In my eyes, the themes you mention are very well expressed by lines and performance. Adding literal instruments to emphasize roles we play is overkill. It defeats the point by ramming it down your throat, and indicates insecurity in the play and the actors. Plainly, Medea does not need to bang on a drum to express the character's passion.
Dumb. Saw this on DVD. YES, I know live theater is different. Yes, some fine performances and truly excellent voices. Thanks for posting this.
But this garbage of the instruments...I do not see the point of putting up another 'fourth wall', as this does. It presents the cast as consciously performing, rather than occupying, the roles. It's bloody stupid.
@jjarndyce The show is very much about how we play roles for one another. Constantly performing is kind of what this show is about. The Actor/Muso just reinforces that. Maybe being a trombonist and a singer influences my opinion or perspective, but it didn't feel forced at all to me.
I love the way that this begins- the way the "Bobby" chorus sounds almost menacing, rather than friendly this time, claustrophobic. Such subtle direction.
By the way, Esparza had to learn piano for this piece- but Sondheim had thought it was too easy for him, so he touched the song up to make it a bit more difficult to play. Talk about enforced method acting! lol
oooooh ouch. most of the song is sung fantastically but that one bit near the end is flat as hell. "But alone is alone" other than that AWESOME. cant get it out of my head
Too much vibrato and pushing. He is a good actor (I have seen him live in three different shows), but I have definitely heard this song sung better. In my opinion, John Barrowman in the Kennedy Center production was the definitive Bobby.
@WikeddTung You know, I actually respect that statement. People always say that they're in love with Sondheim when really they don't know what his angle is. Well I can kind of tell you his angle: realism. You see, Sondheim is not only a musical theatre god, he is also one of the greatest minds of all time. He takes something that is often so frilly and unrealistic and makes it a living, breathing creation. He makes the observer think about life and the situation at hand instead of trying to make
@WikeddTung a pretty piece of art. He knows that life is hard and that we are not all happy and giddy 24/7 and he puts that into practice. Prime example is Into The Woods. Act 1 ends on a great note, Baker and his Wife collect all the items, Jack slays the Giant, Cinderella marries the Prince, Rapunzel marries the other, everyone's happy. But in Act 2, the show spirals out of control because that's real life. If you don't know Into The Woods, I encourage you to check it out. Thank you.
@rebelsinger123 i appreciate the insight and i think it's fair enough. but real people don't break out into song. certainly not when they're angry or worried or anxious or lonely or sad or... the form is inherently UNreal and ARTificial. of course, im no fan of atonal music or prose poetry either, i tend to like form. so to my ear, "pretty" works well, beautiful works better. i do appreciate the effort though. at least you're polite abut it! cheers
@WikeddTung I do understand what you are saying, and totally agree. But the thing about theatre, and the thing that is so magical about it is that you have to give into the fact that it IS unrealitstic and make it realistic in your own psyche. The trouble with some is that they can never get past that what is going on on stage isn't real, which is completely justifyable because it's completely true, but that's why they can't understand what's going on. To fully grasp the concept of a good play
@WikeddTung or musical, you have to allow yourself to be swept away in the story and make it reality. It's the same concept as reading a book. The book itself is not real, but we are captivated by it because of the story. We have to let live and let go to get it.
@WikeddTung Speaking from experience, this song is much better if you've watched the whole thing first. This is not the most self-explanatory one of his pieces. I recommend watching one of his whole musicals first, or if you don't have time, some of his other songs are more self-contained. For example, John Barrowman's version of "Marry Me a Little" is gorgeous. Sondheim requires a little extra work, but he's totally worth it.
@MovieBuff24601 i saw the b'way prod of woods w/ vanessa williams a number of years ago & like everybody else, i know & actually like the more commercially popular songs (ladies who lunch, clowns). it isn't brain surgery nor is it so profoundly esoteric that i don't understand it. let's face it, being alive is about being alive; messy & complicated. got it. it's also decidedly NOT beautiful. now, i get there are ways of expressing oneself artistically that have nothing to do with beauty...cont'd
@WikeddTung i just realized what the above reads like so, before anybody replies that ladies & clowns are not from woods, I KNOW. i'm talking about a body of work here. i get that an aesthetic experience doesn't have to be about beauty, but can be challenging, provocative, whatever. all i'm saying is i DON'T CARE enough about sondheim's pov to find his insights satisfying, provocative, challenging or lovely. in fact, i think his work flatters the bourgeois & lowbrow. just my opinion.
This song makes so much sense in my life. I recently broke up with my boyfriend who couldn't commit and he reminds me of Bobby. Raul Esparza is so incredible as a performer.
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Just the way he encompasses the whole character. Through his voice and as an actor. Just see the way he sings this song, he has truly captured the essence of the character and his feelings.
George Clooney should've sung this song at the end of Up in the Air.....this is one of the best songs ever written for the stage and Esparza does a brilliant job. Never saw this show before...and although it is nearly 40 years old, it still has a raw and contemporary freshness that won't go away.
I saw COMPANY the Tuesday after the Tonys where Raul lost to David Hyde Pierce. He sang this song with so much passion and intensity we were on our feet about 45 seconds before teh song was over and stayed on our feet for about 5 minutes. It was a big F-YOU to the Tony voters...totally one of the most memorable moments I have had ini years of theater going
I have always loved this song, and a few days ago i was going through this with a relative who was on Broadway at one point and she was helping me prepare for an audition, and i went through line by line and this is really a beautiful and raw piece ripped from one's heart and displayed on stage.
Man, you got your keys absolutely right muziklprodigee. I think the original Dean Jones version was in F. I'm really impressed with Mr. Esparza's performance. Just wonderful!
Raw, intense and heartfelt. He walks a precarious tightrope between high drama and histrionics. You don't need a great voice to be a great interpreter of song.
For me it's when he says "somebody hold me too close" It just really shows for all his questioning and doubt throughout the play, he just wants someone to love him.
Who else thinks "A Little Night Music" should be done this way? Sondheim even said that it originally started out with an instrument part (played by the orchestra) to underscore each character, but that he decided it was too pretentious and that only Henrik and the cello remained. I think it would be awesome.
YES. When I had first seen "Little Night Music" and had heard about the actor/musician method, I thought it'd be perfect for it. One of the plusses of it is that "Little Night Music" has a large cast and seldom songs that utilize most of them. Most of the songs are either solos or duets, with the exception of "Weekend in the Country".
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 .
so, i went back and listened ALL the version of bobby. it is unfair to compare the original bobby to the later ones. and if you favor the original, you are clearly biased. actors in later generation don't smoke and they have much fuller and clearly voice.
as for esparza, he had me at the high note ( a# ?) in the opening. not many could do it like esparza.
I just saw the DVD of Company last night, and Raul's performance of this song is magic.....What Broadway is all about....I can see it another 100 times.
I was working on the Company taping and I remember the first time we saw overhead shot at 5:36 during the live filming in the production van, how it was absolutely breathtaking. And at the end of the song, the everyone in the van broke out into applause. Brilliant.
You can't really compare the two. It's a great song, and Dean Jones was the first to sing it, so naturally the way he chose to do it was going to be the definitive version for quite some time. Raul Esparza couldn't have just done a carbon copy - he had to do something radically different if he had any hope of NOT being compared to the original. He did a brilliant job with that - it's a lot more dramatic, but both versions are great.
I saw this production twice on Broadway...the second time was in the 5th row Orchestra Center sitting next to the fabulous Judith Light...the entire production was amazing but this was a breathtaking moment. There was not a sound in the theatre as Raul approached the Steinway Grand and played out those opening chords. Truly a special moment in Musical Theatre. He should have been awarded the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. I love this Sondheim musical and this production was just stunning.
In this interpretation where the actors play the instruments, this is the first time Bobby plays an instrument. He does it with excellent musicianship-and sings along beautifully-and makes this moment so poignant! I would be interested in what others think of the final moment....
I think he does play a kazoo in "Side by Side by Side" although I agree with you. The first real time that he played an instrument, alone. I also think that, after all that emotion, it ends amazingly with him silently blowing away the candles, and making a wish.
I understand.
homeschoolveggie 1 week ago
I love this.
Ahaynam 2 months ago
Playing the piano at the same time as singing this song shows just how talented he is. And Sondheim of course.
ChristopherAllen93 3 months ago
Have never seen this before! Absolutely gave me the chills! Incredible!
edtracker47 3 months ago
In my eyes, the themes you mention are very well expressed by lines and performance. Adding literal instruments to emphasize roles we play is overkill. It defeats the point by ramming it down your throat, and indicates insecurity in the play and the actors. Plainly, Medea does not need to bang on a drum to express the character's passion.
jjarndyce 3 months ago 3
@jjarndyce This production was extremely effective for me. Personally, I find invisible orchestras and on-stage occupations distracting.
3w4v 1 month ago
I Love this show, and this is such a beautiful performance.
misskat354 3 months ago
Dumb. Saw this on DVD. YES, I know live theater is different. Yes, some fine performances and truly excellent voices. Thanks for posting this.
But this garbage of the instruments...I do not see the point of putting up another 'fourth wall', as this does. It presents the cast as consciously performing, rather than occupying, the roles. It's bloody stupid.
jjarndyce 4 months ago
Comment removed
triligyblood 3 months ago
@jjarndyce The show is very much about how we play roles for one another. Constantly performing is kind of what this show is about. The Actor/Muso just reinforces that. Maybe being a trombonist and a singer influences my opinion or perspective, but it didn't feel forced at all to me.
daubergoat 3 months ago
One of those perfect songs and performances in musical theater history.
ThePhantom135 4 months ago
This song is beautiful. This entire moment is beautiful. Sondheim really drilled a really fine crew for this one.
MabusZero 5 months ago
How has he not won a Tony yet?
karekarekid1 6 months ago
Awesome!
Hearing him sing this, makes me want to be that 'someone' for him.
Thanks for the clip.
corfan99 6 months ago
This always brings me to tears.
InspectorKaramazov 8 months ago
God, this song. This performance.
I love the way that this begins- the way the "Bobby" chorus sounds almost menacing, rather than friendly this time, claustrophobic. Such subtle direction.
By the way, Esparza had to learn piano for this piece- but Sondheim had thought it was too easy for him, so he touched the song up to make it a bit more difficult to play. Talk about enforced method acting! lol
GiantPetRat 8 months ago 22
@GiantPetRat wait, so he'd never played piano before this show? okay, that just makes him even more awesome.
amy274216 1 month ago
Apparently six people don't know talent when they hear it...
olikely 8 months ago 8
much better than John Barrowman.
although i love Raul, i think I like dean jones from the original cast slightly more on this song.
jblo92 8 months ago
oooooh ouch. most of the song is sung fantastically but that one bit near the end is flat as hell. "But alone is alone" other than that AWESOME. cant get it out of my head
56nbrideau 10 months ago
@56nbrideau Just took him a while to find that note xD
Can happen to the best of them, and the song still one of the best performances.
I <3 Raúl!
autopolydidact 9 months ago
That boy sung the shit out of that song!
rjamonanthony 10 months ago
"STOOOOOOOOOOOOOOP!"
no! i dont want it to stop!!!!! <3 <3 this guy is awesome!
japanesedawn 10 months ago
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my mind = blown.
Bessie11993 10 months ago
Raul Esparza justifies Sondheim's lyrics.
urozur 10 months ago 5
So emotional! I love this i saw the whole thing and cried!
gluedhand 10 months ago 2
vibrato ftw.
rhcp0024 11 months ago
i think i might live, just for this song.
heartxtime 1 year ago 4
Wow... This really takes your breath away!
Awfullybigadventure0 1 year ago 3
I'll never be able to watch another theater group's rendition of Company again.
NateSean 1 year ago 6
So incredible.... So passionate.
ShakeYouDown738 1 year ago 3
Too much vibrato and pushing. He is a good actor (I have seen him live in three different shows), but I have definitely heard this song sung better. In my opinion, John Barrowman in the Kennedy Center production was the definitive Bobby.
anthony95401 1 year ago
i could never listen to this "too many times"
JacquieDolly 1 year ago 5
sooo epic
TheOnlineMusical 1 year ago
wow. he is just, wow
musicalbabe27 1 year ago
The peice is v good but i dont rly like the syncapated start :)
oliverGdominatinMC 1 year ago
Mind=blown :)
I LOVE Company ♥
I am soo lucky that I get to study it for school :D
x
ShLinGyPoPsIcLes 1 year ago
Thank you Elvira, a beautiful piece :Q) Hope to see you see and hear you sing out your wonderful voice! Hugs.
salsacm 1 year ago
Keep typing something in the text box and then deleting it. Anything I would have to say just sounds trite and contrived. This is wonderful.
thatduffgirl 1 year ago 4
i think esparza is gorgeous and i really want to like this but i just don't get sondheim.
WikeddTung 1 year ago
@WikeddTung You know, I actually respect that statement. People always say that they're in love with Sondheim when really they don't know what his angle is. Well I can kind of tell you his angle: realism. You see, Sondheim is not only a musical theatre god, he is also one of the greatest minds of all time. He takes something that is often so frilly and unrealistic and makes it a living, breathing creation. He makes the observer think about life and the situation at hand instead of trying to make
rebelsinger123 1 year ago
@WikeddTung a pretty piece of art. He knows that life is hard and that we are not all happy and giddy 24/7 and he puts that into practice. Prime example is Into The Woods. Act 1 ends on a great note, Baker and his Wife collect all the items, Jack slays the Giant, Cinderella marries the Prince, Rapunzel marries the other, everyone's happy. But in Act 2, the show spirals out of control because that's real life. If you don't know Into The Woods, I encourage you to check it out. Thank you.
rebelsinger123 1 year ago
@rebelsinger123 i appreciate the insight and i think it's fair enough. but real people don't break out into song. certainly not when they're angry or worried or anxious or lonely or sad or... the form is inherently UNreal and ARTificial. of course, im no fan of atonal music or prose poetry either, i tend to like form. so to my ear, "pretty" works well, beautiful works better. i do appreciate the effort though. at least you're polite abut it! cheers
WikeddTung 1 year ago
@WikeddTung I do understand what you are saying, and totally agree. But the thing about theatre, and the thing that is so magical about it is that you have to give into the fact that it IS unrealitstic and make it realistic in your own psyche. The trouble with some is that they can never get past that what is going on on stage isn't real, which is completely justifyable because it's completely true, but that's why they can't understand what's going on. To fully grasp the concept of a good play
rebelsinger123 1 year ago
@WikeddTung or musical, you have to allow yourself to be swept away in the story and make it reality. It's the same concept as reading a book. The book itself is not real, but we are captivated by it because of the story. We have to let live and let go to get it.
rebelsinger123 1 year ago
@WikeddTung Speaking from experience, this song is much better if you've watched the whole thing first. This is not the most self-explanatory one of his pieces. I recommend watching one of his whole musicals first, or if you don't have time, some of his other songs are more self-contained. For example, John Barrowman's version of "Marry Me a Little" is gorgeous. Sondheim requires a little extra work, but he's totally worth it.
MovieBuff24601 1 year ago
@MovieBuff24601 i saw the b'way prod of woods w/ vanessa williams a number of years ago & like everybody else, i know & actually like the more commercially popular songs (ladies who lunch, clowns). it isn't brain surgery nor is it so profoundly esoteric that i don't understand it. let's face it, being alive is about being alive; messy & complicated. got it. it's also decidedly NOT beautiful. now, i get there are ways of expressing oneself artistically that have nothing to do with beauty...cont'd
WikeddTung 1 year ago
@WikeddTung i just realized what the above reads like so, before anybody replies that ladies & clowns are not from woods, I KNOW. i'm talking about a body of work here. i get that an aesthetic experience doesn't have to be about beauty, but can be challenging, provocative, whatever. all i'm saying is i DON'T CARE enough about sondheim's pov to find his insights satisfying, provocative, challenging or lovely. in fact, i think his work flatters the bourgeois & lowbrow. just my opinion.
WikeddTung 1 year ago
If anything, it is this performance that should convince anyone he was robbed of the Tony
Phentleman 1 year ago 6
I saw this cast when I was 10 (:
Amazing, still love it just as much
OhSoSwingin60s 1 year ago
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whenever they all say "happy birthday"
god. kills me every time.
raspberrypoison1 1 year ago
whenever they all say "happy birthday"
god. kills me everytime.
raspberrypoison1 1 year ago
that "vary my days" line... I get goosebumps every time
PNTBRescued 1 year ago
AMAZING!
jubesity 1 year ago
awesome...
TheHammerOfJustice1 1 year ago
There are NO words for this
msatothen 1 year ago
wow.
biglittlekid 1 year ago 2
5:08. Just a little angry
wew1llr0ckyou 1 year ago 2
Incredible !!!
binosdad 1 year ago
...Three people missed the like button. WHAT?
AriRoobn 1 year ago
God this is beautiful! I can watch this over and over and never get tired of it.
jennifercraig99 1 year ago
mezmerizing. stunning. powerful. amazing.
darkblueskippy 1 year ago 3
This song makes so much sense in my life. I recently broke up with my boyfriend who couldn't commit and he reminds me of Bobby. Raul Esparza is so incredible as a performer.
TheRoxster 1 year ago
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. Just the way he encompasses the whole character. Through his voice and as an actor. Just see the way he sings this song, he has truly captured the essence of the character and his feelings.
MLeeemily 1 year ago 2
Raul looks allot like Gerard Butler
but cuter!!! lmao
ManicBoii39 1 year ago 7
awesome
inmyculo 2 years ago 2
George Clooney should've sung this song at the end of Up in the Air.....this is one of the best songs ever written for the stage and Esparza does a brilliant job. Never saw this show before...and although it is nearly 40 years old, it still has a raw and contemporary freshness that won't go away.
alanbweaver 2 years ago 9
@alanbweaver OMG totally thought of this song when i saw up in the air... nice connection
ANTHONYRAPPISAGOD 1 year ago
I saw COMPANY the Tuesday after the Tonys where Raul lost to David Hyde Pierce. He sang this song with so much passion and intensity we were on our feet about 45 seconds before teh song was over and stayed on our feet for about 5 minutes. It was a big F-YOU to the Tony voters...totally one of the most memorable moments I have had ini years of theater going
646guy 2 years ago 4
that was so cool
fishSG1 2 years ago
I love him so much.
Such a powerful performance!!
One of the guys in my school is performing this song in our showcase. The second half of the song though, but it's still amazing.
AriRoobn 2 years ago
Raul, thank you. Unforgettable performance.
violettamimi1 2 years ago 7
i like his voice. but i feel his vibrato takes control at some points throughout the song.
benjiboi91 2 years ago
I have always loved this song, and a few days ago i was going through this with a relative who was on Broadway at one point and she was helping me prepare for an audition, and i went through line by line and this is really a beautiful and raw piece ripped from one's heart and displayed on stage.
aasjb4ever 2 years ago 2
to me, this is by far the best emotional interpretation of this song. it speaks volumes like no other. 11/10 :D
bulletsinmyheart 2 years ago 8
*cries*
This song is so...perfect.
asmileisspecial 2 years ago 71
let us go a bit beserk at 5:08, shall we?
avrgejo 2 years ago 2
But that's the breakthrough moment for his character when he realizes he wants to be settled and in a relationship more than he would normally admit
646guy 2 years ago
Just saw a local production of this musical today. Raul is a good singer but I think his version is a little too dark for my taste.
byurazorhog 2 years ago
Man, you got your keys absolutely right muziklprodigee. I think the original Dean Jones version was in F. I'm really impressed with Mr. Esparza's performance. Just wonderful!
joelweisberg 2 years ago 3
Raw, intense and heartfelt. He walks a precarious tightrope between high drama and histrionics. You don't need a great voice to be a great interpreter of song.
Brahmsfourth 2 years ago 7
He is defintiely one of the best broadway actors/singers in history.
tichyha 2 years ago 53
I feel this way. Often.
bamapagedesign 2 years ago 6
I cried the first time I saw this in tv. Those lyrics are so heartfelt. Sondheim is a genius.
lameninablue 2 years ago 9
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love love love love love youuuuuuuu
ballerina1198 2 years ago
Also 3:04 his face is so intense...
Raúl is definitely my favorite Bobby.
geneimperfect 2 years ago 4
How did he not get that Tony?!
geneimperfect 2 years ago 3
Everytime I see this I fall in love him just a little bit more. He is so talented!
splish98 2 years ago 5
i have an unhealthy obsession with raul. omg.
Krismar2011 2 years ago 8
This is amazing. Can Esparza do no wrong in theatre?
aasjb4ever 2 years ago 4
is this really the set? its very simple..but beautiful
wrathofthemedusa 2 years ago 2
I love it when he says "somebody sit in my chair"... it somehow makes him sound so vulnerable.
Favorite Bobby EVER.
broadwaylove52 2 years ago 5
For me it's when he says "somebody hold me too close" It just really shows for all his questioning and doubt throughout the play, he just wants someone to love him.
Syryu 2 years ago 2
i still can't believe i saw him live from the 2nd row....loveeee him
bornforonestage 2 years ago
Wow he is BRILLIANT :D
MelodyMusica24 2 years ago 3
Just brilliant. Raul is a fabulous actor.
eldenthorngage08 2 years ago 4
I think Company works out better as an actor-player ensemble than Sweeney Todd, to be honest.
RickvanVeldhuizen 2 years ago 9
Who else thinks "A Little Night Music" should be done this way? Sondheim even said that it originally started out with an instrument part (played by the orchestra) to underscore each character, but that he decided it was too pretentious and that only Henrik and the cello remained. I think it would be awesome.
KatherineXIX 2 years ago
YES. When I had first seen "Little Night Music" and had heard about the actor/musician method, I thought it'd be perfect for it. One of the plusses of it is that "Little Night Music" has a large cast and seldom songs that utilize most of them. Most of the songs are either solos or duets, with the exception of "Weekend in the Country".
VRNProductions 2 years ago
definitely
WarCraftPwns 2 years ago
Raul is my favorite Bobby of all time and this video proves the reason why.
Meaghan1345 2 years ago 4
AMAZING!
crazymonkeegrrl666 2 years ago
I'm WEEPING. This is my favorite song and I think he just became my favorite person to ever sing it.
ellynh 2 years ago 2
he belted the frikin E of doom!! Raul, je taime!!
dacanceruwishuwere94 2 years ago 4
By "E of doom" you mean the one above mC? Good name for it.
6x9equals42 2 years ago
ps completly agree with you !!
mick08chad 2 years ago
fucking amazing
mick08chad 2 years ago 3
what key is this in?
strongsad14 2 years ago
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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
is it me? or 5:28 has mirror effect on... the floor look different from 5:24 with one foot... anyone?
pitigam 2 years ago 4
he's gorgeous..He is magical
BDaviWA 2 years ago
best bobby ever! ever ever ever!
pitigam 2 years ago 6
so, i went back and listened ALL the version of bobby. it is unfair to compare the original bobby to the later ones. and if you favor the original, you are clearly biased. actors in later generation don't smoke and they have much fuller and clearly voice.
as for esparza, he had me at the high note ( a# ?) in the opening. not many could do it like esparza.
pitigam 2 years ago 2
I just saw the DVD of Company last night, and Raul's performance of this song is magic.....What Broadway is all about....I can see it another 100 times.
cubaricua515 2 years ago 7
I was working on the Company taping and I remember the first time we saw overhead shot at 5:36 during the live filming in the production van, how it was absolutely breathtaking. And at the end of the song, the everyone in the van broke out into applause. Brilliant.
cdvla3133 2 years ago 5
I like the original singer a little bit better. I am sorry.
NathanWubs 2 years ago
No need to apologize; I actually agree. Raul is amazing, though - try his "Marry Me a Little."
Viewers can follow the video response to hear the original, sung by Dean Jones in 1970.
theBestArts 2 years ago
Thank you for that. I mean nothing about him being a bad singer, or a bad actor. I just like Dean Jones a little bit better in this song.
NathanWubs 2 years ago
You can't really compare the two. It's a great song, and Dean Jones was the first to sing it, so naturally the way he chose to do it was going to be the definitive version for quite some time. Raul Esparza couldn't have just done a carbon copy - he had to do something radically different if he had any hope of NOT being compared to the original. He did a brilliant job with that - it's a lot more dramatic, but both versions are great.
KatherineXIX 2 years ago 2
wonderful.. but nothing beats him live... hes magical
kocomo238 3 years ago 2
Raul Esparza is adorable! I think he's really good looking. Oh, and he has a beautiful voice.
jav1ram 3 years ago 3
I saw this production twice on Broadway...the second time was in the 5th row Orchestra Center sitting next to the fabulous Judith Light...the entire production was amazing but this was a breathtaking moment. There was not a sound in the theatre as Raul approached the Steinway Grand and played out those opening chords. Truly a special moment in Musical Theatre. He should have been awarded the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical. I love this Sondheim musical and this production was just stunning.
mwp2paris 3 years ago
STOOOOP!
acalanesman22 3 years ago
I feel exactly the same way about spide429, I think it really makes it a beautiful moment.
Cypresswhisker2 3 years ago
In this interpretation where the actors play the instruments, this is the first time Bobby plays an instrument. He does it with excellent musicianship-and sings along beautifully-and makes this moment so poignant! I would be interested in what others think of the final moment....
spide429 3 years ago 3
I think he does play a kazoo in "Side by Side by Side" although I agree with you. The first real time that he played an instrument, alone. I also think that, after all that emotion, it ends amazingly with him silently blowing away the candles, and making a wish.
aqua1993 3 years ago 5