OBSESSED!: Anne Runolfsson's "Victor/Victoria" High Note and Understudy Mayhem

www.playbill.com/video Broadway veteran Anne Runolfsson ("Les Misérables," "The Phantom of the Opera") joined Seth Rudetsky in the studio for the latest installment of the biweekly OBSESSED! series. After giving a sample of some "Phantom," Runolfsson relived the whirlwind ride that she experienced filling in for Julie Andrews right in the middle of a performance of "Victor/Victoria." Then, she gave a taste of her extra high notes in the the show's "Le Jazz Hot."

[@lacrosseman02]

It's like she flipped a switch when she was sliding into that E, her vocal cords were like "DANGER WILL ROBINSON" and she's like "NEED MORE POWA"

[@MatSwim94]

3 octaves like nothing... i'm quite jealous...

[@SavageBubblegum]

the microphone couldn't even handle that beast note

[@SweeneyTodd5197]

That E was BEASTLY

[@adollarajoke]

Anne is an incredible singer. I worked with her on "Aspects of Love" in 1990. Previously, Anne arrived in New York and quickly scored a part in Les Miserable, and was second understudy to Fantine. The story goes that within her first week in the show the actress playing Fantine, and the first understudy were both out, and Anne had to go on…. at age 24. She made it through "I dreamed a dream"… and the barricades….. and was all set to live the Broadway dream… and then, at the end of the show, she appears on stage as a ghost, to take Valjean to Heaven and trips - falls flat on her face, live on stage at the Broadway Theater. And while it's true that Ghosts don't fall, to her credit, she got back on her feet, and took the Frenchman to his Maker. In "Aspects of Love" she was a swing - it seemed strange that she would accept such a position. Early in the production, I remember she went on as a male character. A spineless prick named Perry Cline was the Production Stage Manager and he didn't believe Anne could sing the part. She said that she could sing the part if they could strap down her bosom. Several hundred feet of gaffer's tape was applied, and Anne carried off the part with perfection Anne Runolfsson can sing anything.she wants… it's just a matter of if she wants…. and if you're there when she wants, it will be a sacred day. Hallelujah.

[@milesmartin4958]

Wouldn't Anne have been like 30 years younger than Julie at the time? I think that says a mouthful about the both of them! :D

[@blackbelt360]

She's even able to articulate the 't' at the end of her opt-up 'hot'. Incredible!

[@cub8869]

I saw Anne in VICTOR VICTORIA when Liza Minelli cancelled. She was awesome and we gave her the standing ovation she deserved!

[@lucyshearer7117]

I listened out for the high E when I saw phantom about a month ago. If you really pay attention to Carlotta you'll hear it

[@herreguda6199]

I am so obsessed with this video. I didn't even know about Anne Runolfsson, but she is my new hero. This is unbelievable! Thanks for educating me on wonderful singers, Seth Rudetsky!

[@philskala8938]

I love Seth's little clap bar and "vocal damage" end vamp!

[@davidwh2653]

Oh my god that last note, both belted and soprano, were ridiculous. Either way, it's an F. Holy crap.

[@TenorReacts]

9:54

[@Emmy01077]

I think I am the only one who appreciates the "Carlotta Note " in the manger scene.

[@PensadorProfundo42]

The most beautiful high F on record. Including any and all opera recordings I know of. This is fantastic. FAN-TAS-TIC.

[@wotan10950]

Absolutely amazing! Why haven’t I heard more about her? She should be headlining all the big shows.

[@JordynsPoetryPannier]

What kind of out of the world range is this!? Good stuff, you two!

[@KaewGBi]

Whoa! F6! The whole range was AMAZING!

[@toastedmackeralgames6656]

1:43

[@pjm9275]

Just as Seth said: REVIVE IT