SPELLING BEE I'm Not That Smart, Barrett Foa

[kikimusicalfreak]

barrett is awesome in anything he does and anyone who hates him need to shut up!!!!

[maphon]

Barret was awesome in Avenue Q!



[kleptic]

NCIS: Los Angeles!

[Heffalumpluvver]

@MooMooMilk365 You... You...

Are amazing. XD He totally does. Joe needs to attempt this song soooooo badly.

[1492studios]

Does anyone know what key this is in?

[angiemeli25]

@1492studios D major :)

[HannahMayJune]

i can totally relate

[Lightinthecorner]

Im. In. Love.

[blankeyboy279]

This song was chosen for me to do in a showcase in a few weeks

**this is a great reference LOVE IT!**

[Eliiee17]

ahahh you make me laugh !! You're doing Great !:D

ahahh tu m'as fait vraiment rire !! C'est vraiment bon ! :D

[IAMTDonahue]

if you like this version please go to my page and watch my performance. comments are greatly appreciated!

[kArLs20102010]

HOTTT <3

[theatrebug7]

16 people can't spell in a trance

[ycsdramaqueen]

1:59 I die every time. XD

[shainawoody]

LMFAO love this so much

[justinlovespastry]

@sinia12 you know the plot about that right?

[justinlovespastry]

@siniia12 you know the plot about that right?

[htmissjb9]

FINALLY!! I was looking for this song for a long time, and now I found it!!

[starburstnoway]

<3 The character development in this.

[roseswindler]

This is cute! :P

[hkygirl805]

*squees* lol I love that play!!!!!

[raphaellover]

it looks like you are to upset or scared rather than shy, before expression, and connect towards the audience more with more foot movement besides hand movements. good voice though, keep up the good work

[emylye627]

@raphaellover, seriously, you're gonna criticize a Broadway actor? He's a successful working musical theatre actor, trained at the best school(s). You sound awfully stupid, giving him suggestions as if this he's a kid in an elementary school production. I think the internet has confused some people into thinking their opinions matter. Maybe next time you should google the name of the singer before you post.

[killiancheerKB]

@raphaellover

are you dumb? He's not supposed to move around. He's supposed to stand in front of the microphone.

1. thats where the microphone is if he moved we wouldnt be able to hear him

2. HES IN A SPELLING BEE. I've never seen someone moving around while at the microphone. have you?

he's playing his part. so shut up and stop criticizing.

[sinnia12]

lmaooo i love the way he spells it

[WWEQAF]

I just discovered him, and man is he gorgeous

[MooMooMilk365]

And I the only person who is reminded of Joe Walker - from A Very Potter Musical/Sequel - whenever they watch this? They looked a lot alike.

[PrideByDavey]

@MooMooMilk365 omg yes, exactly what i was thinking

[lacystephens]

@MooMooMilk365 OMG your so right!!!! both guys are so talented lol

[TinselFairy]

@MooMooMilk365 I never even put the link together til you just said that. You are so right.

[tommyoutsidersfan22]

@MooMooMilk365 oh god bless you, that is the exact same thing i thought as soon as i saw his face!!!

[deborahcolling]

Brilliant Acting. Musical Theater at it's finest. (Minus the explitive)

[ycsdramaqueen]

I love the face he gets during the epiphany XD

[mapleshadower]

He has little kid characteristics down pat.

[fallenflower22]

I saw this in new York when I was 9 and was really shocked by this play. A local theater is doing it soon but I just remember that he was my favorite character by far

[Ktwhit717]

Another fabulous University of Michigan Musical Theatre Grad

[purdyn13]

personally i liked it better when my school did this, but this is a close second!

I like it alot!

[twinklefudge]

@purdyn13 i genuinely don't mean this as an attack but do you genuinely think your school did it better than the broadway cast? :) - just so you know i'm not being mean or sarcastic lol. comments can be misread on youtube!

[purdyn13]

@twinklefudge my school performed this song differently, not better, just differently. everyone always puts their own little spin on a song and I just simply liked the spin that my school took on it. plus maybe just seeing it live made me like it more than on a computer.

[twinklefudge]

@purdyn13 its fair enough to like an interpretation better. i just wondered hwo you meant it :)

[bigTHAI924]

im doing this for my high school play and i am so excited.

[PatientxWhatsername]

@bigTHAI924 We're doing it in the spring! I wanna be Logainne! Or Ms. Peretti. :P

[64yamoto]

Honestly, it feels like Mr. Foa is playing Leaf as someone who is mentally challenged on a level that Leaf is not. Leaf has ADHD, which I really see as Mr. Foa not characterizing Leaf as. If that's he wants to characterize Leaf as someone who like that, he can do so, but it doesn't really work.

[2064696]

it's ok honey. cute people don't have to be smart. :^D

[2064696]

you dont have to be smart.... you're cute. :^)

[ninjacat9523]

Nick Terry winsssss more than this guy.

[Velociactor]

He is amazing!!! I love his voice and characterization!

[drummonkeyfreak]

he is trying a little too hard! like his voice!

[xMissDaisyx]

Fantastic voice.

[amyvocalist]

Brilliant! 

[Rsmithljr]

This is great! thanks for this vid! Im auditioning for Leaf on the 13th and this vid really boosted my confidence! i digress, great singer, and great acting! keep it up!

[xoxofeelove]

Haha absolutly adorable. Hes an amazing actor as well as singger!

[PhaedrusNYC]

JTF managed to do this part without mugging as much as Foa did.

[WebsterAnn]

@PhaedrusNYC What do you mean by mugging?

[sparklingcider302]

@WebsterAnn it means overacting. essentially doing something only for the sake of a laugh versus something more in character. I also agree with phaedrus; although foa is cute, jesse is perfect.

[PhaedrusNYC]

@WebsterAnn "Mug: verb (used without object) Slang. to grimace; exaggerate a facial expression, as in acting.

[OnceMoreWithNoir]

WOW he reminds me so much of John Tartaglia.

[vanillaofthebear]

@OnceMoreWithNoir He does look like John Tartaglia, and you know whats funny? He understudyed him as Princton/ Rod in Avenue Q, and then took over the role later.

[toughcookie5454]

i'm Leaf Coneybear!!!! I can't stop watching this video!!!

[jamastermike]

i got this part!! LEAF CONEYBEAR!

[TheMusicGirlsWorld]

@jamastermike Congrats!  Hope you do well!

[TeeJayCast]

im auditioning for this today, and im bringing a finger puppet

[lilyrox]

for sure the best version of this song ever. he's adorable and so talented! ahhh love him!!

[ActAlyssaAct]

Oh this guy is probably ... MMMM ah he is so cute though!!! haha

[skaterfish96]

he reminds me of anthony rapp...

[vivalavieboheme14]

i think he was princeton in avenue q!

[lilyrox]

@vivalavieboheme14 he was!!! :D

[dancinfool522]

my favorite leaf everrrrr <3 keep it up hottie!

[Polska9089]

Wow, Barrett, this was wonderful, you're acting within the song was fantastic, and you have a beautiful voice, keep it up man!

[musicXtheatre]

I took a master class with him!!! :D

[jackiemac1990]

Hahahhahahahah

[LoverOfNaruto]

Gosh darn he's adorable!

[DancingQueen7272]

great job! my cousin plays Leaf in his area's production

[phantomlover1000]

lol his face at 2:10 is so cute

[thegospelisagrenade]

Not the original, BUT the best Leaf Coneybear in my opinion. And i've seen both perform in the Bee!

[gogo245]

The beginning.. lololololol

[curlycaity]

I luv this but jesse is da best!

[robzombierocks45]

LOLLL. hottie :)

[fungrly10]

brilliant!!!

[SamiYoshi]

This makes me smile soooo much =3

[Time0Lord]

He's amazing!

[aramax1001]

aw man, this dude is so totally hot; cute, adorable, and sweet

[inuyashapwnsyou]

AWSOME!!!!!!

[rpbaur]

I'm using this song for an audition.  Great version!

[jumpingjeremy]

@rpbaur  ME TOO!

[maxthompson06]

I love this song!

"I LIKE MY HAIR!" best part!

[JoeelVazquez]

...continued

but he is so much more than that. Barrett's portrayel is brilliant. He's not playing Leaf as though he is mentally retarded. If anything his portrayel falls more under the autistic spectrum (which includes ADHD) which I think is extremely accurate. If you really look into the script, Leaf has MANY autistic characteristics and anyone who thinks otherwise usually ends up delivering an awful performance like the ones found on youtube.

[xxhintoftearsxx]

ADHD is not an autism spectrum disorder, however, the two are often diagnosed together.

[Kornwolf91]

Can i ask a question? if you are familiar with strands of Autism, can ADHD cause you to not pick up certain social ques?

[JoeelVazquez]

I have NEVER had even a slight youtube discussion because I think they're pointless but I feel I HAVE to interrupt with this one...

I'm currently playing Leaf in a local production of Spelling Bee and I've been working on this character for over a year now because I took his solo to competition. Every version that I've seen online is extremely obnoxious and frustrating to see because everyone seems to think that Leaf is an annoying attention whore who has ADHD.

[noname120191]

ok on a brighter note...

i love this show, i recently auditioned for it at my school and i got called back for Coneybear, Barfee, and Panch.

needless to say i really want to be coneybear

this videa is awesome!

[OskayJirt]

That's sweet! Good luck!

[noname120191]

ADHD is not at all a "serious mental retardation"

its a learning disorder

i am an off the charts ADD and Central Processing Disorder patient

i take the legal limit of adderall

this does not offend me

what offends ME is that people are so UPTIGHT, when they dont know anything about it.

I AM NOT MENTALLY RETARDED

if you knew ANYTHING about this show you would know that all the characters are 10 years old. half the 10 year old boys i know are diagnosed ADHD, and most grow out of it eventually.

[OskayJirt]

I just want to point out that I did not say ADHD was a serious mental retardation. I said that he's playing him like he has a mental retardation INSTEAD of playing him like he's ADHD. I apologize if I was unclear. =P

I have nothing against Barret Foa personally or anything, I just don't like his portrayal of the character. That's just my opinion. Take it or leave it. =)

[TheStageSound]

Very well done!

[RSway12]

i feel that if we continue to try to be politically correct with everything then we restrict ourselves from the possible humor and entertainment of comedy. leaf is entertaining and an individual person. im more offended of the fact you have chosen to relate leaf to retardation and consequentially pity him. the audience understands hes unstable but find him entertaining none the less.

[itsonlymatthew]

people are thinking to politicaly correct with this song. it has a good meaning if you actually listen to it...i mean jeeze look at the show a mircle worker are they makeing fun of helen keller when they over act her part umm NO

[dolphingirl555]

AMAZING VOICE!!!!!!!!

[Heneuso]

You have to be kinda brave to perform this, huh? xD

[hottieho13]

he's hot!!!!!!he kinda reminds me of adam pascal for some reason...

[toughcookie5454]

@hottieho13 HE DOES!!!

[musicrush05]

I am bugged by anyone who plays Leaf as a "retard". I think the original Leaf, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, played Leaf perfectly. He seemed more attention defecit than "retarded". I like that choice better. It takes a great actor to be able to convey that to an audience.

[mgkusmc]

I dont know, I dont think he was portrayed as retarded or attention deficit. All you have to do is spend a day with a group of elementary school kids and you will see at least 5 "Leafs" I think he portrayed a child in the state of growth that is awkward for some. I hope what I am saying makes sense.

[ThePianoRose]

I was actually told that Leaf is autistic by the guy who is playing him in my school production

[dolphingirl555]

I must regret to inform you but... He is actually autistic... It's his character dear...

[OskayJirt]

I totally agree. I actually found this version somewhat insulting.

[handsdown101]

how so?

[OskayJirt]

It just feels like instead of playing a character who is funny because of the fact he gets distracted by everything and is ADHD, they're kinda making fun of serious mental retardation. Which I don't really find appealing or entertaining.

I'm actually going to be playing Leaf in my school's production of "Putnam" and I want to be sure that I, personally, don't offend anyone with my performance.

I don't want to try to change anyone else's opinion or anything, that's just how I feel =)

[MaggiesRevenge]

I'm gifted with ADHD and I found Leaf's character a relief because I could relate to him a lot in this song. Early on, I learned to resort to my erratic behavior, tangents, and distractions as protection. I hope this perspective helps you get to know Leaf. Above all, just listen to him! Also, look up videos of Derrick Trumbly, Chicago cast, who is more sensitive to Leaf's insecurities and makes more relevant segues than Barrett Foa. Having helped in rehearsal as a kid, I can vouch for Derrick.

[neongrapedanceparty]

I LIKE IT ALOT

[RandomZydeco]

I dunno, for some reason this just didn't do it for me....his voice isn't all that strong, and he isn't that engaging most of the time. Also, it's too bad he couldn't hit that final note in full-voice...he's obviously good, but this was sort of disappointing. Oh well.

[mtdirector77]

barrett is HOT he always was :-)

[LittleGibbo]

this guy is fab!

[MrTiger25]

I love this song

[megababe31395]

hahaha i get such a kick outta watching this :]

[willislub]

man i want that finger puppet!

[ilamusicalssm]

i love how someone in the audience said uh what .

[stefanifan2]

No..his mic wasn't working! lol that's why he tapped the mic.

[luxor1987]

i think it was supposed to be like that. for the effect... so he had a reason to repeat his "a what?" and make it sound even funnier/ dumber ;)

[brandonacker]

this is the funniest thing ive seen all day

[mewmewsnow301]

this song is SOOOOO awesome!!!!! XD

[TheGuitarista]

Wow... this is one of the best renditions I've seen of this song! Amazing acting/facial expressions and amazing singing! Great job!

[AndyTheBeastlyActor]

This isn't a rendition. He was actually in the Broadway production at this time.

[krazykittymatt]

He's adorable!!!

[funkydotfizz]

i can't stop watching this...

we want to do this at my school... definitely my current favorite musical right now!

[54spiritedwill54]

I watch this over and over again...

[AnotherMaybe321]

omg he's awesome at this song :D i love itttt! lmao

[CRASHbamBOOM]

he's so CUTE! and an awesome singer.

[olimar2001]

YOU. ARE. AN AMAZING SINGER. I am doing this piece for Kiwanis this year, you have given me lots of inspiration.

[annatonggg616]

ROFLLLL

[actressindemaking]

hehe, his tshirt says "can you please use that in a sentence"....

[moolikeallama]

Thats the show tee shirt. I got one when i went to see it :). It was fantastic. As was this performance!

[actressindemaking]

God im so jealous! I'd love to see it but I live in Ireland so fat chance of that happening:(

[actressindemaking]

hes got such great comic timing!

[punkpoptart95]

xD I love how he looks when he spells the word

[fernglamour13]

He's SUPER cute :]

[WeirdFro]

barrett is the best leaf ever! i think i saw him in nyc walking down the street, but i'm not sure

[WeirdFro]

william wins, but he thinks of getting his word wrong on purpose for olive, but she says it's ok, he can win. if you listen to the end of "second", so can hear him saying "thank you all very much!" or something like that

[danni1695]

Yeah, well.

I wanted Leaf to win.

He was awesome.

[danni1695]

Yep, too confident.

But William kind of considered losing on purpose all for Olive.

So I guess that was sort of nice...

[danni1695]

Yeah, but he still somehow manages to get words right.

And then Olive and William are the last two contestants. Olive gets a word wrong, and William gets that word right.

[danni1695]

No, I think it was William Barfee.

[hkindt]

he's very handsome. I wish we could play some time.

[towandaXavenger]

in the perfect spelling bee world, leaf coneybear would have won. So adorable :]

[sarasinclair1]

i love his version of this. this is one of my favorite songs in the show!

[WeirdFro]

is there a cd or anything available with barrett singing this?

[thejaystar]

you mean this exact version (im sure he is orig. cast)

if you download 'realplayer' and then you can download the youtube video and burn the audio to cd...

[wikiwikiwakk]

he is totally cute. he's a surprisingly good leaf, too. and i'm a jesse tyler ferguson lady.

[wampabutt]

Foa is a tool. ick.

[alongcamesara]

omfg hes so adorable =]

[iDislikeNames]

i saw him in spelling bee. i fell in LOVE. i wanna have a kid just like him!

[dragonstorm83]

granted it's entertainment, but he looks crazy. he's cute though.

[MikeyandTarynshow]

Hehe. I love this song.

[hotfuzz459]

lol. i didnt actually go looking up these videos, my sister showed me them

[Trebleguy471]

I wanna play Leaf sooooooooooo bad haha

[melissarampton]

Once upon a time I saw Barrett in Avenue Q and have been in love with him since. He put his arm around me to take a picture and I thought I was going to drop dead, aha.

[jaimec18]

weird song, but AWESOME performer.

[actor123456789]

he is the nicest guy in broadway, I have met Barrett, 6 TIMES. He was better then the originel Leaf. Him and alot of cast left Spelling Bee 1 year ago and I think thats why Bee isnt on broadway anymore. The new guys werent that good.

[lovelyspringweather]

SO CUTE

[xTunafishx]

i like it a lot!!! XD

[preppymikeb]

You're BILLIANT!

[xxMissxAbyssxx]

My friend did this song at camp, lol

[actlaughlove]

I watch this over and over again...i love how he plays the character is hilarously and sweet at the same time! and hes SO good at singing!

[BroadwayBaby714]

He is SUCH a sweetheart!! Not to mention fabulously talented and GLORIOUSLY adorable, haha. Perfect rendition; and I'm lovin' the puffy lil' eyes ;P

[ItSucksToBeMeYea]

I LOVE HIM!!!

<3

[FranBMan]

I don't need Barrett Foa to be smart;)

[choirgirl6439]

I saw Barrett Foa in spelling bee and he was awesome!!! I got to meet him afterwards and he is really nice too! he tooks pictures with everybody and gave autographs!! it was AMAZING!!!!!