<3 I personally LOVE Daphne! That doesn't mean I don't have another Mimi I like more. What people need to realize about OBC cast members it that they are the one's paving the way for the rest of us. Without them we would have no place to go. Respect OBC! <3
I kinda feel sorry for her... sounds like she's holding her voice the whole song. She can do A LOT better if they put her to sing a harder song. Yea, the part of Mimi doesn't fit her, but it's because that girl can do A LOT better.
I agree with @LesMisere also you have to remember that the first show was bittersweet. They were happy to open & show what Jonathan had created, but sad because he had died without seeing it in its entirety.
she has a raspy voice that adds edge to the song...this song isnt supposted to be sung pretty...its a rock song and supposted be done just like daphne done it!
I don't think we need to argue which of the Mimi actresses were the best. I like all of them! Daphne will always have the original Mimi voice, sure, but Rosario made her seem younger and livelier, and then Renee brought out her wild side. They all did simply amazing work. Yes? yes.
Daphne was one of the few cast members to be nominated for a Tony. Daphne voice has a rock and roll edge and depth to it. You have to be a fan of music to hear it. The reason why they replaced Daphne for the movie because she didn’t age well and couldn’t play a younger part it had nothing to do with her voice or acting talent. Rd just looks the part but will never come close to the original Mimi.
What are you guys comparing this to? There is no live footage of rosario dawson singing live, because she can’t. And if you are comparing the studio recordings, Daphne Rubin-Vega blows RD out of the water; RD studio version is missing notes from the original song they had to edit the song to fit her voice and lack of singing talent. And her voice was processed it sounds generic.
@thesaltypoet actually there is live footage of rosario dawson singing this in the audition tape. just saying. its not thw whole thing but its enough to know she can really SING. im not saying that shes better im just saying there is a video of her singing this live. i think she did great and i like daphne sings it great too. im just saying
her voice is anything but perfect but she is great for the part. that's the thing about musicals. i believe that a voice doesn't have to have perfect quality, it just has to be true to the character and have passion. further proof of this is frances ruffelle as the original eponine in les miserables. listen to her singing on my own. her voice is anything but beautiful but it embodies the character so perfectley much like daphne embodies mimi with her voice.
i don't know about this video of her. she has sounded so much better at other times, but this her voice is shaky and she seems really shy/uncertain of herself. when i saw the movie i was so excited about rosario dawson as mimi because when i heard her i thought she did the role justice, but still could never touch daphne's mimi. this video, however makes me rethink that.
common! how people dare say that daphne doesent fit mimi! like she IS mimi! jonathan larson chose her for some reason. she was the 1st representation of mimi, if she doesent fit her then no one does
@bronsonswan :P i think she was alive... but my point is that daphne was jonathan's mimi, like THE ONE that really fits mimi when he created the characted. althought renee is very very good, and it was great that she didnt imitate daphne or anthing
like others have said many people who have done the rold sound good but she really is mimi i believe she has a type of factor that makes her differtent and its great
alright...no noffence but daphne may be the original mimi and jonathan may of wanted her to sound like crap but....rosario is deffinently a better mimi in shape and sound. its a musical they arent supposed to sound like a junkie or a crack whore like their part. they should sound good. no one wants to listen to crapy sounding people. i promise. so honestly...i say rosario. sorry daphne fans.
alright...nonoffence but daphne may be the original mimi and jonathan may of wanted her to sound like crap but....rosario is deffinently a better mimi in shape and sound. its a musical they arent supposed to sound like a junkie or a crack whore like their part. they should sound good. no one wants to listen to crapy sounding people. i promise. so honestly...i say rosario. sorry daphne fans.
Every time I see this it gets more and more powerful and energetic. Jonathan Larson and Daphne Rubin-Vega are quite possibly the only two people on this earth (ok, exaggeration there, but still) who could take something like Out Tonight, a song put to a pole dance/strip number, and put meaning and feeling into it.
To all of the people saying "Mimi should be..." considering the fact that she originated the role I think that the Mimi criteria should be based off of her...she might not be the prettiest girl ever but she is an amazing Mimi. She is my favorite =)
@Chocomuneca19 i read the minute jonathan heard daphne sing he wanted her for mimi because she was auditioning for maureen....and she's freaking gorgeous!!! u also have to remember that mimi is a junkie, and how many do u know that are "very pretty"?
i give her props for dancing like that on that balcony part, i think her raspy voice gives her that edge like shes actually on something. haha. she was the first choice for this role and i think shes the best suited. Renee comes close to a great mimi but shes way too refined to be seen as a addict/stripper.
i think daphane brings such innocence to the role of mimi (in her voice), but if you look at her acting you see that she is wild, like she is a girl trying to be a women but really she is still just a girl.
@lyrikkal22 I think I'm the only person who agrees with you. Rosario was a good actress and was pretty and had a good voice. Even if she did use alot of autotone I still like her. I don't like Daphne because her voice is all raspy.
AS much as I am partially to actresses being amazingly gorgeous sounding singers, you just can't compare to Daphne's voice. It's raspy and rocky edge adds a ton more character to Mimi's part and she just fits the parts so well.
My favorite Mimi along with Renee. Not only does she genuinely sound like a heorine addict, but she's bad on the bars, carrys the emotions, and exercises her voice. Rosario's acting was great, but she was heavily aided by autotunes.
The audience clearly love Daphne. No wonder she was nominated for the Tony.
@AliaSparrow agreed. Rosario wouldn't have done herself favours if she went on broadway. In think anyone could play mimi in a movie and be aided by countless recording session and autotunes. Example vanessa hudgens on brodway not exactly there yet, but if you had put her in rosarios place in the movie she could have fared better then rosario.
As much as I do love this video, and I have NO favorite when it comes to Mimi, I must say that I think Rosario would have fared well on Broadway. She may need a few voice lessons when it comes to the high note in the song, but if you watch the video of Rosario being cast for the movie, RENT, it shows her singing with nothing to accompany her but a piano- and the scratchiness is not only there, but she sounds MUCH better in person than in the movie vocally. The autotunes weren't needed.
this is kinda the only role i ever want(ed) to see her in. she's so fucking fierce in this role, but when she plays other shit (except maybe in Rocky Horror.... cause that was fierce) I just don't buy it, cause she's technically such a TERRIBLE singer. AMAZINGLY FIERCE performer, but even in this song, CONSTANTLY flat.
her in les miserables as fontine?
ew.
but then again.... she' can turn it out in this role :)
lol how in the world did they sneak a camera in the theatre and boot leg this in 1996? CAMERAS were HUGE ! :D good job I have no idea how this was managed. SO GOOOOODDDDDD
Sorry everyone, but ROSARIA is the best mimi there. Rosaria's voice is much stronger, shes also waaay hotter. Rosaria was a triple threat. She IS mimi. She redefined the standards of acting singing and dancing for mimi and future mimi's to come.
@lyrikkal22 Rosario's voice is nowhere near as strong as just about any of the broadway Mimis. She could barely muster the power to pull off Out Tonight, her Light My Candle was average, and Another Day was a trainwreck. She could not acheive anywhere close to the power of Renee or Daphne.
Her voice is quite distinguishable that is why maybe Jonathan Larson choose her to play Mimi. She might not have the best vocals as Mimi (that goes to Tamyra Gray) but her voice, dancing, acting and her look IS Mimi... Mimi isn't supposed to sound like a broadway star, she has to be a little bit rough on the edges right? That is why Daphne Rubin-Vega for me is in general the best Mimi I've ever seen so far. Plus she's the only one who can walk on the railings w/o hands while doing Out Tonight!
question please: does anyone knows after the opening night for how long they performed together? i mean the obc cast until the first cast members changes... thanks!!!
I was fortunate to see Daphne as Mimi when she reprised the role on one of the national tours back in 1999. I was COMPLETELY blown away. You can tell she is both nervous and unsure of herself in this video. However, by the time I saw her, she was absolutely perfect. Her "Out Tonight" was breathtaking, and as much as it sounds like I'm exaggerating, I'm not. She was really that good. To me, she IS Mimi. No comparison.
i have heard Daphne sing on her latest album and i have to say her voice is fantastic like her voice really did wonders for the being mimi but as a singer i wouldn't want to listen to her but after listening to her latest work she is great and her voice has really change its less raspy now
Omigod, I was four years old. when I was Daphne, my first ever broadwayshow! I didn't wanted to go, I was in denial I wanted to stay home and watch Barny.. So, when I arrived, I thought Angel was a girl; and when Idina kissed Fredi I asked my mother, why were they kissing? And I came out to my mom, right there I was like Mom i want to kiss guys and girls, but I still remember that I love Daphne!
she's more dangerous up there on that rail than that other mimi, (renee something) but i liked renee's version better. just because of that ouuuuut part! awesome!
To be honest, I've heard all sorts of different Mimis and I do like Daphne, I do. She will always ALWAYS be the Mimi every performer will look in reference to. But I have seen some Mimis do great things with the character role-they adapted it, molded it and its final sculpture of Mimi was last seen on Bway by Renee Goldsberry. I thought she was phenomenal. To see the character grow with every person that's ever played it is amazing.
im in love with daphne... rosario just doesnt cut it!! and besides, it sound all techy, and too sweetie-smoothed-over. Daphne has an edgier sounding voice ,reminding that HELLO, Mimi is not a very "sweetie" person!
saying that the part of mimi doesnt best fit daphne's voice is like saying the same about Idina Menzel in Wicked as Elphaba.....its just wrong. There is just something about Daphne's voice that is different than most girls. She's the most original singer I know....Rosario is good too but her voice is just too commonly heard. I'm not saying Rosario isn't a good singer because she is but Daphne. Her voice sticks out like no other. THAT is TRUE originality. Its more realistic BECAUSE it has flaws
the character of me originated from jonathan larson, god rest his soul, lets get that straight. I agree, daphne has a good voice, but i feels its better suited elsewhere. Her voice didnt fit what the feel of the character emits
Fucking amazing. Every Mimi was based on the original. They are all beautiful, and every actress had something to offer to an absolutely amazing character.
seee, when people say things like..."i dont think daphne's voice fits mimi..." its like...she was the original mimi..she IS mimi...its stupid to say that her voice doesnt fit for mimi...when mimi originated from her.
katiee, mimi isn't based on daphne, its the actors job to interpret their own character from the script. ya they're all gonna be fairly similar because they're reading the same text but that doesn't mean that they are all copying the original. if you want a perfect example, search sweeny todd and compare johnny depp's version to others, it's very unique. doesn't make it wrong, just a different interpretation.
I saw the movie first, and Daphnes voice took some getting used to, but now I love it. It has so much edge and power and is such an untypical theater voice.
For everyone who is saying that Rosario is better is whack. She may have a good voice, don't get me wrong. But in the movie she is not singing live. Her voice is tweaked to sound better. And she lip sinks when in the movie. Daphne is moving around and singing live while doing it. That is pure talent. Her voice may be raspy, but that IS mimi. She needs to have an edge. And obviously she does her the best since she is the original and she was cast for a reason.
why are you people giving others a thumbs-down for their opinions? some of them got thumbs-down for no reason whatsoever. they weren't flaming and yet you think their opinions are bad or deserve thumbs-down just because they're expressing that they don't like daphne as mimi. honestly people...grow up. not everyone is going to agree with you.
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Daphne sucks. Worst voice ever. she couldn't sing Fantine on broadway and sucked as Magenta in Rocky Horror. And her voice sucks as mimi too.. i've heard better.
Just because her voice isn't what /you/ would consider "pretty" or even good, it doesn't mean that she is a bad singer. She rocked this performance and originated a much sought after character on broadway. She's probably a better performer than half of the singers out there.
i will never get tired of those blue pants. they're my costume piece of the whole show. i was happy that rosario wore them in the new years scene in the movie.
No... it's not the first performance, because for the first (when John died) they did every number from La Vie Boheme down sitting in the center of the stage (as set up in the number La Vie Boheme) It wasnt until La Vie Boheme that they realized that they shouldnt be sitting down to perform Johns Musical, that he would want the to selebrate life...etc....and cuz this song takes place b4 L.V.B....than you could c were im going with this...
I wish I was born earlier. I was born in the 90s, but I was too young and didn't know how great that decade was. If I was older and I knew what I did now about the 90s, RENT in particular, I would have been living it up.
In 1996, I was dating an actress who lived in New York. I lived in Boston. She told me that she and some friends were going to wait in line starting at 6:00 am to get tix to see some mad popular musical that everyone was talking about. I took a greyhound to NYC and joined them in line at 6:00 pm, having no idea what we were about to see. It was one of the best artistic experiences of my life, and I've never forgotten it. The original cast. Awesome. Truly Legendary.
I like Renne and Tamyra oh and rasario was okay. This and Rocky were daphne's best. she's better at rock music, in Les Miz she was horrible because she was singing ballads.
I hate when people say Rosario is the best Mimi, I love Rosario but I think its a tie between Daphne and Renee( first and Last Mimi's), Rosario is second. Daphne's character is not supposed to be this cutie-pie Innocent chick who lives in the sunshine. She's a tough chick, with AIDS, she's born to be a bad ass. Rosario shows the Innocent side..that's OKAY for movies but not for B-way sorry..its just not like that. Renee's lungs are like steel and she combines both Rosario and Daphne more of Daf
i really dont like it when people think daphne has a horrible voice. jonathan larson chose her to play mimi because her voice really suited the role. you're right, mimi is tough, she's got AIDS but she's acting all strong about it. daphne is the perfect mimi. she's really my favorite. i mean, there are other good mimis out there, iv'e seen some, but daphne is still my favorite mimi.
You know, I never like Daphne until I was watching NO DAY BUT TODAY, Jonathon's documentary, and it showed her singing the "NEON AND CHROME" part, and I instantly- i don't know- Got it!
k when i said intense about rosario maybe i should have used a different word. She is very even with her notes and she has a certain sound that makes me believe she is mimi. In away her voice to me says for that charractor yes i have had my hardships but im still standing. The differents between rosario and daphne is that while we kind feel how weak mimi is growing for Rosario Daphne shows us someone who is strong and has in away forgotten she is really dying. Like i said before love them both.
I heard daphne on the CD and turned it off . I think ". People paid money to listen to this. THEY MUST HAVE BEEN STUPID IN 1996".But than I watch this and think well it works. It really shows the whole story of mimi but without the performances i find it hard to listen to the whole song because of her voice's sound This is where I love Rosario. Her voice is beautiful bcoz of its intense sound( I saw her audition tape pplz). But i love em both.
when i got the obc CD, i was like 'woah... no.' this is ten times better, but i think the performance is almost always 10x better than the cd version. it's hard to capture the passion when it's not "in the moment"
lovin' this. :D may reconsider making this my favorite out tonight, in front of renee goldberry's
she will always be mimi. she's fifty now right? doesn't matter, she was the one with the moves and all mimis form all around the world just follow after them!
are you being sarcastic because there was no choreographer for this show, there is really no dancing for it to be choreographed and when they did this originally they really did not have money to pay everyone.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
I think Renee Elise Goldsberry fits the role perfectly- she had so much energy in her version of 'Out Tonight' and her singing is incredible. Here, Daphne seems so boring- not to mention her voice isn't anthing special.
OMG THANK YOU!!! finally someone with some sense. i have the final perf dvd and i can't stop watchin Renee. she is soooo mimi. people say that daphne's better cuz she's spanich but race has nothing to do with it.
Lol, thank you. People here seem to think that Daphne and Rosario are the only two Mimi's ever- and by doing that they are ignoring a whole group of people who are- dare I say it- better. I like Daphne and all, and she obviously looks and sounds the part, but Renee blows them both away for me.
By the way- to those who rated my comment poorly- why don't make a valid arguement, for goodness sake instead of acting like chicken shit and not saying a word. I would appreciate it.
I agree with you. Daphne is amazing just becuase she orginated the role, she IS mimi. Rosario took the role and made it her own special Mimi. Renee shows both combined together. And we shouldnt forget all the wonderful ladies that have also played Mimi such as tamyra, lexi, jamie lee k, simone they are all amazing thats why each mimi sould be respected
I HATED Daphne's voice when I first heard her. For ages, I could only stand Rosario or a few others. However, recently, I've come to like her, and actually prefer her Out Tonight. I think one of the reasons I hated her voice at first was because the first thing I saw of her was the Anniversary, which everyone said was bad.
And...Selena Gomez? Eww. And that whole Disney RENT image is just creepy.
Omg that's exactly what happened to me. I saw the anniversary ones and thought she sucked but whne I started to listen to her I realised she's actually AMAZING!
I used to not like Daphne, but after listening to the OBCR and watching the performances a lot, I really started liking her. She's the best Mimi in my opionion :)
daphne rubin-vega will ALWAYS be my favorite mimi (: although i loved her from the first time i heard her sing, there are a tonn of people who absolutley hate her at first, but after listening to her more and more they grow to love her, so if you think you hate her at first, try listening to her sing some other songs, because she could end up being your favoritee. (her "without you" makes me sob!)
i loved from the first time i heard her recording. i thought "she's amazing! she totally fits the part! shes my favorite mimi, then rosario! her without you just puts me in a ton of tears for five hours. i love her voice!
I think Mimi's voice must be most powerful in this show,cause Mimi tells audience a message "NO DAY BUT TODAY" .Daphne's voice is the very Mimi's voice:)I love her!!!!
I completley agree. Other people say they don't like her because of her raspy voice and that rosario is better because her voice is more smooth, and don't get me wrong, i like rosario too and i think she was a great choice for the movie, but she just doesn't sound the part. Mimi's raspy, druggy voice is just exactly how she should sound.
daphne looks hot!!!!
beanielandschool 4 days ago
yeah, i want to go ahhh-WOOOT tonight too.
paulfrank167 3 weeks ago
As much as I love Daphne doing this, I think I like Rosario better. However, there is no better than the original. <3
edelricluvr2 2 months ago
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<3 I personally LOVE Daphne! That doesn't mean I don't have another Mimi I like more. What people need to realize about OBC cast members it that they are the one's paving the way for the rest of us. Without them we would have no place to go. Respect OBC! <3
clyoung92 2 months ago
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clyoung92 2 months ago
everybody stop arguing about the best mimi! just shut up and enjoy the video! if you dont like daphne go watch a vid of your fav but dont hate here.
LunyLovegood 3 months ago
@LunyLovegood Agreed.
Jazzzkidd 1 month ago
I kinda feel sorry for her... sounds like she's holding her voice the whole song. She can do A LOT better if they put her to sing a harder song. Yea, the part of Mimi doesn't fit her, but it's because that girl can do A LOT better.
inuyasha009 5 months ago
God I love this. I wish I could've seen this live..
NUBF 5 months ago
I prefer Renée E. Goldsburry ♥
biancaalvesd 5 months ago
Her vocals r alot better hear than on the recording!
superduffman22 5 months ago 2
I agree with @LesMisere also you have to remember that the first show was bittersweet. They were happy to open & show what Jonathan had created, but sad because he had died without seeing it in its entirety.
JoliBeanx 6 months ago
Vanessa Hudgens was better........Nah just kidding ;-)
TheEgotasticRipoff 6 months ago 7
Do any Starkid fans notice a slight resemblance to Mama Umbridge, especially at 1:46? No? Just me?
Anyway, she's amazing.
michsizzle 6 months ago 3
@michsizzle I'm a starkid but it's hard to connect Mimi with Umbridge
pollypunht 6 months ago
@michsizzle OMG YES lololol!
haybay29 5 months ago
Daphne > Rosario
flyingtripping 6 months ago
she has such a wonderful punk rock, Janis Joplin sensibility to her
TheCherryBomber1 7 months ago
she has a raspy voice that adds edge to the song...this song isnt supposted to be sung pretty...its a rock song and supposted be done just like daphne done it!
NobodyInAllofOZ1 7 months ago
I don't think we need to argue which of the Mimi actresses were the best. I like all of them! Daphne will always have the original Mimi voice, sure, but Rosario made her seem younger and livelier, and then Renee brought out her wild side. They all did simply amazing work. Yes? yes.
LichanLuvsU 7 months ago
hey please if you are still willing to trade this show, message me :)
helwizz 7 months ago
Daphne was one of the few cast members to be nominated for a Tony. Daphne voice has a rock and roll edge and depth to it. You have to be a fan of music to hear it. The reason why they replaced Daphne for the movie because she didn’t age well and couldn’t play a younger part it had nothing to do with her voice or acting talent. Rd just looks the part but will never come close to the original Mimi.
thesaltypoet 9 months ago
@thesaltypoet No, Daphne was pregnant when the movie was being filmed.
Charliefisher1987 8 months ago
What are you guys comparing this to? There is no live footage of rosario dawson singing live, because she can’t. And if you are comparing the studio recordings, Daphne Rubin-Vega blows RD out of the water; RD studio version is missing notes from the original song they had to edit the song to fit her voice and lack of singing talent. And her voice was processed it sounds generic.
thesaltypoet 9 months ago
@thesaltypoet actually there is live footage of rosario dawson singing this in the audition tape. just saying. its not thw whole thing but its enough to know she can really SING. im not saying that shes better im just saying there is a video of her singing this live. i think she did great and i like daphne sings it great too. im just saying
naenae0317 7 months ago
@naenae0317 she can sing but the notes are off :/ its so heavily autotuned as well.
Phantomdubber 6 months ago
In the film that is.
Phantomdubber 6 months ago
her voice is anything but perfect but she is great for the part. that's the thing about musicals. i believe that a voice doesn't have to have perfect quality, it just has to be true to the character and have passion. further proof of this is frances ruffelle as the original eponine in les miserables. listen to her singing on my own. her voice is anything but beautiful but it embodies the character so perfectley much like daphne embodies mimi with her voice.
lesmizfanatic90 9 months ago
Has anyone noticed her boobs are much bigger now? xD
ElmoAboob 10 months ago
i don't know about this video of her. she has sounded so much better at other times, but this her voice is shaky and she seems really shy/uncertain of herself. when i saw the movie i was so excited about rosario dawson as mimi because when i heard her i thought she did the role justice, but still could never touch daphne's mimi. this video, however makes me rethink that.
sweetrose1290 10 months ago
So raw and street like. She has the whole NY look and feel. Love her
Broadwayseeker 10 months ago
Renee is the best Mimi
bronsonswan 10 months ago
common! how people dare say that daphne doesent fit mimi! like she IS mimi! jonathan larson chose her for some reason. she was the 1st representation of mimi, if she doesent fit her then no one does
monica367 10 months ago
@monica367 thats cause Renee wasn't alive yet lol
bronsonswan 10 months ago
@bronsonswan :P i think she was alive... but my point is that daphne was jonathan's mimi, like THE ONE that really fits mimi when he created the characted. althought renee is very very good, and it was great that she didnt imitate daphne or anthing
monica367 10 months ago
one word: epic
AwkwardUrination 11 months ago
i love renee as a singer, but personally, i think that's she's not that good of an actress, just saying.
birthdayjin 11 months ago
@birthdayjin i meant daphne, although i think renee is better xP
birthdayjin 11 months ago
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emily496351detective 1 year ago
like others have said many people who have done the rold sound good but she really is mimi i believe she has a type of factor that makes her differtent and its great
OwlShine 1 year ago
alright...no noffence but daphne may be the original mimi and jonathan may of wanted her to sound like crap but....rosario is deffinently a better mimi in shape and sound. its a musical they arent supposed to sound like a junkie or a crack whore like their part. they should sound good. no one wants to listen to crapy sounding people. i promise. so honestly...i say rosario. sorry daphne fans.
asabonna101 1 year ago
alright...nonoffence but daphne may be the original mimi and jonathan may of wanted her to sound like crap but....rosario is deffinently a better mimi in shape and sound. its a musical they arent supposed to sound like a junkie or a crack whore like their part. they should sound good. no one wants to listen to crapy sounding people. i promise. so honestly...i say rosario. sorry daphne fans.
asabonna101 1 year ago
fail
CHEERCHICK446 1 year ago
Every time I see this it gets more and more powerful and energetic. Jonathan Larson and Daphne Rubin-Vega are quite possibly the only two people on this earth (ok, exaggeration there, but still) who could take something like Out Tonight, a song put to a pole dance/strip number, and put meaning and feeling into it.
TechnicolorYear 1 year ago
Mimi is supposed to be pretty.
I don't find her very pretty. She can't sing either.
Plus she's flat chested.....
Chocomuneca19 1 year ago
To all of the people saying "Mimi should be..." considering the fact that she originated the role I think that the Mimi criteria should be based off of her...she might not be the prettiest girl ever but she is an amazing Mimi. She is my favorite =)
theatrechick3434 1 year ago 2
@Chocomuneca19 i read the minute jonathan heard daphne sing he wanted her for mimi because she was auditioning for maureen....and she's freaking gorgeous!!! u also have to remember that mimi is a junkie, and how many do u know that are "very pretty"?
garbagegirl42069 1 year ago 3
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zitalee2 1 year ago
I love her as Mimi. Not so much as Fantine but she is AMAZING as Mimi...
MissLilSummer 1 year ago
i give her props for dancing like that on that balcony part, i think her raspy voice gives her that edge like shes actually on something. haha. she was the first choice for this role and i think shes the best suited. Renee comes close to a great mimi but shes way too refined to be seen as a addict/stripper.
gezbez 1 year ago
i think daphane brings such innocence to the role of mimi (in her voice), but if you look at her acting you see that she is wild, like she is a girl trying to be a women but really she is still just a girl.
madestofmad 1 year ago
@lyrikkal22 I think I'm the only person who agrees with you. Rosario was a good actress and was pretty and had a good voice. Even if she did use alot of autotone I still like her. I don't like Daphne because her voice is all raspy.
sologratia1 1 year ago
AS much as I am partially to actresses being amazingly gorgeous sounding singers, you just can't compare to Daphne's voice. It's raspy and rocky edge adds a ton more character to Mimi's part and she just fits the parts so well.
WickedxWitchx1313 1 year ago
i kind of hate her voice
woooooooitsrachel 1 year ago
My favorite Mimi along with Renee. Not only does she genuinely sound like a heorine addict, but she's bad on the bars, carrys the emotions, and exercises her voice. Rosario's acting was great, but she was heavily aided by autotunes.
The audience clearly love Daphne. No wonder she was nominated for the Tony.
AliaSparrow 1 year ago
@AliaSparrow agreed. Rosario wouldn't have done herself favours if she went on broadway. In think anyone could play mimi in a movie and be aided by countless recording session and autotunes. Example vanessa hudgens on brodway not exactly there yet, but if you had put her in rosarios place in the movie she could have fared better then rosario.
gezbez 1 year ago
@gezbez
As much as I do love this video, and I have NO favorite when it comes to Mimi, I must say that I think Rosario would have fared well on Broadway. She may need a few voice lessons when it comes to the high note in the song, but if you watch the video of Rosario being cast for the movie, RENT, it shows her singing with nothing to accompany her but a piano- and the scratchiness is not only there, but she sounds MUCH better in person than in the movie vocally. The autotunes weren't needed.
SorrowfulLesson 1 year ago
I'm sorry, but i despise her voice.
Porcelainfacex3 1 year ago
this is kinda the only role i ever want(ed) to see her in. she's so fucking fierce in this role, but when she plays other shit (except maybe in Rocky Horror.... cause that was fierce) I just don't buy it, cause she's technically such a TERRIBLE singer. AMAZINGLY FIERCE performer, but even in this song, CONSTANTLY flat.
her in les miserables as fontine?
ew.
but then again.... she' can turn it out in this role :)
rogmofreakymar 1 year ago
i love Daphne's mimi! i think she is the greatest, but i renee's version better
Xxmilkshake202xX 1 year ago
It would have been better if she sung it stronger. She didn't put much emotion into it.
BongInTheOven 1 year ago
lol how in the world did they sneak a camera in the theatre and boot leg this in 1996? CAMERAS were HUGE ! :D good job I have no idea how this was managed. SO GOOOOODDDDDD
CassieChoirGeek 1 year ago 2
@CassieChoirGeek 10 gallon hat of course
KraXoom 1 year ago
@KraXoom REALLY!!???
CassieChoirGeek 1 year ago
Sorry everyone, but ROSARIA is the best mimi there. Rosaria's voice is much stronger, shes also waaay hotter. Rosaria was a triple threat. She IS mimi. She redefined the standards of acting singing and dancing for mimi and future mimi's to come.
lyrikkal22 1 year ago
@lyrikkal22 the same here but it is rosario!
sander19951995 1 year ago
@lyrikkal22 Rosario's voice is nowhere near as strong as just about any of the broadway Mimis. She could barely muster the power to pull off Out Tonight, her Light My Candle was average, and Another Day was a trainwreck. She could not acheive anywhere close to the power of Renee or Daphne.
pokethunderdude 1 year ago
@pokethunderdude Are you still talking about Rosario, or yourself now? ROsario is much better. enough said.
lyrikkal22 7 months ago
Rosario sucked.
Daphne will always be MiMi.
trinigirl212 1 year ago
I love how people compare her to Rosario, considering she only did the movie. She was good, but no true show Mimi.
iDefyTheWesternSky 1 year ago
Her voice is quite distinguishable that is why maybe Jonathan Larson choose her to play Mimi. She might not have the best vocals as Mimi (that goes to Tamyra Gray) but her voice, dancing, acting and her look IS Mimi... Mimi isn't supposed to sound like a broadway star, she has to be a little bit rough on the edges right? That is why Daphne Rubin-Vega for me is in general the best Mimi I've ever seen so far. Plus she's the only one who can walk on the railings w/o hands while doing Out Tonight!
pinkandyellow27 1 year ago 11
everyone is right, she is the best mimi, but having said that, she did invent the roll
amerboy22 1 year ago
Daphne's the only person who can play Mimi well. In my opinion at least. Rosario did the songs justice, but she's just not Mimi.
8bittrauma 1 year ago
The whole B'way opening night is on Google vids, OBC.
superbeavo 1 year ago
Opening brodway or ny theater workshop?
rmsg4 1 year ago
The best MiMi!!!
trinigirl212 1 year ago
Daphne's moves flow, while almost every other Mimis' seems choreographed
propogandalf 1 year ago 4
This has been flagged as spam show
question please: does anyone knows after the opening night for how long they performed together? i mean the obc cast until the first cast members changes... thanks!!!
fermoo 1 year ago
Wow, where did you get this footage from, it was ages ago!! x
becky5428 1 year ago
Daphne Rubin-Vega is the ORIGINAL picked person to play Mimi and is the BEST <3
RoseResserection 1 year ago 3
Saw her in 97 as the original Mimi. Met her after the show as well. She is amazing!!! Best Mimi ever!
vegbird1 2 years ago 2
I like Daphne but I liked Rosario and Renee better.
LegendOfSeekerFan 2 years ago 4
Daphne IS Mimi <3
theemaestro576 2 years ago 5
Best Mimi ever
ElledieWildAndFree 2 years ago 6
I was fortunate to see Daphne as Mimi when she reprised the role on one of the national tours back in 1999. I was COMPLETELY blown away. You can tell she is both nervous and unsure of herself in this video. However, by the time I saw her, she was absolutely perfect. Her "Out Tonight" was breathtaking, and as much as it sounds like I'm exaggerating, I'm not. She was really that good. To me, she IS Mimi. No comparison.
LesMisere 2 years ago 38
i have heard Daphne sing on her latest album and i have to say her voice is fantastic like her voice really did wonders for the being mimi but as a singer i wouldn't want to listen to her but after listening to her latest work she is great and her voice has really change its less raspy now
baileyGirl166 2 years ago 5
Omigod, I was four years old. when I was Daphne, my first ever broadwayshow! I didn't wanted to go, I was in denial I wanted to stay home and watch Barny.. So, when I arrived, I thought Angel was a girl; and when Idina kissed Fredi I asked my mother, why were they kissing? And I came out to my mom, right there I was like Mom i want to kiss guys and girls, but I still remember that I love Daphne!
jdthemindfreak 2 years ago 2
@LesMisere I saw her in LA too. I was blown away and so glad I was able to see her live
hyperhypo 7 months ago
Renee and Rosario were the best Mimis.
TheAngelSpeaks15 2 years ago
agree on renee, not so much on rosarion though
floofyfan13 2 years ago 7
no more like like Renee, & Lexi.
Rosario is not the best, shes more of an okay.
shangrilasfan2006 2 years ago 3
she's more dangerous up there on that rail than that other mimi, (renee something) but i liked renee's version better. just because of that ouuuuut part! awesome!
yaoi4evandnevayuri 2 years ago 3
To be honest, I've heard all sorts of different Mimis and I do like Daphne, I do. She will always ALWAYS be the Mimi every performer will look in reference to. But I have seen some Mimis do great things with the character role-they adapted it, molded it and its final sculpture of Mimi was last seen on Bway by Renee Goldsberry. I thought she was phenomenal. To see the character grow with every person that's ever played it is amazing.
elligurl115 2 years ago 3
Daphne's pretty good, but her transitions over her break aren't very smooth and she doesn't quite hit the exact note.
Soon2beonbroadway 2 years ago 2
im in love with daphne... rosario just doesnt cut it!! and besides, it sound all techy, and too sweetie-smoothed-over. Daphne has an edgier sounding voice ,reminding that HELLO, Mimi is not a very "sweetie" person!
itsabitironic963 2 years ago 2
SO TRUE! @itsabitironic963
iheartpetunia 2 years ago
saying that the part of mimi doesnt best fit daphne's voice is like saying the same about Idina Menzel in Wicked as Elphaba.....its just wrong. There is just something about Daphne's voice that is different than most girls. She's the most original singer I know....Rosario is good too but her voice is just too commonly heard. I'm not saying Rosario isn't a good singer because she is but Daphne. Her voice sticks out like no other. THAT is TRUE originality. Its more realistic BECAUSE it has flaws
lonelyoptimist99 2 years ago 73
I actually don't think Idina was a good Elphaba, so . . haha
MATTYandMUSIC 1 year ago
the character of me originated from jonathan larson, god rest his soul, lets get that straight. I agree, daphne has a good voice, but i feels its better suited elsewhere. Her voice didnt fit what the feel of the character emits
Kcastillo89 2 years ago 6
Fucking amazing. Every Mimi was based on the original. They are all beautiful, and every actress had something to offer to an absolutely amazing character.
unionstation 2 years ago 3
I like rosario better though
TheBroadwaywannabe 2 years ago
seee, when people say things like..."i dont think daphne's voice fits mimi..." its like...she was the original mimi..she IS mimi...its stupid to say that her voice doesnt fit for mimi...when mimi originated from her.
KatieeClementi 2 years ago 10
katiee, mimi isn't based on daphne, its the actors job to interpret their own character from the script. ya they're all gonna be fairly similar because they're reading the same text but that doesn't mean that they are all copying the original. if you want a perfect example, search sweeny todd and compare johnny depp's version to others, it's very unique. doesn't make it wrong, just a different interpretation.
rpdaly07 2 years ago 5
She sounds better live than on the RENT Orig. Cast recording...so weird...its usually the opposite :P
XxBelievexX12 2 years ago 2
I saw the movie first, and Daphnes voice took some getting used to, but now I love it. It has so much edge and power and is such an untypical theater voice.
hondaveg 2 years ago 6
same! at first I was like "um...her voice" and now I'm like "hooray!" because she has so much energy! :D
andawayshegoes 2 years ago 4
For everyone who is saying that Rosario is better is whack. She may have a good voice, don't get me wrong. But in the movie she is not singing live. Her voice is tweaked to sound better. And she lip sinks when in the movie. Daphne is moving around and singing live while doing it. That is pure talent. Her voice may be raspy, but that IS mimi. She needs to have an edge. And obviously she does her the best since she is the original and she was cast for a reason.
MidnightMoon6 2 years ago 9
I TOTALLY agree!!!!
junebug62795 2 years ago
i think she is an amazing singer but i wish she walk around like in the movie rent the new verison
21avrillavigne 2 years ago
all im saying is i'd like to hear you sing it better
awesome song, i think both daphne and rosario did an amazing job
dramageek915 2 years ago 2
I don't give a damn what anyone says, she is a fantastic performer!
charstar1989 2 years ago 2
why are you people giving others a thumbs-down for their opinions? some of them got thumbs-down for no reason whatsoever. they weren't flaming and yet you think their opinions are bad or deserve thumbs-down just because they're expressing that they don't like daphne as mimi. honestly people...grow up. not everyone is going to agree with you.
kaikivvy 2 years ago
Well in my opinion i think Rosario Dawson is a better Mimi!
flipboi720 2 years ago 4
you have to listen to her a little bit to get used to her. i've really fallen for her voice.
granitefury 2 years ago
me too. I heard Rosario first, and when I finally got the OBC Cd, I couldn't stand Daphne. Now I love her :))
theemaestro576 2 years ago 2
Daphne is wonderful but in my OPINION her voice didn't really suit Mimi. I thought she stunning in the revival of Rocky Horror.
just my opinion.
PhantomCake 2 years ago
I just love the musical! Daphne Rubin-Vega rocks and well as the Mimi's to follow.
faythlws 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Daphne sucks. Worst voice ever. she couldn't sing Fantine on broadway and sucked as Magenta in Rocky Horror. And her voice sucks as mimi too.. i've heard better.
DramaQangel711 2 years ago
then why was she even Mimi in the first place if she sucked so bad?
omgitskee 2 years ago
Just because her voice isn't what /you/ would consider "pretty" or even good, it doesn't mean that she is a bad singer. She rocked this performance and originated a much sought after character on broadway. She's probably a better performer than half of the singers out there.
musikmcr 2 years ago 3
Now that was terrific
ElledieWildAndFree 2 years ago 3
i will never get tired of those blue pants. they're my costume piece of the whole show. i was happy that rosario wore them in the new years scene in the movie.
funkydotfizz 2 years ago 5
LOVE HER<3
BassPlayingChick55 2 years ago 2
haha look at Adam at the end he's like staring at Daphne and is like hmmm i like this!! lol luv Daphne!!!
teardropsofhope7 2 years ago 2
i like rosario best
apple6897 2 years ago
I totally agree with u
dreamershavemorefun 2 years ago
yup sorry to those who like Daphne but that's just my opinion
inuyasha4souls 2 years ago
I love Rosario
But like, on film.. it's much different from stage.
I'd have to see her perform a stage version of Out Tonight
SUNNYxxDAYS 2 years ago 2
lets see rosario do what daphne did
singsingsing22 2 years ago 2
Is this SERIOUSLY the first show???
AAAHHH! So awesome.
Great quality, all things considered. Audio is spot-on. Showcases Daphne at her best! ^_^
My fave Mimi's are Lexi Lawson, Daphne, and Rosario <3
EccentricElf23 2 years ago 8
No... it's not the first performance, because for the first (when John died) they did every number from La Vie Boheme down sitting in the center of the stage (as set up in the number La Vie Boheme) It wasnt until La Vie Boheme that they realized that they shouldnt be sitting down to perform Johns Musical, that he would want the to selebrate life...etc....and cuz this song takes place b4 L.V.B....than you could c were im going with this...
rory1494 2 years ago
It's opening night on broadway. It's at the Nederlander and not at the New York Theatre Workshop.
CirqueFaner 2 years ago 2
oh... that explains it :D
rory1494 2 years ago
I wish I was born earlier. I was born in the 90s, but I was too young and didn't know how great that decade was. If I was older and I knew what I did now about the 90s, RENT in particular, I would have been living it up.
VMKAnimaniac 2 years ago
In 1996, I was dating an actress who lived in New York. I lived in Boston. She told me that she and some friends were going to wait in line starting at 6:00 am to get tix to see some mad popular musical that everyone was talking about. I took a greyhound to NYC and joined them in line at 6:00 pm, having no idea what we were about to see. It was one of the best artistic experiences of my life, and I've never forgotten it. The original cast. Awesome. Truly Legendary.
gitchigoomi 2 years ago 3
Daphne is my fav! She sounds like Mimi sohould
estesaaron 2 years ago
mmn,
her voice has always bothered me in a way.
it fits this part very well,
but it still bothers me.
virgiiniiadelia 2 years ago
I like Renne and Tamyra oh and rasario was okay. This and Rocky were daphne's best. she's better at rock music, in Les Miz she was horrible because she was singing ballads.
<3 RENT
cooleo505 2 years ago
I hate when people say Rosario is the best Mimi, I love Rosario but I think its a tie between Daphne and Renee( first and Last Mimi's), Rosario is second. Daphne's character is not supposed to be this cutie-pie Innocent chick who lives in the sunshine. She's a tough chick, with AIDS, she's born to be a bad ass. Rosario shows the Innocent side..that's OKAY for movies but not for B-way sorry..its just not like that. Renee's lungs are like steel and she combines both Rosario and Daphne more of Daf
ForgetRegret429 2 years ago 3
yah- the only reason I like Rosario is because she almost resembles 19. haha!!!
Amauz123 2 years ago 3
i really dont like it when people think daphne has a horrible voice. jonathan larson chose her to play mimi because her voice really suited the role. you're right, mimi is tough, she's got AIDS but she's acting all strong about it. daphne is the perfect mimi. she's really my favorite. i mean, there are other good mimis out there, iv'e seen some, but daphne is still my favorite mimi.
mrsralbinopumpkinhea 2 years ago 3
You know, I never like Daphne until I was watching NO DAY BUT TODAY, Jonathon's documentary, and it showed her singing the "NEON AND CHROME" part, and I instantly- i don't know- Got it!
NOw I understand Mimi as a character
Amauz123 2 years ago 3
k when i said intense about rosario maybe i should have used a different word. She is very even with her notes and she has a certain sound that makes me believe she is mimi. In away her voice to me says for that charractor yes i have had my hardships but im still standing. The differents between rosario and daphne is that while we kind feel how weak mimi is growing for Rosario Daphne shows us someone who is strong and has in away forgotten she is really dying. Like i said before love them both.
rabbit161 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Rosario Dawson was the best Mimi. Period! Give Daphne credit for developing the role into what it is.
tarheel1967 2 years ago
I heard daphne on the CD and turned it off . I think ". People paid money to listen to this. THEY MUST HAVE BEEN STUPID IN 1996".But than I watch this and think well it works. It really shows the whole story of mimi but without the performances i find it hard to listen to the whole song because of her voice's sound This is where I love Rosario. Her voice is beautiful bcoz of its intense sound( I saw her audition tape pplz). But i love em both.
D: perfect 4 Broaway.
R: perfect 4 movie.
rabbit161 2 years ago 2
I don't like Rosario Dawson's voice. I don't think there's any intensity in it at all, but different strokes for different folks I guess.
unopeneddoor 2 years ago
when i got the obc CD, i was like 'woah... no.' this is ten times better, but i think the performance is almost always 10x better than the cd version. it's hard to capture the passion when it's not "in the moment"
lovin' this. :D may reconsider making this my favorite out tonight, in front of renee goldberry's
iwannabeaweasley 2 years ago 2
she will always be mimi. she's fifty now right? doesn't matter, she was the one with the moves and all mimis form all around the world just follow after them!
mrsralbinopumpkinhea 2 years ago 3
Daphne's about 40. xD And yes, I completely agree-- every single Mimi performance is based off of hers. :] She placed the standard! >:0
AwakentheMonster 2 years ago 4
The moves are choreographed by a professional choreographer, Daphne didn't create those moves and doesn't own them. Wow
fletcher373 2 years ago
are you being sarcastic because there was no choreographer for this show, there is really no dancing for it to be choreographed and when they did this originally they really did not have money to pay everyone.
fight4acause 2 years ago 2
I never get tired of this vid, I watch it like... every night! xD
lostdeviltwin 2 years ago
rosario is heavily edited i reckon, i've never heard her live, and her aduition video was kinda ok.
i like daphne but she reminds me of my mate too much
andgadoline 2 years ago 2
there is only to best mimis that is daphne rubin-vega and lexi lawson
ludenke 2 years ago 2
they are my favorites
JANELLEismyHERO 2 years ago
yeah lexi lawson's incredible as mimi.
mandipaige92 2 years ago
Oh god, yes. She's absolutely INCREDIBLE live. I don't know if you've ever seen her live, but my goodness. She was entirely fabulous.
KitsuneMinto 2 years ago 4
I liked Daphne better than Rosario. she's actually like my cousin or something, so watching her sing in the "cat scratch club" was kinda creepy. lol.
hotrod926 2 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I think Renee Elise Goldsberry fits the role perfectly- she had so much energy in her version of 'Out Tonight' and her singing is incredible. Here, Daphne seems so boring- not to mention her voice isn't anthing special.
EriksAphoticLullaby 2 years ago
OMG THANK YOU!!! finally someone with some sense. i have the final perf dvd and i can't stop watchin Renee. she is soooo mimi. people say that daphne's better cuz she's spanich but race has nothing to do with it.
deeghamz63 2 years ago
Lol, thank you. People here seem to think that Daphne and Rosario are the only two Mimi's ever- and by doing that they are ignoring a whole group of people who are- dare I say it- better. I like Daphne and all, and she obviously looks and sounds the part, but Renee blows them both away for me.
By the way- to those who rated my comment poorly- why don't make a valid arguement, for goodness sake instead of acting like chicken shit and not saying a word. I would appreciate it.
EriksAphoticLullaby 2 years ago
I agree with you. Daphne is amazing just becuase she orginated the role, she IS mimi. Rosario took the role and made it her own special Mimi. Renee shows both combined together. And we shouldnt forget all the wonderful ladies that have also played Mimi such as tamyra, lexi, jamie lee k, simone they are all amazing thats why each mimi sould be respected
Whitewolf114 2 years ago 5
i kow renne is like one of da best mi mis i just love they way she says out in this song
dolphinboy13204 2 years ago
daphne is amazing! she is probably the best mimi ever
PFB93 2 years ago 2
I HATED Daphne's voice when I first heard her. For ages, I could only stand Rosario or a few others. However, recently, I've come to like her, and actually prefer her Out Tonight. I think one of the reasons I hated her voice at first was because the first thing I saw of her was the Anniversary, which everyone said was bad.
And...Selena Gomez? Eww. And that whole Disney RENT image is just creepy.
msnikhita 2 years ago 5
Omg that's exactly what happened to me. I saw the anniversary ones and thought she sucked but whne I started to listen to her I realised she's actually AMAZING!
xxxmissblondzyxxx 2 years ago
I totally third that!
I used to not like Daphne, but after listening to the OBCR and watching the performances a lot, I really started liking her. She's the best Mimi in my opionion :)
invaderzim1414 2 years ago
She did great in the performance!!! Her voice fits the part of Mimi!
blueberrylipgloss 2 years ago
daphne rubin-vega will ALWAYS be my favorite mimi (: although i loved her from the first time i heard her sing, there are a tonn of people who absolutley hate her at first, but after listening to her more and more they grow to love her, so if you think you hate her at first, try listening to her sing some other songs, because she could end up being your favoritee. (her "without you" makes me sob!)
lavieeboheme 2 years ago
I totally agree. She grew in me, too. I used to dislike her singing, but now I find she's the perfect Mimi. She excels in this part. The best!
bmwte 2 years ago
i loved from the first time i heard her recording. i thought "she's amazing! she totally fits the part! shes my favorite mimi, then rosario! her without you just puts me in a ton of tears for five hours. i love her voice!
Mshottie6 2 years ago
Daphne is the BEST Mimi ever!!
I think Mimi's voice must be most powerful in this show,cause Mimi tells audience a message "NO DAY BUT TODAY" .Daphne's voice is the very Mimi's voice:)I love her!!!!
I'm sorry for my poor English;(
thx97JxR 2 years ago
I completley agree. Other people say they don't like her because of her raspy voice and that rosario is better because her voice is more smooth, and don't get me wrong, i like rosario too and i think she was a great choice for the movie, but she just doesn't sound the part. Mimi's raspy, druggy voice is just exactly how she should sound.
lavieeboheme 2 years ago
wait why are people debating if selena gomez would make a good mimi marquez or not?
what the hell is up with you people ......
LiefsteCamilla 2 years ago 5