Benedicte Adrian - Maria Vittoria (1987-1993)
The role was created for Benedicte Adrian, and she is also the best Maria Vittoria ever! Her voice is extraordinary, as she's able to sing pop as well as opera with ease. She has also got a very wide range - I believe it's four octaves! (from ? to a high b, I believe). She started her career as a 16 year old girl, forming the pop duo "Dollie", with her friend Ingrid Bjornov, in 1980. They had tremendous success, and were praised for their new and fresh sound. Actually, they still work together today. Ms. Adrian has done some soloprojects as well, mostly opera. She has sung "Queen of the Night" in Magic Flute, "Solveig" in Peer Gynt, "Henrietta" in "Henrietta VIII" and "Lucie" in "Lucie", amongst others. She has also sung Requiems and Masses of Britten and Mozart.
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Maria Kesselman (alternate London 1992)
She was Sarah Brightman's original understudy in "Phantom", and alternated with Claire Moore when SB moved to Broadway. Beautiful voice.
Samantha Lavender (understudy London 1992)
She does such a beautiful version of "Eternally" on the London CD. A pity I never got to see her as Maria.
Anita Eilertsen (Sweden 1996)
The first show after the London production. This girl was Ms. Adrian's understudy in "Henrietta VIII". Scary, because they look almost the same, and have a very similar voice, I've been told.
Camilla Jo Jorgensen (Denmark 1998)
Don't know too much about her. I'm not very fond of her voice. I mean, she's a good singer and all, but it sounds so sharp.
Lisa Olden (Norway 2002)
Don't know too much about her (or the performance) either. Any tips appreciated....
BISHOP DANIEL:
Knut Skram - Bishop Daniel (World premiere 1987)
The Norwegian bass Knut Skram (1937) had a preliminary period of study in his native country. Afterwards he went to the USA where he studied architecture and music at the Montana State University for five years. During this period he already made frequent appearances as a soloist and at concerts and in opera both at the University and in New York. He returned to Norway in 1963 after an interval continued to study singing, first in Wiesbaden and then with Luigi Ricci in Rome. In 1964 he made his debut in Oslo and was immediately contracted to the Norwegian Opera. In 1967 he won first prize at the international music competition in Munich, and in 1971 he won the Nordic song competition in Helsinki. He has made guest appearances internationally, for example in London, Vienna, Berlin, Helsinki, Stockholm and at Glyndebourne. He decided to leave the opera stage in 2000, while "he still could sing".
Peeter Wiik (Touring Cast 1988-1992)
Actually the first to sing the role of Daniel, but Knut Skram starred at the premiere because they wanted a star in the role. Very pleasant voice, and very authoritive.
Graham Bickley (London 1992)
Has performed in "Miss Saigon", "Metropolis" and "Carrie", amongst others. His voice is sooo gorgeous, and he is brilliant as Daniel! Only thing I wish from him, is a little bit more authority. He was EXCELLENT before the opening night. I don't know what happened to him, but I wasn't that impressed the other time I saw him. But that could be due to many things.
Paul Ottar Haga (Norwegian Cast 1994)
One of Norway's finest actors, both in serious dramas, musicals and movies. But it is said that his singing effort in "Which WItch" was... well... not very good. I wasn't there, so I don't know.
Steen Lunell (Danish Cast 1998)
One of the fonders of the great Danish musical group "The Mastodonts", which has performed "Annie", "Pirates of Penanze", "Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "Tordenskiold", amongst others. He does a very nice Daniel on the CD, minus his top notes.
ANNA REGINA
Kjersti Berge - The first Anna Regina (Touring Cast 1990)
This lady has a magnificent and interesting voice. I love listen to her. She's one of Norway's most known comedians today (and that explains the picture...).
Vivien Parry (London 1992)
She recently starred in "Fame" and "Mamma Mia". A great actress, and a good singer. Probably the strongest Anna Regina.
Evelyn Jons (Swedish Cast 1996)
I've been told she was the best on stage in Sweden, but then again, I haven't heard so many positive comments from that production...
Rebecca Michelsen (Danish Cast 1999)
She's one of my favourite Annas. Her voice is warm, while her acting is cold as ice (in a positive way). A pity she gets to sing so little on the CD.
ANTON FUGGER
Stig Rossen (London 1992)
The best Fugger, no doubt. I also love his contribution at the Danish "Chess" CD!
