I hated her performance but I give her props- she sounds great. Maybe she is meant to be heard,not seen on stage. Maybe it's the director's fault that she and Ricky are wrong for their roles, cause directorily, the show is so wrong.
I understand why people don't like Roger's performance, but I thought her portrayal of Eva so moving that it cancelled out any vocal issues (though she sounded in great voice last week, when I saw the show). The arch she gives Eva was fascinating and heartbreaking. It's also the first time I've ever really understood the lyrics to "Don't Cry for Me Argentina" (the lyrics have baffled me from day 1). Very excited for her Spanish Argentina, too.
I had more issues with Martin's Che which I found lifeless, overly-mannered, and confused.
Ricky sounds like a thinner-voiced Adam Pascal. It hurts me to say that because I adore Adam.
I LOVE how Elena sounds in this video, I cannot wait for the new recording. I'm in the minority of those who love her voice, there's just this spicy, charismatic quality about it that I can't get enough of. That, and those gorgeous eyes of hers.
I don't WANT to live in what they call "a certain way." In the first place I'd be no good at it and besides that I don't want to be identified with any one class of people. I want to live every whichway, among all kinds---and know them---and understand them---and love them---THAT's what I want! - Philip Barry (Holiday)
Hooray for us sadists! :) I love Elena's voice and can't get enough of it. I still prefer the way she sounds in 'Buenos Aires' on the London recording though if the track they're using is the one sent to the Tony voters.
I don't know if anyone here heard those tracks, but Ricky is particularly bad in 'Buenos Aires'. He really doesn't understand the speeches he's saying at all and stumbles over the words. He's passable when he sings (though he lacks the bite and doesn't sound nearly cynical/sarcastic/angry enough) but those 'Buenos Aires' speeches are pretty cringeworthy. "Don't you just luuuuuuuuuuurve the smack of firm government?"...oh dear. Matt Rawle did a far better job. I do wonder if the reason Ricky has made Che a non-entity who is far too affable and smiley is a decision by Michael Grandage not to alienate the Ricky fans who see the show, or whether it's just Mr Martin's fault.
I'm really hesitant about purchasing this recording. I just now finished watching this preview and I am loving the way Elena and Michael sound, but W-T-F is Ricky Martin doing?!!
The reason that version has a rock and roll feel is that Roger has recorded several rock albums in Buenos Aires. She also does a killer every breath you take.
I wish she could sing anywhere near this well with consistency in the show. The two times I've seen it was more like a banshee wailing. This actually sounded nice (sans Ricky).
Why is Elena so deceivingly good on film? I watched some of the clips of the show from London before seeing her at the Marquis and was TRICKED into expected more than the screeching that I got.
"These rabid fans...possess the acting talent to portray the hooker...Linda Eder..." -The New York Times
"The reason that version has a rock and roll feel is that Roger has recorded several rock albums in Buenos Aires. She also does a killer every breath you take."
She's well respected by Charly Garcia and has recorded his material. Good thing people can hear her sing other material via Youtube.
Yeah, agreed. I like the sound of it overall though! Ricky actually doesn't sound too bad.
But seriously, Lament sounds like it's being played back in fast-forward...
eta. The track is an entire minute shorter than on the london cast recording. Did they cut out a verse again? Lament seems to be different on every recording of the show. Or is the tempo really just that fast?
Updated On: 6/15/12 at 04:02 AM
After looking forward to this for MONTHS I feel a bit disappointed by what I'm hearing on those samples. The recording sounds rushed and the orchestra sounds extremely tinny, and the tempi are crazy. I even thought Elena sounded better on the London recording. How I wish they'd made that one a full one--we'd have got a stronger Che that way. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers...
Just listened to the samples and I am not moved in any way. I put in an order for the CD at the theater and certainly am looking forward to my delivery of coffee more.
I just got the CD and Elena Roger sounds fantastic. Though I definitely loved her in the show more than most others, it seems. Though the clips are a bit deceiving. If you didn't like her in the theatre, I don't think you'll like the CD.
Updated On: 6/22/12 at 04:36 PM
The new orchestrations are mostly OK, even if they sound like they're being played by the same 5 musicians and that chamber orch sound that slips into the style of Tango more often than is appropriate gets monotonous and obvious. The more familiar orchestration is soooo much better. Not to mention, fuller and miles more exciting.
Everyone sounds good on it from what I've heard so far.
Recreation of original John Cameron orchestration to "On My Own" by yours truly. Click player below to hear.