Did anyone else see the Company with Neil Patrick Harris as Bobby?????? Because it was amazing. And as wonderful as Raul is at this song, Neil was so much better. He is amazing and everyone should love him. That is all. :p
@fortolddreamer1012 to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of NPH in that role. He did a good job, but for me the role was poorly cast. I just didn't believe it.
I really don't like how nasally his singing is sometimes, but I have to say he's a great performer and he has moments where he totally nails it vocally. Also, the song itself is awesome.
hell no: i recognize AND ackowledge REAL talent when I see it. It was witty and spot on and made me laugh outloud! Havent changed my mind about "you-know-who" though. I really do find it hard to listen to. "De Gustibus...non ass-talking est"! :)))
I don't mind the nasal, but it's when he holds note that's flat that irks me a little. That and it just feels a little flat performance-wise. That said, JB gives too much. Need a third contender :P
Yes, he is a bit nasal, but the depth of his character development is what I love about his version above others. He plays the song like he truly thinks he is ready, but he's still trying to convince himself. Nasal or not, the acting is what makes this the best for me.
Gorgeous, amazing, beautifully acted and beautifully sung. Raul got it right. While the stage business around him is a bit distracting in the video, what Esparza is doing in this video is talent of the highest mark. Awesome!
@FoggyRoad81 man, you are SO right.... somebody better tell sondheim and the rest of the gang that apparently they all made a HUGE mistake by casting him...... oh wait.... I got that backwards. He CAN sing and is a HUGE success. That's right... silly me for confusing that.
@lenlee14 No. He really doesn't. He uses a really ugly nasal tone on everything but his top belty notes (which are the best part of his range). His vibrato is one of the most unnatural sounds I've ever heard, you can actually hear him forcing it on phrases like "love and respect, you don't have to promise a thing, I'll never collect." Goat vibrato is not natural. Esparza seems to think he's Mandy Patinkon, but Patinkon actually uses a modified classical technique, and Esparza immitates it,badly.
@FoggyRoad81 mmmkay simon cowell lets see yours! Cause either way you look at it, Esparza has a job (in stone, basically) and uh you don't. Cause you are like one of the few who dislike his style. And I'd like a quote to justify your logic behind him thinking he is anything like Patinkon (who is also marvelous btw).
@lenlee14 id like to interject..This man didnt get 2 tony nominations from his shows by sucking. Raul is a marvelous singer. id like to see you do any better...
@FoggyRoad81 What an ignorant comment. I far prefer Esparza's voice and interpretation of the song than some "pretty" but bland version that has no emotion. Plays or musicals, Esparza is top notch. One of the most exciting actors in the current theatre scene, and Sondheim agrees.
And BTW: JERE SHEA and Mandy PatinKIN, at least get it right.
@FoggyRoad81 Uhh, no. Jere Shea has an alright voice...he just can't act. John Doyle cast Raul, Raul has given several interviews where he tells about how he got the part. Raul studied acting and not musical theater, and consistently has roles in both (he'll be in Tom Stoppard's play Arcadia on Broadway soon). He's a wonderful singer and actor.
Erm... I'm not quite sure this is a good song to propose with. Bobby is obviously not as "ready" to commit as his voice would hint at. In-fact, he's incredibly naïve to think that any girl will be all he's hoping for in this song-- same with Someone is Waiting. It's only at Being Alive that he actually realizes that he shouldn't look for perfection or idealism-- he's just looking for someone to share life with. I'd go for proposing with Being Alive. Heheh.
I have to agree that Raul is so much better then John when singing this. Raul's voice fits the part more and he has so much more emotion then John. I mean John is an amazing singer in his own right, don't get me wrong but he sounds much too young to be singing about marriage and love.
I agree, Raul not only sounds so much better but acts circles around JB! Such great emotional depth behind every word. Love it. I like his Being Alive even better.
I agree, Raul not only sounds so much better but acts circles around JB! Such great emotional depth behind every word. Love it. I like his Being Alive even better.
i find raul's posture to be really off-putting...it seems like absolutely nothing moves except his face. no arm movement, no hand movement, he just kind of stands there at attention singing. and when he does walk around it feels forced to me, almost like he's marching. i dunno, i find the ease and relaxation of jon's version much more natural.
@ffandbffan yeah but do you have to move around to "act" he stands there an sells it....i found jons version more playful while rauls is sweet and sincere. its coming from the heart..i feel that he really is begging for a love. idk i just dont believe you have to move to act and i didntt notice it at first because i was to consumed in his facial features
I'm sorry. Right. Can we not just agree that Raul and JB are just as good as each other as performers. Some prefer Raul's Bobby, some prefer John's and some like them both equally. Different interpretations, that's fine. Nothing wrong with it. I don't think either man deserves nasty criticism for their performances, because both are rare talent's, who many of the people criticizing cannot have a hope of matching. And I think that the fact Barrowman is prettier must stay out of our judgements.
@doctorwhofangirl22 Assuming the performance under discussion is the one on youtube, it's not just that they are different interpretations, but that they are interpretations of different creatures. This is one in the actual show; Barrowman's is in a musical revue. Obviously, one should expect more musicality in the concert, and more drama in the theatre. Each performer is doing what is appropriate for the venue.
@jgonnerman85 Yeah, I know the one you're talking about. But there are a few people on here who aren't aware that Barrowman isn't playing Bobby in the performance of 'Marry Me A Little' that's on here. And then there are others who are judging his interpretation of the character from his version of 'Being Alive' - from a performance of Company in Washington . . . Either way, I think people are entitled to their own preferences but don't have the right to call either of these men rubbish.
@doctorwhofangirl22 I so agree! I've actually never heard this guy before but he's amazing. And so is Barrowman. However keeping the prettiness out of it... Hard for me. I'm a major Torchwood/Doctor Who fangirl :)
What is this song about? Is he ready for marriage ... or does the "little" imply that Robert only wants some kind of *Commitment Lite". When Robert says, "Want me more than others, not exclusively" .. it made me wonder if he was implying something other than monogamous marriage.
At this point in the musical, he's not ready for the commitment. He kind of wants it, but he's afraid. Listen to "Being Alive," the finale, to see his change. It's a wonderful song and Raul absolutely owns it.
@senatordan When I saw it I felt like he wanted traits from all the different women in his life, and so he wanted the little parts from each of them he liked. He wanted each of them to marry him a little. But that might have just been how they played it in the production I saw.
I really like this guy's interpretation of Bobby. Done with an undertone of pathos that pervades throughout. Dean Jones was damn good but played the rolea little lighter. Agree?
Why do they all turn away at the highest note towards the end? I guess it's because they don't want the audience to see through down to their gullet. I love Raul Esparza. I'd love to se down his gullet! ha ha
@chetgeyer I found his emotional depth and acting delivery excellent, but like you I must admit I find his nasal quality distracting...but then again, like Elaine Stritch, a pretty voice isn't always essential to a role..
It wasn't in the original show. Actually, it was the original ENDING to the original production, but was cut. Added back in to this production 30 years later
this wasn't in the original production. Mr. Sondheim actually wrote a song called "Multitude of Amys" that was in this place and somewhere along the line it was decided that the song wasn't right. You an hear that song on his album, I think it's called "Sondheim Sings" and I think it's Volume I.
Nothing beats the 'I'm ready, I'm ready now' music. With a good singer, it's the best! (Actually, second best. The best would be 'but alone is alone not alive' from 'being alive' from a show I forgot the name of.
I'm sorry to tell you but "Being Alive" comes from Company. La Cage Aux Follies is by Jerry Herman...This is Sondheim. And also for the record This song was originally cut from Company it was first performed in Sondheim's review show called ...wait for it...Marry me a Little! This performance comes from the ill-fated revival where they put the song back in.
I believe "tjrobbi" is speaking of the 1995 revival which only ran for 2 months. It was nominated for very few Tonys (2 or 3, I believe). Ill-fated doesn't describe THIS revival having won the Drama Desk AND Tony for Best Revival - and Raul winning the Drama Desk as well :-)
Is it just me, or does his voice get a little annoying at times? I mean it's good but not as pristine and controlled as John Barrowman's.
However I totally think that Esparza is the best actor for bobby. For a character who sits around most of the play he does a great job of developing the character as the play progresses. Something I don't think Barrowman could pull off.
Barrowman may control his voice well... but who has the "free-er" voice? Esparza wins that one by far. Barrowman's voice may be more "controlled," but it is quite a bit more throaty and you can clearly see it in his face and throat when he sings.
Anyway... I love them both. Both are great or they wouldn't be working professionally in the business anyway. Props to both of them.
I just watched Barrowman and Esparza back to back. I like them both but I found Barrowman's voice "pitchy" and "thin", his acting facile & trite. Nice looking, great body. E was nasal at times, but it reminded me of Elaine Paige, which is a good thing. He was so grounded in his characterization. His voice resonates on a deeper emotional level for me. Still, concentrated delivery. Just the song and him. Soulful, true. We haven't seen Raul's true mastery yet, this is but a taste. Stay tuned.
Are you kidding me!? There is now way that John Barrowman could one-up Raul Esparza as the role of Bobby. First off Raul actually sounds like a man when he sing's, no offense to JB, but he sounds much to young as the role of Bobby. Just listen to the first 3 lines of both versions and I think you'll be in a agreement. Another aspect of it is that JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table. I watched both of these videos numerous times. Take a look for yourself.
I especially concur with, "JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table." And I think John Barrowman is very talented, but Raul delivers the characterization more convincingly in this song than he does. It brought tears to my eyes.
I remembered watching this on PBS. I thought it was very good although a little uneven and at times, a little touching too. Esparza made an excellent Bobby.
However, I think John Barrowman would also do very well as Bobby in a new production of "Company". JB is perfect because he's gorgeous, seemingly carefree, has an incredible voice and is at the age group that Bobby is in. Well, I guess a girl can dream, right........ (sigh!)
just a bit shallow...... raul brings just so much and than some to this role, jb clearly doesnt even come close to matching raul's performance. and raul is gorgeous in HIS own way, jb looks produced and quite frankly is not as special as esparza, talent wise, let alone looks....
I didn't know JB already played the role of Bobby.....when was this?
JB is special in his own way as Esparza is special in his. I think JB would be perfect for the role because he looks like he could be Bobby, a carefree bachelor who is getting older and realizing that there is something missing from his life. JB is an excellent singer and has a great stage presence. I still think he would've made an excellent Bobby.
Dr. Sue Horowitz, Author of Queens of Comedy, interviews Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Mark Kudisch (9 to 5), Raul Esparza (Speed-the-Plow), Saidah Ekulona, Condola Rashad (Ruined) for Drama Desk Theatre Awards .
1 This is from Company, Barrowman sang it in the musical revue Putting It Together. The context was different.
2 Raul has a *very* nasal sound. Also hands down his acting is better.
3 John picks up the acting for the last 3rd but his performance is more of a John performance than a glimpse into his character's life. An 'Oh look I'm singing' sort of thing. I think he's better vocally though.
4 Neither of their performances truly blow me away.
This performance just rips my heart out every time I hear it. He completely embodied this role. He actually moved me to tears in the theater which has only happened maybe three times. Amazing performance.
b) that "wobble" is called a vibrato. He doesn't have it on all of his notes. The way he uses it is extremely difficult to do and takes years of training.
Barrowman is a "pretty boy" that can't sing very well, especially compared to Esparz. What else can I say?
OH yeah. Barrowman interprets the song extremely poorly (like, wtf is with his head looking up?), and his phrasing seems extremely unnatural and his timbre changes uncontrollably throughout.
By the way, the whole point of this song is he is not ready to get married since he is not ready to make a true commitment. He is supposed to look nervous and pretentious, although he feels constant pressure from his friends to make a commitment. Barrowman looks overconfident at the situation, and he does not portray the song's meaning at all. That on top of all other things makes Raul's performance the unarguable winner.
I disagree. I think that Barrowman's is a valid approach. I'm partial to the way Raul plays it but I think the "overconfident" feel is only skin-deep, and is supposed to be that way. The audience can grasp that he is not, in fact, ready, by asking for someone to "marry him a little". They don't need the actor telling him. Both are good.
i have a question a bout this whole scene. Amy asks, "What did I just do" and all that, and then Bobby propses to her. Then she screams im getting married! And then Bobby sings this song. But in the second act Amy and Paul are together all of the time and Bobby is makin out with April. So of course by the end of teh first act im thinking that Bobby and Amy ended up together, but then once act 2 comes, they're not, so what is she saying "Im the next bride" and "Im getting married" to?
There's a good plot synopsis on Wikipedia. Bobby's best friends are all couples; they throw him a birthday party. They tease him about being single and dating three women.
One of the couples, Paul and Amy, have been together a long time and finally decide to get married - but Amy gets cold feet. ("[Not] Getting Married"). Bobby starts to comfort Amy and ends up proposing to her. She replies "you need somebody - not some Body." (This is all Act I).
o iknow, ive seen it. so when she says that she is basically rejecting him, and then when she says "Im getting married, I'm the next bride", she's talking about Paul, who she is going to marry after all, and Bobby is singing "Marry me a little" just talking about who he could marry in the future?
When she says "I"m the next bride", she is talking about Paul, you're right. Bobby sings Marry me a little because that's what he wants - at that point in the play. He wants somebody who will give him all the emotional support and "company" he needs, without any sort of lasting commitment.
Time does not follow a strait line in "Company." Instead of one thing after another we get an amalgamation of varrious evenings with Robert and his friends, each exisiting independently... as if Bobby is remembering back to snipets of his life..make any sense?
I'm so happy they decided to put this song back in for the revival!
The whole cast playing instruments thing works out really well for me in this production too. I remember seeing the Sweeney Todd revival and not being too thrilled with the stripped down orchestra.
For anyone wondering where the next Sondheim is, check out Joshua Schmidt and Jason Loewith's ADDING MACHINE.
The score is a million miles away from Sondheim Land: a strange land in which almost nothing is hummable, but everything captures your attention and keeps it. And, like Sondheim, repeat listening only deepens the experience.
Schmidt is working now on a musical adaptation of Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. I can't wait.
ME TOO! and i cry when he sings we'll build a cocoon of love and respect! I am getting married next year and want someone to sing this at our wedding!
oh my goodness thats wonderful! congratulations!! p.s. i give you a big kudos on playing this song at your wedding. .that'd be awesome if Raul came and sang it! =D
hahah yeahh definitely not the right show to choose from for wedding music... for that matter, most of sondheim's shows are about dysfunctional relationships and the like (Follies, Company, I'm sure there are more). Perhaps if you want a sondheim tune, "It Takes Two" from Into the Woods.
No matter what, we have to consider Bobby is probably one of the hardest roles on Broadway: you have to portray almost no OUTSIDE emotion while having this huge, sweeping character arc. Then, at the end, he has to have a complete emotional breakdown which must somehow remain convincing considering his earlier lack of visible emotion. Add to that the difficulty in the vocals and you have a very, very hard role. Raul was good just to have DONE it, regardless of which version you enjoy more.
I saw this on TV the other day and was immediately glued to my set. His voice is SO incredible, it gave me chills. Excellent performance for a very sweet and tender song.:)
We have other versions of both songs on BestArts that you may want to try as well - including a video of the 1970 original cast album version of "Being Alive."
God, that's just amazing!!! this song. .makes my heart soar!! And this man. .is so talented! I always smile when he sings "Passionate as hell but always in control." it's incredible!
I don't know - I like this version too. It's just I'm a huge JB fan! But I'm quickly becoming a RE fan too! :-) (Watch RE's video of singing Defying Gravity here on YouTube - v. amusing! :-)
I admire his voice. It's very good for this song.
kdmart111 3 weeks ago
Did anyone else see the Company with Neil Patrick Harris as Bobby?????? Because it was amazing. And as wonderful as Raul is at this song, Neil was so much better. He is amazing and everyone should love him. That is all. :p
fortolddreamer1012 4 months ago in playlist Broadway
@fortolddreamer1012 to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of NPH in that role. He did a good job, but for me the role was poorly cast. I just didn't believe it.
englishamerican 3 months ago 2
Awww, this is so sweet, Raul Esparza's performance is perfect!
DameDisco78 4 months ago in playlist More videos from BestArtsMusic
I really don't like how nasally his singing is sometimes, but I have to say he's a great performer and he has moments where he totally nails it vocally. Also, the song itself is awesome.
jwdeming 5 months ago
hell no: i recognize AND ackowledge REAL talent when I see it. It was witty and spot on and made me laugh outloud! Havent changed my mind about "you-know-who" though. I really do find it hard to listen to. "De Gustibus...non ass-talking est"! :)))
XPRT10R 6 months ago
Wish I could sing WITH/THRU my nose. It's a talent!
XPRT10R 6 months ago
@XPRT10R - I bet you could if you tried cuz you're not bad at talking out your ass.
jhr459 6 months ago
@jhr459 LOLOL... that's actually pretty clever and funny! :))))
XPRT10R 6 months ago
@XPRT10R - wow, an evolved, mature human being on YouTube - good on you. I pretty much expected you to come back blasting at me- again, good on you.
jhr459 6 months ago
I don't mind the nasal, but it's when he holds note that's flat that irks me a little. That and it just feels a little flat performance-wise. That said, JB gives too much. Need a third contender :P
9215 6 months ago
Yes, he is a bit nasal, but the depth of his character development is what I love about his version above others. He plays the song like he truly thinks he is ready, but he's still trying to convince himself. Nasal or not, the acting is what makes this the best for me.
bonsterthemonster 6 months ago
Why is this video full of comments praising Raul and the video for "Being Alive" full of people calling him the antichrist?
Thewisedaz 7 months ago
Such a sexy man, and what a voice!
InspectorKaramazov 7 months ago in playlist broadway
Why does this guy remind me of a chipmunk?! Too nasal/too much head voice for me, sorry.
22professional 8 months ago
@22professional You are one hundred percent, but his worshipers yell at anyone who says as much.
FoggyRoad81 7 months ago
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DameDisco78 4 months ago
I'd marry him a lot. I'm so in love.
chloemarie28 9 months ago 10
i love his voice!!!!
japanesedawn 9 months ago
He is a little nasal, and a little poor on breath control, but he definitely hits the phrasing better than JB
LensesHeadphones 9 months ago 5
I find this version a little to nasal, especially on the power notes.
abbaman911 9 months ago
Saying I love this song, especially this version, is the understatement of my life. I want to hear this song 24/7
ChesterJSellars 9 months ago
never get tired of listening to this
atward100 9 months ago
Raul is so hot.
SongsJerome 11 months ago
Gorgeous, amazing, beautifully acted and beautifully sung. Raul got it right. While the stage business around him is a bit distracting in the video, what Esparza is doing in this video is talent of the highest mark. Awesome!
MistressAubrey 1 year ago
He can't sing.
FoggyRoad81 1 year ago
@FoggyRoad81 man, you are SO right.... somebody better tell sondheim and the rest of the gang that apparently they all made a HUGE mistake by casting him...... oh wait.... I got that backwards. He CAN sing and is a HUGE success. That's right... silly me for confusing that.
lenlee14 1 year ago
@lenlee14 Just as he did with Gere Shaw in Passion, Sondheim thought with this dick when casting Raul, thats just the reality.
FoggyRoad81 1 year ago
@FoggyRoad81 ahh come on man he sings fantastic.
lenlee14 1 year ago
@lenlee14 No. He really doesn't. He uses a really ugly nasal tone on everything but his top belty notes (which are the best part of his range). His vibrato is one of the most unnatural sounds I've ever heard, you can actually hear him forcing it on phrases like "love and respect, you don't have to promise a thing, I'll never collect." Goat vibrato is not natural. Esparza seems to think he's Mandy Patinkon, but Patinkon actually uses a modified classical technique, and Esparza immitates it,badly.
FoggyRoad81 1 year ago
@FoggyRoad81 mmmkay simon cowell lets see yours! Cause either way you look at it, Esparza has a job (in stone, basically) and uh you don't. Cause you are like one of the few who dislike his style. And I'd like a quote to justify your logic behind him thinking he is anything like Patinkon (who is also marvelous btw).
lenlee14 1 year ago
@lenlee14 id like to interject..This man didnt get 2 tony nominations from his shows by sucking. Raul is a marvelous singer. id like to see you do any better...
RandomPersonman 1 year ago
@RandomPersonman youre telling the wrong guy!! lol i KNOW he is great!!!! the other guy didnt
lenlee14 1 year ago
@lenlee14 oh...lol sorry bout that :p
RandomPersonman 1 year ago
@FoggyRoad81 What an ignorant comment. I far prefer Esparza's voice and interpretation of the song than some "pretty" but bland version that has no emotion. Plays or musicals, Esparza is top notch. One of the most exciting actors in the current theatre scene, and Sondheim agrees.
And BTW: JERE SHEA and Mandy PatinKIN, at least get it right.
415jln 1 year ago
@415jln ohh yeahhh it is KIN :p sorry!!!
lenlee14 1 year ago
@FoggyRoad81 Uhh, no. Jere Shea has an alright voice...he just can't act. John Doyle cast Raul, Raul has given several interviews where he tells about how he got the part. Raul studied acting and not musical theater, and consistently has roles in both (he'll be in Tom Stoppard's play Arcadia on Broadway soon). He's a wonderful singer and actor.
poetoffire 1 year ago
He acted it very well but his voice is too nasal.
missbabyice 1 year ago
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TheOriginalSmudge 1 year ago
*runs off to watch DVD*
This song is the definition of Sondheim beauty
carriewhite410 1 year ago
Baaaarrrbieeee.....
carlos1234567898765 1 year ago
the lyrics of this song are exquisite.
imagine someone proposing by singing this. I think its just amazing.
KatrynMerteuil 1 year ago 3
Erm... I'm not quite sure this is a good song to propose with. Bobby is obviously not as "ready" to commit as his voice would hint at. In-fact, he's incredibly naïve to think that any girl will be all he's hoping for in this song-- same with Someone is Waiting. It's only at Being Alive that he actually realizes that he shouldn't look for perfection or idealism-- he's just looking for someone to share life with. I'd go for proposing with Being Alive. Heheh.
But yeah, Sondheim is a true genius.
HomeStarRunnerTron 1 year ago
Raul is so amazing amazing! Good god! One of my favourite actors just because of this! :)
Niceguyfromthefuture 1 year ago
I have to agree that Raul is so much better then John when singing this. Raul's voice fits the part more and he has so much more emotion then John. I mean John is an amazing singer in his own right, don't get me wrong but he sounds much too young to be singing about marriage and love.
mws717 1 year ago 2
Raul looks like experienced man. And JB looks like young and impulsive guy. They are different)
AnnieVesper 1 year ago
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I agree, Raul not only sounds so much better but acts circles around JB! Such great emotional depth behind every word. Love it. I like his Being Alive even better.
jennifercraig99 1 year ago
I agree, Raul not only sounds so much better but acts circles around JB! Such great emotional depth behind every word. Love it. I like his Being Alive even better.
jennifercraig99 1 year ago
i find raul's posture to be really off-putting...it seems like absolutely nothing moves except his face. no arm movement, no hand movement, he just kind of stands there at attention singing. and when he does walk around it feels forced to me, almost like he's marching. i dunno, i find the ease and relaxation of jon's version much more natural.
ffandbffan 1 year ago
@ffandbffan yeah but do you have to move around to "act" he stands there an sells it....i found jons version more playful while rauls is sweet and sincere. its coming from the heart..i feel that he really is begging for a love. idk i just dont believe you have to move to act and i didntt notice it at first because i was to consumed in his facial features
trinka4598 1 year ago
I'm sorry. Right. Can we not just agree that Raul and JB are just as good as each other as performers. Some prefer Raul's Bobby, some prefer John's and some like them both equally. Different interpretations, that's fine. Nothing wrong with it. I don't think either man deserves nasty criticism for their performances, because both are rare talent's, who many of the people criticizing cannot have a hope of matching. And I think that the fact Barrowman is prettier must stay out of our judgements.
doctorwhofangirl22 1 year ago 33
@doctorwhofangirl22 - well said; thank you.
theBestArts 1 year ago
@doctorwhofangirl22 Assuming the performance under discussion is the one on youtube, it's not just that they are different interpretations, but that they are interpretations of different creatures. This is one in the actual show; Barrowman's is in a musical revue. Obviously, one should expect more musicality in the concert, and more drama in the theatre. Each performer is doing what is appropriate for the venue.
jgonnerman85 1 year ago
@jgonnerman85 Yeah, I know the one you're talking about. But there are a few people on here who aren't aware that Barrowman isn't playing Bobby in the performance of 'Marry Me A Little' that's on here. And then there are others who are judging his interpretation of the character from his version of 'Being Alive' - from a performance of Company in Washington . . . Either way, I think people are entitled to their own preferences but don't have the right to call either of these men rubbish.
doctorwhofangirl22 1 year ago
@doctorwhofangirl22 I so agree! I've actually never heard this guy before but he's amazing. And so is Barrowman. However keeping the prettiness out of it... Hard for me. I'm a major Torchwood/Doctor Who fangirl :)
candymandy224 8 months ago
@doctorwhofangirl22 Thanks for a tempered, sane and civil contribution to the discussion.
Ravenelvenlady 1 month ago
i can't stop listening to this.
shrinkpachyderm 1 year ago 2
this raises the hair on the back of my neck.awesome tender and classic and brilliant
shrinkpachyderm 1 year ago 2
Mr. Esparza- Please marry me more than just a little.
redsteelchair 1 year ago
What is this song about? Is he ready for marriage ... or does the "little" imply that Robert only wants some kind of *Commitment Lite". When Robert says, "Want me more than others, not exclusively" .. it made me wonder if he was implying something other than monogamous marriage.
senatordan 1 year ago
At this point in the musical, he's not ready for the commitment. He kind of wants it, but he's afraid. Listen to "Being Alive," the finale, to see his change. It's a wonderful song and Raul absolutely owns it.
vfdj42 1 year ago
@senatordan When I saw it I felt like he wanted traits from all the different women in his life, and so he wanted the little parts from each of them he liked. He wanted each of them to marry him a little. But that might have just been how they played it in the production I saw.
drdev4 1 year ago
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DINGTAN1 1 year ago
I really like this guy's interpretation of Bobby. Done with an undertone of pathos that pervades throughout. Dean Jones was damn good but played the rolea little lighter. Agree?
Flamsick 1 year ago 2
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lara070809 2 years ago
omg his voice...
<3
Theatershorty 2 years ago 2
Why do they all turn away at the highest note towards the end? I guess it's because they don't want the audience to see through down to their gullet. I love Raul Esparza. I'd love to se down his gullet! ha ha
scaldinghottt 2 years ago 3
Isn't he rather nasal?
chetgeyer 2 years ago
@chetgeyer he's a little nasal but that doesnt matter when he can act and perform aswell as he does
samchipman 2 years ago
Its musical theatre! Duh its nasally.
excjrock7 2 years ago
@chetgeyer I found his emotional depth and acting delivery excellent, but like you I must admit I find his nasal quality distracting...but then again, like Elaine Stritch, a pretty voice isn't always essential to a role..
stellartunes 1 year ago
What a wonderful interpretation of this song. Very sublime. Have musical directed this show many times, and he gives me new ideas.
pgnorgan 2 years ago 2
Terrific!
MagoosShoes 2 years ago
I just LOVE his voice!
Emmamalou 2 years ago
I LOVE LA CAGE!!!!
thespian4eva 2 years ago
Oh my f**king god! Sublime! Fantastic! Controlled prolonged orgasm. I am in love with Raul.
goshdarn56 2 years ago 67
@goshdarn56 I am too!!! I love him. He's absolutely GORGEOUS and his voice is orgasmic.
redsteelchair 1 year ago
@goshdarn56 controlled orgasm...oxymoron anyone?
kylezo 11 months ago 3
@goshdarn56 that is a perfectly accurate description of the sensation his singing elicits
lnfreeman 8 months ago
Had to get used to the song, but I love it now. Full of passion and brilliant singing
Trancilian 2 years ago 2
Oh...forgot....PRETTYPRETTYPRETTYPRETTYPRETTYPRETTYPRETTYPRETTY!!!
carriewhite410 2 years ago
I have this DVD. I watched it last night.
bamapagedesign 2 years ago
I haven't bought it yet, but I'm definately planning on it.
Why isn't this song on the original cast cd? I really like it....
carriewhite410 2 years ago
there's a cd for this show, it's availible on itunes.
bryaanrox 2 years ago
It wasn't in the original show. Actually, it was the original ENDING to the original production, but was cut. Added back in to this production 30 years later
toddsherry 2 years ago
this wasn't in the original production. Mr. Sondheim actually wrote a song called "Multitude of Amys" that was in this place and somewhere along the line it was decided that the song wasn't right. You an hear that song on his album, I think it's called "Sondheim Sings" and I think it's Volume I.
iwant2bahepburn 2 years ago
@iwant2bahepburn YEAAA IT'S AMAZING
lightscameraaction24 2 years ago
I'm in love.
KatewiththeFace 2 years ago 4
Who the hell said 'Being Alive' is from Le Cage aux Folles!? God, people these days...
bryaanrox 2 years ago 3
Bryaanrox, and everyone who's asking, yes I did say being alive came from La Cage. I SAID IT AS A JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you.
Anyone else like the Sondheim song 'I Am What I Am?'
Unfortunately, I can't leave the comment there as some people might believe I really can't tell the difference.
Martriosa 2 years ago
I wish my school would do this! We just don't have enough men.
IamtheUke 2 years ago
we did this at my school last year and it was a lot of fun, but we had to censor some stuff...
gdpeg 2 years ago
Nothing beats the 'I'm ready, I'm ready now' music. With a good singer, it's the best! (Actually, second best. The best would be 'but alone is alone not alive' from 'being alive' from a show I forgot the name of.
Martriosa 2 years ago
...you're joking, right? Please tell me you're joking.
ieatglue44 2 years ago
About what? The music or the show?
For the record, I do know 'being alive' comes from Le Cage Aux Folles.
heh heh...
Martriosa 2 years ago
I'm sorry to tell you but "Being Alive" comes from Company. La Cage Aux Follies is by Jerry Herman...This is Sondheim. And also for the record This song was originally cut from Company it was first performed in Sondheim's review show called ...wait for it...Marry me a Little! This performance comes from the ill-fated revival where they put the song back in.
tjrobbi 2 years ago
I know, it'a a joke for those who know Stiles and drewe (specifically the 'diva' song).
Martriosa 2 years ago
Ill-fated revival? In what way?
ieatglue44 2 years ago
I believe "tjrobbi" is speaking of the 1995 revival which only ran for 2 months. It was nominated for very few Tonys (2 or 3, I believe). Ill-fated doesn't describe THIS revival having won the Drama Desk AND Tony for Best Revival - and Raul winning the Drama Desk as well :-)
TrpleThreat22 2 years ago
Marry Me Raul! <3 <3
MilviSnow 2 years ago 2
i <3 him! he's so talented=)))))
phantomloverxoxo 2 years ago
Amazing how a voice can convey so much emotion! Raul <3
jennamaria2 2 years ago
i kinda of want to do this song for auditions
Migueliceman 2 years ago
Is it just me, or does his voice get a little annoying at times? I mean it's good but not as pristine and controlled as John Barrowman's.
However I totally think that Esparza is the best actor for bobby. For a character who sits around most of the play he does a great job of developing the character as the play progresses. Something I don't think Barrowman could pull off.
JoshySmoshy56 2 years ago
Yeah, I think his voice can be a little annoying but he does a much better job at actually acting a song than John.
With Raul it doesn't have to be perfect because Bobby, as a character, is far from perfect, you know?
Malzziz 2 years ago 2
It is not just you. At its core, I think his voice is more suited for shows like Tick, Tick...BOOM!
Regardless, his acting is spot on and his singing, I believe, is still fantastic regardless.
ieatglue44 2 years ago 3
Barrowman may control his voice well... but who has the "free-er" voice? Esparza wins that one by far. Barrowman's voice may be more "controlled," but it is quite a bit more throaty and you can clearly see it in his face and throat when he sings.
Anyway... I love them both. Both are great or they wouldn't be working professionally in the business anyway. Props to both of them.
wowyourgaiy 2 years ago
I just watched Barrowman and Esparza back to back. I like them both but I found Barrowman's voice "pitchy" and "thin", his acting facile & trite. Nice looking, great body. E was nasal at times, but it reminded me of Elaine Paige, which is a good thing. He was so grounded in his characterization. His voice resonates on a deeper emotional level for me. Still, concentrated delivery. Just the song and him. Soulful, true. We haven't seen Raul's true mastery yet, this is but a taste. Stay tuned.
goshdarn56 2 years ago 3
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JoshySmoshy56 2 years ago
I love how he can stand so still.. but portray so much emotion. I think there's a lot to be said for standing still.
uknowwho889 2 years ago 2
Best Bobby ever... voice, charisma, emotion, depth, charm... Esparza has it all.
passmoilssel75 2 years ago 2
I just love that last little pluck of the bass at the end
infernoblaze112 2 years ago
its actually a cello. but it doesnt really matter i suppose
worldclassviolin 2 years ago
Are you kidding me!? There is now way that John Barrowman could one-up Raul Esparza as the role of Bobby. First off Raul actually sounds like a man when he sing's, no offense to JB, but he sounds much to young as the role of Bobby. Just listen to the first 3 lines of both versions and I think you'll be in a agreement. Another aspect of it is that JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table. I watched both of these videos numerous times. Take a look for yourself.
ebergsven 2 years ago 62
I agree completely with ebergsven. Right on. Raul rules.
goshdarn56 2 years ago
@ebergsven
I especially concur with, "JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table." And I think John Barrowman is very talented, but Raul delivers the characterization more convincingly in this song than he does. It brought tears to my eyes.
Ravenelvenlady 1 year ago 3
@ebergsven I agree JB doesn;t really seem old enough for the role of Bobby, but he is a great performer.
vidgirl8 1 year ago 4
I remembered watching this on PBS. I thought it was very good although a little uneven and at times, a little touching too. Esparza made an excellent Bobby.
However, I think John Barrowman would also do very well as Bobby in a new production of "Company". JB is perfect because he's gorgeous, seemingly carefree, has an incredible voice and is at the age group that Bobby is in. Well, I guess a girl can dream, right........ (sigh!)
chinagrrl 2 years ago
just a bit shallow...... raul brings just so much and than some to this role, jb clearly doesnt even come close to matching raul's performance. and raul is gorgeous in HIS own way, jb looks produced and quite frankly is not as special as esparza, talent wise, let alone looks....
jimcfan 2 years ago
I didn't know JB already played the role of Bobby.....when was this?
JB is special in his own way as Esparza is special in his. I think JB would be perfect for the role because he looks like he could be Bobby, a carefree bachelor who is getting older and realizing that there is something missing from his life. JB is an excellent singer and has a great stage presence. I still think he would've made an excellent Bobby.
chinagrrl 2 years ago
Absolutly beautiful
TheSingingFairy 2 years ago
Raul is in my opinion the best actor to have ever played Bobby or to sing any of Bobby's songs from "Company" He is amazing.
Meaghan1345 2 years ago 2
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bmc102392 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Dr. Sue Horowitz, Author of Queens of Comedy, interviews Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, Mark Kudisch (9 to 5), Raul Esparza (Speed-the-Plow), Saidah Ekulona, Condola Rashad (Ruined) for Drama Desk Theatre Awards .
drsuecomedian 2 years ago
I'LL TOTALLY MARRY YOU
mmarie0789 2 years ago 7
If there is a Raul v. Barrowman thing, it is really no contest: come on, who thinks that guy tops this?
Wormtail81 2 years ago 9
On this whole Raul V. Barrowman thing....
1 This is from Company, Barrowman sang it in the musical revue Putting It Together. The context was different.
2 Raul has a *very* nasal sound. Also hands down his acting is better.
3 John picks up the acting for the last 3rd but his performance is more of a John performance than a glimpse into his character's life. An 'Oh look I'm singing' sort of thing. I think he's better vocally though.
4 Neither of their performances truly blow me away.
AlyciaK87 2 years ago 2
agree with pretty much everything especially the context point... except that I think both performances are pretty spesh =D
seriously gu
patebrisee 2 years ago
I am a singer, and I could listen to this song 1,000 times. There is so much to learn from Raul's interpretation of this song.
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago 3
i'm so angry with myself, i accidently put 1 star for this! Its so goooooooood!
uknowwho889 2 years ago 2
you can change it later
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago
This performance just rips my heart out every time I hear it. He completely embodied this role. He actually moved me to tears in the theater which has only happened maybe three times. Amazing performance.
truverdigirl 2 years ago 4
I'm so attached to his version. I love it. =]
MichaelCrawfordsFan 2 years ago 4
I think this is the best version I have heard, the only one I can imagine.
Wormtail81 2 years ago 3
I love both Raul and John's versions of this song. They both bring something beautiful and memorable to the character. ^_^
LadySpoCoy 3 years ago
chills i have chills i saw him in this show i cried cuz i t was so beautiful aww amazing
anti678978 3 years ago 3
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REALLY GOOD... but the vibrato and nasal-quality of his voice is a little difficult to listen to. Barrowman owns this song!
MGZuniga 3 years ago
Barrowman sucks.
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago
...not in comparison to this guy. He's controlled and doesn't possess the "wobble" in voice that this guy does.
MGZuniga 2 years ago
a) Barrowman is off pitch half the notes
b) that "wobble" is called a vibrato. He doesn't have it on all of his notes. The way he uses it is extremely difficult to do and takes years of training.
Barrowman is a "pretty boy" that can't sing very well, especially compared to Esparz. What else can I say?
OH yeah. Barrowman interprets the song extremely poorly (like, wtf is with his head looking up?), and his phrasing seems extremely unnatural and his timbre changes uncontrollably throughout.
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago
Are you perchance Stephen Sondheim? Thought not. So don't claim to know what the character is SUPPOSED to be!!!
The beauty and curse of Sondheim's music is the intense reliance upon the actor for characterisation rather than presets.
charlesegarnier 2 years ago
Yes I am, why are you questioning my judgment?
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago
By the way, the whole point of this song is he is not ready to get married since he is not ready to make a true commitment. He is supposed to look nervous and pretentious, although he feels constant pressure from his friends to make a commitment. Barrowman looks overconfident at the situation, and he does not portray the song's meaning at all. That on top of all other things makes Raul's performance the unarguable winner.
radicalsasquatch 2 years ago 3
I disagree. I think that Barrowman's is a valid approach. I'm partial to the way Raul plays it but I think the "overconfident" feel is only skin-deep, and is supposed to be that way. The audience can grasp that he is not, in fact, ready, by asking for someone to "marry him a little". They don't need the actor telling him. Both are good.
ieatglue44 2 years ago 2
i have a question a bout this whole scene. Amy asks, "What did I just do" and all that, and then Bobby propses to her. Then she screams im getting married! And then Bobby sings this song. But in the second act Amy and Paul are together all of the time and Bobby is makin out with April. So of course by the end of teh first act im thinking that Bobby and Amy ended up together, but then once act 2 comes, they're not, so what is she saying "Im the next bride" and "Im getting married" to?
KaraokeKid22 3 years ago
There's a good plot synopsis on Wikipedia. Bobby's best friends are all couples; they throw him a birthday party. They tease him about being single and dating three women.
One of the couples, Paul and Amy, have been together a long time and finally decide to get married - but Amy gets cold feet. ("[Not] Getting Married"). Bobby starts to comfort Amy and ends up proposing to her. She replies "you need somebody - not some Body." (This is all Act I).
BestArtsMusic 3 years ago
o iknow, ive seen it. so when she says that she is basically rejecting him, and then when she says "Im getting married, I'm the next bride", she's talking about Paul, who she is going to marry after all, and Bobby is singing "Marry me a little" just talking about who he could marry in the future?
KaraokeKid22 3 years ago
When she says "I"m the next bride", she is talking about Paul, you're right. Bobby sings Marry me a little because that's what he wants - at that point in the play. He wants somebody who will give him all the emotional support and "company" he needs, without any sort of lasting commitment.
colossus999 3 years ago
got it thanks guys
KaraokeKid22 3 years ago
Time does not follow a strait line in "Company." Instead of one thing after another we get an amalgamation of varrious evenings with Robert and his friends, each exisiting independently... as if Bobby is remembering back to snipets of his life..make any sense?
morph628 3 years ago
yeah, i just wanted to know about this scene that confused me, i get the whole thing, though
KaraokeKid22 3 years ago
you have got to be kidin me he can sing way better than him
anti678978 3 years ago
"Passionate as hell but always in control. Want me first and foremost. Keep me company."
*sigh* absolutely gorgeous!
HowPoetic 3 years ago 2
ooh, i've seen this performed live. not by these people, of course.
but the people i saw did pretty well.
squee1123 3 years ago
Raúl was born to play Bobby. Hands down. And this song clearly shows it.
kkhatfield 3 years ago 11
I'm so happy they decided to put this song back in for the revival!
The whole cast playing instruments thing works out really well for me in this production too. I remember seeing the Sweeney Todd revival and not being too thrilled with the stripped down orchestra.
sylvesterbird 3 years ago
Genius Genis Genius Genius.
For anyone wondering where the next Sondheim is, check out Joshua Schmidt and Jason Loewith's ADDING MACHINE.
The score is a million miles away from Sondheim Land: a strange land in which almost nothing is hummable, but everything captures your attention and keeps it. And, like Sondheim, repeat listening only deepens the experience.
Schmidt is working now on a musical adaptation of Bernard Shaw's CANDIDA. I can't wait.
BustopherPhantom 3 years ago
I get chills every time he sings "I'm ready now!"
hannahkathleeny 3 years ago 2
ME TOO! and i cry when he sings we'll build a cocoon of love and respect! I am getting married next year and want someone to sing this at our wedding!
dynamicstuff73 3 years ago
oh my goodness thats wonderful! congratulations!! p.s. i give you a big kudos on playing this song at your wedding. .that'd be awesome if Raul came and sang it! =D
HowPoetic 3 years ago
You want to play a song about emotional unavailability at your wedding?
It's a beautiful song, but heartbreaking because it's about Bobby's refusal to make a real connection. Maybe not the best choice for wedding music.
quem98 3 years ago 7
I agree with quem98, "Marry Me A Little" probably is not the best song for a wedding...
If anything, "Being Alive" would, I think, the best song from Company for a wedding.
LadySpoCoy 3 years ago
maybe like the second half of being alive...sung extra sweetly haha.
seriously, pick another show for wedding music :-)
BroadwayVBtime 2 years ago
hahah yeahh definitely not the right show to choose from for wedding music... for that matter, most of sondheim's shows are about dysfunctional relationships and the like (Follies, Company, I'm sure there are more). Perhaps if you want a sondheim tune, "It Takes Two" from Into the Woods.
nrshapiro55 2 years ago
This makes me feel so much pressure - I am playing Bobby next week, and its performances like Raul's that make me nervous haha
kreecha 3 years ago
No matter what, we have to consider Bobby is probably one of the hardest roles on Broadway: you have to portray almost no OUTSIDE emotion while having this huge, sweeping character arc. Then, at the end, he has to have a complete emotional breakdown which must somehow remain convincing considering his earlier lack of visible emotion. Add to that the difficulty in the vocals and you have a very, very hard role. Raul was good just to have DONE it, regardless of which version you enjoy more.
pipesoflirael 3 years ago 3
Oh this is gorgeous. His voice is so beautiful. There's so much emotion.
Sarahoxy 3 years ago 8
I saw this on TV the other day and was immediately glued to my set. His voice is SO incredible, it gave me chills. Excellent performance for a very sweet and tender song.:)
ButtButtDoodle 3 years ago 3
I am not a fan of this production or of Raul Esparza's performance, but he absolutely nails this song!
MDSCFALNM 3 years ago 2
Am I the only one who likes this better than "Being Alive"?
maryandtom 3 years ago 11
I can understand that.
We have other versions of both songs on BestArts that you may want to try as well - including a video of the 1970 original cast album version of "Being Alive."
BestArtsMusic 3 years ago
God, that's just amazing!!! this song. .makes my heart soar!! And this man. .is so talented! I always smile when he sings "Passionate as hell but always in control." it's incredible!
HowPoetic 3 years ago 6
Watch John Barrowman singing this song on the 'Putting It Together' DVD (clip here on youtube) - it's magic! :-)
felicity1titanic 3 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I completely agree with you... it's far superior to this version!!
MGZuniga 3 years ago
I don't know - I like this version too. It's just I'm a huge JB fan! But I'm quickly becoming a RE fan too! :-) (Watch RE's video of singing Defying Gravity here on YouTube - v. amusing! :-)
felicity1titanic 3 years ago