Customer Reviews

Stage Heroes

5 star:		(26)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Colm Wilkinson opened as Jean Valjean in both the London and Broadway productions of "Les Miserables," and like Michael Crawford in "Phantom of the Opera" builds upon his successful by recording an album of selections from various musicals. Consequently, the joy of listening to "Stage Heroes" is that not only do you get to hear his memorable "Bring Him Home" from "Les Mis," but he takes a turn at "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables." Wilkinson performs a pair of songs from "Man of La Mancha," "Chess," "West Side Story," "The Phantom of the opera," "South Pacific," "Camelot" and "Porgy & Bess." If you enjoyed hearing Wilkinson's pure tenor voice singing in "Les Mis" then you will certainly find something to enjoy equally as much from this album (I especially like his performance of "Anthem" from "Chess"). The orchestrations are also spruced up more than you usually hear with these songs, which is always a nice touch. All things considered, "Stage Heroes" is one of the better collections of Broadway show tunes.

This album is definetly NOT to do without! ALL of the selections bring Wilkinson's voice to it's fullest height, versatility, and control! Colm wilkinson is simply the best. My favorite selections (if I really HAVE to name specifics) are Phantom of the Opera (of course), Music of the Night, Bring Him Home, Pity the Child, Anthem, and of course, Man of La Mancha. Why? I'll explain... Man of La Mancha is TRIUMPHANT, and POWERFUL. The Imposible Dream REALLY sounds like he's dreaming it! Pity the Child shows his VERSATILITY as him going back to his neglected and painful childhood. Anthem shows his control and power in his voice. Maria is the song that REALLY makes him sound young! (*LOL*) as well as Somewhere. The Phantom of the Opera is quite a different style than the OCC recording. It makes the song picture the Phantom more than Christine Daae. (which in this case, it makes that selection AWESOME!) It is also a faster tempo than usual, which makes the song seem longer. (don't ask me why, but it just does) Music of the night SOARS over ALL of the other role portrayals! Which was the reason WHY Andrew Lloyd Webber chose HIM to be the FIRST Phantom. (Michael was his second resort) (no offense to Michael Crawford fans) It penatrates to your up-most feelings and sences. It lifts your spirits and sends them soaring through every note! This song is SO INTENSE that you can't even describe it in a Million words! Colm really makes this song take FLIGHT! I very much like this arrangment more than the OCC recording. Bring Him Home is the best as always, do I have to say any more? Empty Chairs at Empty Tables seems to me very diferent, since we are all used to hearing Colm a Valjean, but I MUST say, it is an unspeakable arrangement (with Colm singing as Marius I mean) He is very good in that song, it just is a little different hearing him sing as Marius. South Pacific was a very good selection for him, I have ALWAYS imagined Colm singing that role, but had never heard him till now! All of the selections from Camelot are AWESOME! (even though I haven't really heard the musical Camelot, it's still good to hear Colm sing it! Porgy and Bess, I had heard of, but never really heard before, Colm portrays both of those songs wonderfully. Well, what else can I say, except Colm Wilkinson is the best performer on stage in the musical theater. The thing that makes Colm Colm, is that you can actually picture him acting through his voice! He shows THAT MUCH emotion, that you can "open up your mind, and let your fantasys un-wind" "in the Power of the Music of the Night!" "He alone can make that song take flight" Please Listen to...the Music... of the...NIGHT! Thank you, I hope you found my review helpful!

I first found the cassette version of this recording in England about ten years ago,before it even released in this country. I now own the CD as well. I first discovered Colm Wilkinson when he was doing "Les Miserables" in 1987. The CD "Stage heroes" is Wilkinson at his best! Probably the best number on the recording is 'Anthem' from"Chess"(In fact according to legend,it was singing that particular song that won him the part of Valjean!) I also like the selections from "Porgy and Bess" and "Phantom" of course And there will never be anyone who can sing "Bring him home" the way he does.... and he never does it the same way twice! I like to put the cassette in my car stereo and crank it up! What a voice! The only song missing from this CD that should be added if it reissued or re-recording is "This is the moment" from "Jekyll and Hyde".

This CD is probably the finest solo compilation by a tenor singing musical theatre. 2 years ago I heard Colm Wilkinson for the first time, on The 10th Anniversary recording of Les Miserables. He inspired me to such an extent that I am now 2 years later audtioning for theatre school.

His voice creates such an emotive response from the audience that he can take you on the musical journey with him. If I can ever be 1 tenth the performer Colm is, then i will be satisfied. You cannot criticise someone that sings from the heart, his style is his own and that we must pay hommage to.

His true versatility as a performer is on show in this round-up of some of the greatest 20th century songs performed on Broadway and the West End. I only wish that 1 day I will have the opportunity of seeing him live.

If anyone knows what he is doing now then please let me know.

xxx

I hunted an album by Wilkinson for months and can only say it was well worth the hunt. This is a magnificient album. I keep it in my computer CD drive and never tire of the diversity in the choice of songs. His vocal range is fantastic. I can't choose a favorite song, they are all great. A must have. I would like more by this great artist.

Colm Wilkinson is fully deserving of not only the praise he gets in these reviews, but the praise of every person who is blessed with the privilege of hearing him sing live. I am one such person, and I have been spoiled by my first theater experience featuring Colm. I attended the Phantom of the Opera in 1991 as a class trip which had been prepared by our teacher. We "prepped" for the trip by listening to the original cast discography and discussing its theme and story. However, Michael Crawford could never possibly compare to Colm Wilkinson. The voice of Mr. Wilkinson, both singing and speaking, is truly defined by the word "awesome." To this day, I recall the sheer power of his voice and thrill to the memories.

This is my first online cd purchase and i'm glad it was with this album!The album boasts of a well selected roster of songs and, boy, was i glad some of 'em were treated with new arrangements. "Phantom" cuts are not your usual "Phantom" fare. His voice literally soars on "The Music Of The Night". A musical artist should convey emotions through their singing. He does just that, a father's plea in "Bring Him Home", a knight's courage in "Man of La Mancha", a young man's new found love in "Maria" and in just about every song. "Anthem" is note worthy too for his interpretation.To me the highlight of this album is "Pity The Child". The London Philharmonic Orchestra sets the music of a child's dark and troubled past. Colm just relates the angst of a boy who would turn up to be a chess champion. This cd would be playing on cd drive for a looong time!You'd love this!!

Colm Wilkinson has an overwhelmingly powerful and passionate voice. He has captivated me ever since Les Mis. Why isn't he a bigger star than he is? And where can we hear more from Colm?

After hearing Colm Wilkinson in the Les Miserables cd, how could I not get this? His voice on everything I had heard up to this point was magnificent; I was very excited on finding this!

The songs from Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables are great, although I prefer the Canadian Cast recording of Phantom. Man of La Mancha was triumphant-sounding. Pity the Child from Chess was wonderful!

Every song sung with flawless emotion, every track fun to listen to, how could you not like it? It would take far too long to describe how wonderful this recording is. Buy it now!!!

Colm Wilkonson is the best musical singer I know. The best musicals he sang in is OFCOURSE Les Miserables and Jekyll and Hyde. He does an unbelievable job on the high notes. If you enjoy this album, I would recommend Les Miserables: 10th Anniversity and Highlights of Jekyll and Hyde.