, but also the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. It seems like there are a lot of people who have been in Les Mis have also been in Phantom as well. I wonder how many people have been in both? I know that both Ramin and Michael Ball were in both as well. It's almost seems that if you're a guy and you are in Les Mis you have to be in POTO as well. Maybe it's because Cameron Mackintosh produced both.
lilsisasu 11 months ago
This is so beautiful. It's wonderful to see the legacy passed on. They are all so very talented, although Colm will always have my heart. <3
godsmusicgirl13 11 months ago
epic beards
clamster88 11 months ago
......HOLY SHIT THAT WAS AWESOME.
sokkerking12345 11 months ago
FOUR VALJEANS OH MY OVARIES!!!!
pierreframboise 11 months ago 67
@pierreframboise
lol right there with you.
darlingzooloo 10 months ago
Michael Ball's reaction to Alfie at 2:29 says it all! amazing voices from all four. Alfie really puts the icing on the cake. Love it!
bungieize 11 months ago
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bungieize 11 months ago
all of them are absolutely incredible. These are the true singers of the world. forget pop top 100 shit. This is true talent. This video brought me to tears
Turley1990 11 months ago 56
Alfie's voice is the strongest, that's awesome.
9011Dancer 11 months ago
Does Colm still perform? I really want to see him perform. :'( This song brought me to tears.
rYiOkUn 11 months ago
I love the reactions of the felow cast/concert members on stage...all four voices are just beautiful...the original..the 2 current...and Alfie. I memorable moment for everyone. and us who have watched it over and over and over again. Any one find the prayer version? please post...thanks
TRHclub 11 months ago
I like seeing the deep breaths Alfie Boe takes at 1.37 and 2.07 as he's preparing to sing. And then when he begins to sing at 2.21 - wow!! I was enjoying the other singers until then, but he just blew them away. Incredible. What a voice. What a gift.
cfdlong 11 months ago
@sundancer415 Dude your way too defensive. Alfie is great and so was Colm.
laughsalott36 11 months ago
Alfie Boe sings opera and has a lovely, powerful voice, but his performance is nowhere near as expressive as Colm Wilkinson's definitive 1995 reunion concert performance, where Valjean's anguish was palpable. I didn't really buy into Alfie's Valjean, because he seemed to lack the maturity of the character and I found him rather impassive, even though his voice is strong. Everyone's entitled to their opinion. This 'Valjean Quartet' is a truly wonderful arrangement and a marvelous blend of voices.
sundancer415 11 months ago
@acuison1, I agree 100%. Many people view Colm as the standard since he originated the role (which is fine and dandy); however, Alfie played and sang this part into the stratosphere. Colm is okay, but Aflie's voice is incredibly moving.
jorcha1960 11 months ago 2
I think that aside from the amazingly awesome voice, Alfie Boe gave a powerful lesson in hoe to immerse one's self into a character. The tears that were flowing down his face during The Prayer just blew me away. That's Oscar/Emmy/Tony worthy right there, a tremendous instrument of a voice wrapped inside an immensely talented actor and stage presence. More, Alfie, more!
csmith3225 11 months ago
colm takes my breathe away. utterly amazing. alfie is superb.
HAMBONE0PENOS 11 months ago
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With all due respect to the other three in this quartet, and all of their fans, Alfie Boe just commands the scene when he sings. His voice is simply magnificent. I think the other three men are good, even great, singers, but Alfie is in a class by himself. He will be a major, major, world singing star.
mbfc3 11 months ago
With all due respect to the other three in this quartet, and all of their fans, Alfie Boe just commands the scene when he sings. His voice a simply magnificent. I think the other three men are good, even great, singers, but Alfie is in a class by himself. He will be a major, major, world singing star.
mbfc3 11 months ago
i cant wait until the dvd is coming to the netherlands at the end of april i have already a reservation for the dvd its so beautifull
paco398 11 months ago
Does Michael Ball know Alfie Boe? He just seems really excited to see him and see him perform. Anyone know?
chiquitabonitad 11 months ago
@chiquitabonitad i think maybe its mostly to do with just how amazing alfie is when he comes in :) but maybe he does know him, i'm not sure!
luvfromjulz 11 months ago
@chiquitabonitad They were in Kismet together. It was Michael Ball who recommended Alfie for the role of Valjean, to Cameron Mckintosh, got to love Michael Ball for that, as Alfie is just brilliant.
wargames198384 11 months ago
I still don't know what to make of Aflie Boe's body language in the first 2 minutes of this performance.
VonBraunsky 11 months ago
@VonBraunsky - I think he was just worrying that he could keep up with the master.
mpersico 11 months ago
@VonBraunsky Alfie's "body language" at the start? He's actually doing a very generous thing. That white shirt pulls "focus," pulls the eye like a neon sign. He's standing back, barely moving, letting the others take center focus. He also really watches and listens. Worked in Chicago in theater on the tech side. Some actors can be serious stage hogs, grabbing attention in very subtle ways. Alfie isn't one of them.
hecate235 11 months ago
OMG!!!!! I love alfie boe!!!!!!!!! I fell in love with les miserable even more because of him!!!!! Why couldn't you be my father :( definitely the best Jean Val Jean ever!!!!!
MRSrobbypattinson 11 months ago
2.20 Alfie completely ups the stakes & takes the song to a whole new level. All 4 are class.... But.... Alf just effortlessly commands the song.
LMck111 11 months ago
I am amazed. In complete awe. Colm, after 25 years is still amazing. Alfie Boe, wow. Just wow. He is incredible.
heathkv 11 months ago
All the men up there are amazing, but I love when Alfie joins in becasue of the energy he put into his part. There is so much talent up there
mmgringoire2 11 months ago
Alfie Boe is vocally the best of the bunch, Colm is just so Iconic, they are both fantastic.
jammastertyty 11 months ago
LOVE Colm's little grin when the first notes are played and the audience erupts!
eldibu1234 11 months ago
I think I peed a little.
Strawberryjam1916 11 months ago
Incredibly moving! The four of them hugging at the end… they know an experience—that of playing Valjean—that the rest of us can only try to imagine!
Larsky1010 11 months ago
I think I've watched this 20 times and I get goosebumps every single time. Alfie's voice coming in at that 2 min mark is like how I imagine heaven would be like. The only way this could be an even more amazing performance is if I could see it in person. LUCKY LUCKY audience!!!! I would have passed out from joy!
nomad365 11 months ago 2
this was a spectacular feat, but am i the only one who thinks Alfie should be playing the phantom? i would love to hear an opera singer portray the phantom, who is, after all, an opera singer.
aceofclubs002 11 months ago
@aceofclubs002 he's not an opera singer at all he writes operas. andrew lloyd webber picked gerard butler for the film role because that was how he wanted the phantom to sound a bit raw and rough compared to all the classically trained singers
allmodcons6 11 months ago
ALFIE BOE IS THE SHIT
broadwaybabe99 11 months ago
lol all the other valjeans r singing really softly together then alfie comes in with this really stronge voice, wen he does im guessing hes thinking yer im voice is sik :P
RosieElliott 11 months ago
When Alfie Boe starts to sing, you can see Michael Ball react like, "Do you HEAR that!?" Pretty much sums that voice up, right there.
amazinggarrett1 11 months ago
colm is valjean, no one can top him
funkyflyswim 11 months ago
I just love John Owen-Jones' tone! This was beautiful!
musicalmeg19 11 months ago
Colm is and always will be Valjean. Alfie has a beautiful voice but no way does it sound better for this role than Colm.
saabjaab 11 months ago 4
They are so amazing..i love them!!! STUNNING PERFORMANCE..Thank God i have the opportunity to see and listen wonderful people like you. I LOVE YOU AND RESPECT YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART. God bless you and hope one day i'll see you face to face..what a dream..
katiedward1 1 year ago
colm is the man
aerosmithfan7494 1 year ago
I dont like an opera singer in the role of Valjean... Alfie is clearly an amazing singer... when Colm starts singing he clearly steals the show... his falsetto is still unmatchable.
frat28 1 year ago 4
So good, cried my eyes out when I first saw it
MsJennums 1 year ago
Colm Wilkinson never lost that pianissimo in the opening line
Drelnis 1 year ago 3
2:20
TheHaxman999 1 year ago
i like this part 2:19
TheHaxman999 1 year ago
best musical in history
TheHaxman999 1 year ago 2
I think Alfie Boe will erase whatever legacy the previous Valjean's have. He is the best one ever. How come I've never heard of him before. He is awesome.
acuison1 1 year ago 40
@acuison1 He's had some albums out, but I don't think he's had a huge amount of publicity. I'd heard a little of him, but his performance here was a total shock.
scullen08 1 year ago 6
@scullen08 He's a pretty big deal in the opera world, and won a Tony for La Boheme, but Les Mis has a way of pushing people to the forefront. :)
EmiRose05 11 months ago
@EmiRose05 Sorry, Alfie was not nominated for or win a "Tony for La Boheme"... the Baz Luhrmann Broadway production of La Boheme received 7 Tony Award nominations, including Best Revival of a Musical, Best Direction, Best Orchestrations, Best Costume Design, and won Best Set Design, Best Lighting Design, and 1 of 4 special Tony Honors for Excellence in Theatre given in 2003, for Principal Ensemble Cast. Alfie also appeared in the English National Opera production in early 2009.
pywacket12 11 months ago
@pywacket12 Oh, thank God you were here to set me straight. Is the world spinning on it's axis again?
EmiRose05 11 months ago
@pywacket12 As you said, La Boheme won a special Tony for Excellence in Theatre for the principal ensemble cast. Alfie was a member of that cast and has a Tony sitting on his mantle (he says by his 100 meter breaststroke award). I think people can accurately say Alfie won a Tony for La Boheme.
cstoycos 11 months ago
@cstoycos Guess what, that Tony doesn't have his name on it... it says "Excellence in Theatre, 2003, Principal Ensemble Cast, La Boheme". Sorry to offend you and scullen08, but saying "won a Tony for La Boheme" insinuates that Alfie himself won an acting Tony for his performance, and his performance alone. And I bet if you asked him, Alfie would NOT say "I won a Tony", he would graciously say "the ensemble cast" or "our production" won a Tony, or something along those lines.
pywacket12 11 months ago
@pywacket12 Um... why would that be offensive to me? I didn't say anything about that?
scullen08 11 months ago
@pywacket12 I'm not offended, but I think we are just arguing semantics. Are you saying that if a team wins the Super Bowl or World Series or World Cup, no member of that team can ever say he won? Would you feel better if people said he won a "joint Tony"? In the one interview I've seen in which Alfie brought up the Tony, I believe he said they were fortunate to be given a Tony. In all other media I've heard him described as a Tony award winning tenor, which I don't think is false. YMMV.
cstoycos 10 months ago
@cstoycos There's a big difference in your example -- Super Bowl/World Series/World Cup are TEAM sports & everybody knows any reference to "winning" those is a team win. The only individual award is an MVP; to follow your analogy, Alfie was never awarded an MVP/best actor Tony. And I've never said Alfie falsely claims to have "won a Tony". I took issue with scullen08's statement of "HE... won a Tony for La Boheme"; better to say "he was a member of the Tony-winning cast of La Boheme". IMHO
pywacket12 10 months ago
@acuison1 Alfie is fab i may even be totally in love with both him and his voice but he will never erase Colm as he is Valjean, well my Valjean, i hope to get over to London to see Alfie i saw Colm in Dublin years ago so it seems only right to try see Mr Boe! But Colm will never be erased!
fitzmb 1 year ago
@acuison1 forget not that the part was actually written for Colm and his voice. Every single Valjean has made a stamp on the role. Each is unique. Hearing them singing together proves this. Amazing all of them.
LukeAshton 1 year ago
@acuison1
He is absolutely incredible, but Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean. but you are right, he is so amazing
mags50free 11 months ago
@acuison1 Alfie Boe and Colm Wilkonson ARE Jean Valjean. Two different styles, but both embody the character perfectly. Just phenomenal for this piece.
PreciousEarthquakes2 11 months ago
@acuison1 Alfie is absolutely fantastic, you're right. But for so very, very many of us, Colm Wilkinson is THE Valjean. I've been listening to the recording of the original London cast since 1988 and to see him still singing that song just gives me goosebumps. Alfie is an amazing Valjean and I think has created a legacy all his own - but he'll never erase the legacy of the original. :)
sleepiestgirl 11 months ago
@acuison1 - Absolutely not. Wilkinson is the father of this role and set the standard. Alfie is an excellent Opera style singer and makes a very good Valjean, but Colm Wilkinson will always be known as Jean Valjean, for good reason.
nbipi 11 months ago
@acuison1 Boe was certainly the best part of the 25th anniversary show, but Wilkinson's Valjean is so iconic it's unlikely Boe will supplant him.
Stile4aly 11 months ago
@acuison1 Sorry man, Colm wipes the floor with him. Alfie seems to have the same "deer in the headlights" expression, Colm shows so much emotion with his performance it is just heart breaking. I don't like much of the 25th cast (esp the Jonas Bro), its too sing-songy rythmically, Colm and Philip and Lea in the 10th punctuated their songs with drama and emotion. To me, Colm IS Jean Valjean.
aussiebillp 11 months ago
@aussiebillp Wipe the floor? Alfie OWNED this song.
Isusue1 11 months ago 3
@aussiebillp Wiped the floor??? Alfie OWNED this song, sorry.
Isusue1 11 months ago 4
@aussiebillp Wiped the floor??? Alfie OWNED this song, sorry.
Isusue1 11 months ago 3
@acuison1
Boe is nice and will improve with experience. Wilkinson was utterly awe-inspiring and still is!
gwynhafar 11 months ago
@acuison1 I think that's a terrible thing to say. Of course Alfie is wonderful, but the others were, too, in their own ways, and it's neither possible or desirable for their memorable interpretations of this role to be "erased." I find that offensive. They're all great men.
FantineJavert 11 months ago 2
@acuison1 Very much disagree. While Alfie Boe has a fantastic and powerful voice, he does not embody the character of Jean Valjean the way Colm Wilkinson. To me it sounds more like a fantastic singer singing the lyrics of the character while with Colm Wilkinson, the character in his voice and face make me believe he IS tat character. In my mind Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean...and Alfie Boe is just portraying Colm Wilkinson :D
yanks4everontop420 11 months ago
@yanks4everontop420 You said it friend. Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean and Alfie Boe is just portraying Colm Wilkinson
doriana2005A 10 months ago
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@yanks4everontop420 You said it friend. Colm Wilkinson IS Jean Valjean and Alfie Boe is just portraying Colm Wilkinson
doriana2005A 10 months ago
@yanks4everontop420 And when watching this performance, I felt that Alfie Boe IS Jean Valjean - but portrays another aspect to his character to what Colm portrays.
One thing Boe is NOT doing is portraying Colm Wilkinson. Boe has a completely different emotional interpretation of Valjean, which apparently does not resonate with you as it does with others. I love them both, but prefer Boe because his intensity feels closer to the way I experience emotions. Others feel differently ;-) obviously.
IheartZorro 10 months ago
@acuison1 Erase Colm Wilkinson's legacy? Unlikely.
SarahB1863 11 months ago
@acuison1 he can't possibly erase the legacy of the previous valjean's, but he'll certainly set a very high bar for the valjeans after him.
virusguy5611 10 months ago
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acuison1 1 year ago
alfie boe is the most powerful valjean, like his rendition
TheHeretor 1 year ago
The way Alfie Boe changes key when he comes in is just Spectacular. I love hearing all their voices, Colm in particular. But Alfie - AMAZING!!
mrlaserx 1 year ago 2
@StupidityImpulseInc yes but what, AddsMusical means is that it loses the human edge to it, and even if itis a opera that doesn't mean you have to be operatic to be in it.
TheMonkeymule 1 year ago
Outstanding. Gives me goose pimples just listening to it. Brilliant
anthonyaduhene 1 year ago
Outstanding. Gives me goospimples just listening to it. Brilliant
anthonyaduhene 1 year ago
Amazing how much power Colm has, even after twenty five years!
TheMonkeymule 1 year ago 50
@TheMonkeymule Agreed... he is the original and the best... :D
kopinut 1 year ago
@TheMonkeymule sounds like a god in this musical
TheHaxman999 1 year ago
I think they are all fantastic, but alfie boe just has that edge
falcons1988 1 year ago
OMG.... that was outstandingly beautiful. I SO wish I would have been there for that. truly amazing.
sorris28 1 year ago
colm and john all the way, alfie boe is far too operatic
AddsMusical 1 year ago
perfection! alfie boe is outstanding!!
duncan1v 1 year ago
Incredible. Absolutely amazing.
Lissical 1 year ago 2