I adore his acting. It's beautifully simple in the sense he identifies with the hate of soppy romance but shows such vulnerability and loneliness which I coompletely can relate to.
However, I prefer Raul Esperza's voice and impressive piano skills! I can't play and sing at the same time!
I remember seeing this on BBC2, first time I saw a full Sondheim show, loved it and still have the cd. I love the Broadway revival cast and Raul Esparza has an amazing voice but the acting in this gets me everytime .
Have to keep in mind, watching a performance of this on youtube is different from actually being there. What seems like overacting with the camera right in his face seems appropriate when viewed from the audience.
Terrible version of this moving song.He's not a great singer and, like most of the performances in this production, he over-acts like hell. Left me completely unmoved.
@palinlondon Fair enough if it didn't move you, these things are always subjective, but he's not overacting. I can't speak for any of the other performances in this production, but THIS performance is raw and honest and quite understated by most musical theatre standards. It's a big song about big emotion, and it's theatre not film, you can't be TOO small and subtle, you'll lose your audience or fail to connect to the story and the loneliness.
i can't tell if he just doesn't have the greatest voice or if he's just sounding that way for his character, but he is a fantastic actor it's plain to see. I loved this version!
All I can say is I saw this production at the theatre and it was amazing and Adrian Lester was magnificent. It was very moving production and that always looks a bit contrived on screen
This is an intense, theatrical performance which is dazzlingly brilliant and Mr Lester gives the song tremendous power and emotion. Compare it to Julian Ovenden's version at the BBC Proms Sondheim at 80 tribute. Very different interpretation to Mr Lester, but just as magnificent. However, in my humble opinion, nothing can match Dean Jones's original which is also available on You Tube.
Ever since I've seen this, I find that no other version of "Being Alive" can even compare. I think that the fact that he can't sing -- and I will never say this at any other time -- adds to the impact of the performance.
I don't know why everyone says Lester's acting is SO GOOD in this role, to me it really seems like he's drunk rather than saddened/confused/frustrated, the emotions which other performers like Dean Jones and Raul Esparza did perfectly.
Also, why are the comments from everyone else changed? These ones have little to no relevance to the song, and just don't fit. Why the change?
This is the only version of this song that makes me laugh out loud for 4 minutes straight. The other versions evoke a very different emotion, I can tell you that.
This is the best version of this song I have seen to date. The scene is not about singing, WHICH HE CAN! Who cares how he sounds if you don't care about what he's saying. Finally someone who can act and sing BRAVO
Exactly! This is a song for an actor who can sing in-tune. The crying is brilliant but not overdone, the point of the song is conveyed without being over or understated.
It's true that the emotions need to carry the singing, and the singing doesn't have to be perfect. However, the main problem I have is that the singing sounds so dreadful because of those fake accents I can't stand to listen to it, regardless of how good the acting is.
It's still Sondheim, and while it doesn't have to be sung perfectly, it should be sung somewhat decently.
This man did his job because I BELIEVED him. This actor CAN sing in my opinion. I can see what you are saying however, I think many people get to caught up in the sound of the voice. Some of the best work on Sondheim has come from brilliant actors that don't have an amazing broadyway sound. He spoke to me therefore I could listen.
I'm not saying that he can't sing; while I haven't heard him anywhere other than this, I have heard he has a great voice underneath the accent. To me, the accent just completely ruins his voice, and I can't stand to listen to it.
And as far as acting goes, I still think Raul Esparza beats him on all accounts.
Extraordinary performance, extraordinary production - Sondheim has said that Lester is his favourite Bobby and that every time he heard him sing Being Alive it has reduced him to tears.
Where does he say that? I'd love to see that interview. I've heard different things about how Sondheim felt about Bobby. I heard that Esparza was his favorite, and I've also heard that Lester is his favorite.
I do not think that his portrayal of the character is good. His vocals, were a disaster. I do not understand why he was singing out of his nose at the beginning, and towards the very end he was off tempo. I do not think that this was the right part for him.
I've been going through all of the Donmar Warehouse Company videos, and about 50% of the comments have been pretty negative like this, which says a lot considering that the atmosphere of Broadway Videos on youtube is usually pretty positive.
The entire production just seems to me to be very weak.
One of my biggest problems is that they make way too many arbitrary choices; like having Bobby go way over-the-top with that crying. Jesus.
Really? I actually really like the crying that Adrian adds, for some reason it sort of makes sense. It may be a bit OTT but I think I'd be crying if I were Bobby too.
I'd have to say that he's my second favorite Bobby, obviously I'll never found anyone who can make me feel for the character as much as Raul.
This guy really doesn't have good pipes, but I think that almost adds to the performance because he's focused only on acting and while it may be a bit OTT, it still makes me cry.
Great performance. The whole show was excellent. Obviously, watching a single song in isolation doesn't give the same feeling as experiencing the whole show. One of the best theatrical experiences I've had.
Wow, this really does not translate. The song is so much bigger than he can handle. This is a vocal tragedy. BUT, the direction is brilliant. I love all of the choices, too bad they could not find someone who could sing and this would have been definitive. I cannot get involved emotionally when it is this bad. I respect the acting, but stick to straight plays please!
He's not still drunk. This play is not linear, it's all in his head. He's not at the club anymore, which I felt he was trying to portray to start - I think that really takes away from the consciousness of Robert's decision that marriage may not be so bad after all. I don't like how they did this song at all. And he does not have a good voice.
True he does seem to be really into his character, and up to a point I was drawn into his performance, but his awful diction really threw me off, it lessened the power. If he took some lessons in how to phrase and connect certain words in a song, he'd do even better. I don't think he's the best Bobby, but it all depends on how you look at it, I guess. No matter what though he did a great job!
very emotional performance. the most emotional (except perhaps for passion with donna murphy) interpretation of a sondheim show with all the messy journeys that raw emotions entail. i think i really like this performance. i may have to get used to it a bit. i go from he's overacting to he's nakedly exploring his innermost recesses. is he being self indulgent or brave? i'm not sure yet, but i commend him and the rest of the performaners for their take on the piece.
I know what you're saying, Donna Murphy in Passion was heartbreaking and phenomenal. I see it being brave though, because he had the choice between at least trying to sound like a well-trained singer OR acting the shit out of the part. While most professionals would choose the first, he chose the acting aspect, regardless of a few audience members who refused to look past his bad singing at his great interpretation.
It's a different take on the piece, but I like it as much as the original.
I agree with you about the messy journeys ... and actually about how it sometimes seems he's overacting. But I think that might actually be at least party because the camera shot is so tight, and he's acting for the distance at which the people in the audience sit. I saw this production in person and loved it, but the videos sometimes make me cringe -- they're shot from so close!
I'm really impressed with this guy. He completely sacrificed singing well and sounding pleasing, a brave thing to do, in order to stay completely in character. Reminds me a bit of Ellen Greene as Audrey in "LSOH". Very moving.
I, too, was there to see this performance - twice at the Donmar and also once at the Albery. As with theboyintheredshirt's experience, everyone in the theatre was moved; every night. Great number, superbly performed. Well done Adrian Lester!!
What are you people talking about. That was one of the most moving performances I've ever seen, especially of this song. He delved into the song and took it to another place that no other performer has. It was excellent in my book.
I had the privalage to see this production of Company front row center in London. In my opinion, this was no holds barred the definitive version of this show in every way imaginable. By the end of "Being Alive" there wasn't a dry eye in the house and the applause was volcanic. Perhaps it doesn't translate exceptionally to film because, I assure you, the emotions flying off of that stage were so involving that I believed every damned minute of it. Ain't nothin' like live theatre. Nothing.
This Is An AMAZING Performance! He Stays In Character All The Way Through And He's Powerful At The End! Very Moving! He's Not Actually Drunk He's Acting Drunk. I Think This Is One Of The Best Performances Ive Seen
I recently found a bittorent download of this whole show. Two very large Avis. Lester's voice was surprsingly fragile, but not nearly as nasal as this makes him sound. There's something about that recording being recompresssed here that does him a real disservice. He is a far better singer than this sounds.
For me this heart-wrenching performance will always be the definitive, I think. This was from the London Donmar Warehouse production, directed by Sam Mendes, and I thought Lester's performance throughout was magnificent. Just listen to the yearning in.'Marry me a little'. And the rest of the cast were great too, including Michael Simpkins from my home town, Brighton.
You guys are being WAY to hard on this performance! This is the first CD of COMPANY I owned--and if you listen to the CD this man has a great voice and his BEING ALIVE is beautiful. I like him here as well, because he is acting the song, which is what happens in a musical. I do not feel he one-ups Esparza or vice-versa--I enjoy both cast albums for different reasons. Two people CAN offer two equally powerful--but different--interpretations of songs...
I think you'll find that sondheim writes for actors who can sing, and not singers who can act. The emotion is more important. and he doesnt miss any notes he just sings differently. although esparza has an amazing voice, it has to be said Donmar's acting leaves Esparza in the dark
There is a difference between being a mediocre singer but great actor, and flat out sucking. Mr. Lester has the most miserable singing voice I have ever heard.
being an actor i remember someone telling me "there isn't only one right way to do a character, just like there isnt one absolute truth." obviously esparza and lester do different things with the character, and they do the best with what vocal talents they have. but in the end i think both performances are good because they complement the rest of their specific productions well.
I think this is an amazing performance! You really do feel his emotion and his pain. Its NOT all about singing pitch perfect, in beautiful clear notes, its about expressing the song and what it means. Yes Raul can belt it out, but it almost borders on shouting. I think Adrian Lester did a great job on this. If you really think this is rubbish, you dont have a clue
"Being Alive" is one of the most gorgeous songs ever created, and while 'acting' through it is key, one most also have the voice to back themselves up. I can feel his emotion (particularly in "make me confused/mock me with praise...") but there is something about his vocals that just doesn't settle well with me. Perhaps I have been listening to Mr. Esparza too often, but this particular rendition is lacking something.
ok....can you honestly tell me that this is good???? This is the worst production of Company I have ever seen, and even I, a college actor could do this better. If you want to see a REAL production, look up raul esparza in company. (someone to sit in your chair, to ruin your sleep), come on....that part sounds dreadful
Sondheim said in an interview recently that Adrain Lester was the best actor ever to play Bobby. I think the journey in this song is awesome.. Sondheim isn't about singing.
I think the important thing to consider with this performance is less the singing, more the acting. The emotion this guy is putting in is incredible - you feel the whole journey he makes through the song. He is a true actor! It's a pretty easy song to this sing well - in this case however although it may not be sung note perfect, it actually makes more sense in the context of the song and the show - do you find it easy to sing/talk when you're crying?
Could have just been the actor's choice to show something about the character. If you notice, when he first discovers that marriage means he'll "be alive" he stops indicating so much. And then after that his hands move distinctively less (they still move, but it would be out of character to stop completely). This actor already showed that he can act without much indicating in the show "hustle" so if he indicates here he probably had a reason.
what the hell is wrong with him!!!! omg he sounds like one of the muppets omg shut up
Jtscott18098 3 months ago
I think Raul Esparza is the best
Jtscott18098 3 months ago
Is he trying to act drunk? Because even that's awful. Good God.
Wavinglighter 4 months ago
Wow. Horrible acting. Flat. Ugh. What the hell?
Wavinglighter 4 months ago
he means it
motorhead366 6 months ago
FAN-TAS-TIC! Thank you!
ourDC888 7 months ago
to anyone who wants to know what singing a song is all about: this is the answer! Amazing!
petecoyote67 7 months ago
I adore his acting. It's beautifully simple in the sense he identifies with the hate of soppy romance but shows such vulnerability and loneliness which I coompletely can relate to.
However, I prefer Raul Esperza's voice and impressive piano skills! I can't play and sing at the same time!
VocaSabourn 8 months ago
he is an amazing actor. this is an amazing performance. say what you like, its the truth.
faith3340 9 months ago
I remember seeing this on BBC2, first time I saw a full Sondheim show, loved it and still have the cd. I love the Broadway revival cast and Raul Esparza has an amazing voice but the acting in this gets me everytime .
stewartvcm 10 months ago
Have to keep in mind, watching a performance of this on youtube is different from actually being there. What seems like overacting with the camera right in his face seems appropriate when viewed from the audience.
sacredlunatic 10 months ago
Terrible version of this moving song.He's not a great singer and, like most of the performances in this production, he over-acts like hell. Left me completely unmoved.
palinlondon 11 months ago
@palinlondon Fair enough if it didn't move you, these things are always subjective, but he's not overacting. I can't speak for any of the other performances in this production, but THIS performance is raw and honest and quite understated by most musical theatre standards. It's a big song about big emotion, and it's theatre not film, you can't be TOO small and subtle, you'll lose your audience or fail to connect to the story and the loneliness.
dailymuffin 10 months ago
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I'd rather see emotion and acting like this than perfect pitches any day.
JimmyDigestWorld 1 year ago
I'd rather see emotion and acting like this than perfect pitches any day.
JimmyDigestWorld 1 year ago
i can't tell if he just doesn't have the greatest voice or if he's just sounding that way for his character, but he is a fantastic actor it's plain to see. I loved this version!
IvanSegal 1 year ago
ese señor es un gran actor felicidades desde colombia
elkinbiologo 1 year ago
I prefer "The Rainbow Connection."
Merkin4pres64 1 year ago 2
Sounds like kermit the frog.
horerfandod3 1 year ago 19
@horerfandod3 What's wrong with that?
MovieClipUploads 10 months ago
@MovieClipUploads theres nothing wrong with it. i did enjoy the performance very much, dont get me wrong. but he sounds like kermit the frog.
horerfandod3 10 months ago
Not a fan....
nhemt 1 year ago
Wow i loved this :-D
naughtynessin 1 year ago
All I can say is I saw this production at the theatre and it was amazing and Adrian Lester was magnificent. It was very moving production and that always looks a bit contrived on screen
wbradfield 1 year ago
This is an intense, theatrical performance which is dazzlingly brilliant and Mr Lester gives the song tremendous power and emotion. Compare it to Julian Ovenden's version at the BBC Proms Sondheim at 80 tribute. Very different interpretation to Mr Lester, but just as magnificent. However, in my humble opinion, nothing can match Dean Jones's original which is also available on You Tube.
TheLizzie12 1 year ago
Why isn't he singing?
RaineaTrenton 1 year ago
Whoops...someone left the doors open on the short bus...
DoctorPangloss 1 year ago
Sorry, but I think Dean Jones still has it over any of the actors that came after him...he is the BEST!!! But, Donmar is pretty ok.
amthatis07 1 year ago
Ever since I've seen this, I find that no other version of "Being Alive" can even compare. I think that the fact that he can't sing -- and I will never say this at any other time -- adds to the impact of the performance.
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 2
Good, but he played to the floor so much :/
rhrooman 2 years ago
i think his voice is atrocious... but i am in inconsolable tears every single time i watch it :)
Gloomoo 2 years ago 4
@Gloomoo I don't usually give negative comments but I'd have to agree. A voice like feels more at home on Avenue Q.
jeremygui 2 years ago
although i didnt care for some of the other clips from this performance, i think he did very well in this one.
0this1is2madness3 2 years ago
amazing, truly, truly amazing, so emotional, i got goosebumps and ive seen it 20000 times
ballerina1198 2 years ago
I LOVE YOU
ballerina1198 2 years ago
I don't know why everyone says Lester's acting is SO GOOD in this role, to me it really seems like he's drunk rather than saddened/confused/frustrated, the emotions which other performers like Dean Jones and Raul Esparza did perfectly.
Also, why are the comments from everyone else changed? These ones have little to no relevance to the song, and just don't fit. Why the change?
VRNProductions 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
this is pretty bad.....but still better then the revival
kongxyz89 2 years ago
This is the only version of this song that makes me laugh out loud for 4 minutes straight. The other versions evoke a very different emotion, I can tell you that.
vfdj42 2 years ago
Same here! *warbles* Good God, he's awful!
asmileisspecial 2 years ago
This is the best version of this song I have seen to date. The scene is not about singing, WHICH HE CAN! Who cares how he sounds if you don't care about what he's saying. Finally someone who can act and sing BRAVO
amdunning 2 years ago 4
Exactly! This is a song for an actor who can sing in-tune. The crying is brilliant but not overdone, the point of the song is conveyed without being over or understated.
Honestly, who cares that he's not Pavarotti?
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 2
It's true that the emotions need to carry the singing, and the singing doesn't have to be perfect. However, the main problem I have is that the singing sounds so dreadful because of those fake accents I can't stand to listen to it, regardless of how good the acting is.
It's still Sondheim, and while it doesn't have to be sung perfectly, it should be sung somewhat decently.
VRNProductions 2 years ago
This man did his job because I BELIEVED him. This actor CAN sing in my opinion. I can see what you are saying however, I think many people get to caught up in the sound of the voice. Some of the best work on Sondheim has come from brilliant actors that don't have an amazing broadyway sound. He spoke to me therefore I could listen.
amdunning 2 years ago 2
I'm not saying that he can't sing; while I haven't heard him anywhere other than this, I have heard he has a great voice underneath the accent. To me, the accent just completely ruins his voice, and I can't stand to listen to it.
And as far as acting goes, I still think Raul Esparza beats him on all accounts.
VRNProductions 2 years ago
I HATE THIS VERSION!!!!!!!
bbbymcft 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Is he retarded?
Jonesin44 2 years ago
Of all the versions of this song I've seen this is the best by far. Outstanding. Incredibly moving.
catherinewillmore 2 years ago 10
Love you xxx
revanslacey 2 years ago
Extraordinary performance, extraordinary production - Sondheim has said that Lester is his favourite Bobby and that every time he heard him sing Being Alive it has reduced him to tears.
jstf78 3 years ago 3
Where does he say that? I'd love to see that interview. I've heard different things about how Sondheim felt about Bobby. I heard that Esparza was his favorite, and I've also heard that Lester is his favorite.
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago
sondheim is always enthusiastic about new interpretation of his song. he even changed parts of the song for raul after hearing raul sang.
adrian's singing was uh... but his performance was moving nonetheless
pitigam 2 years ago 3
no, just really confused.
priestson1 3 years ago
...I haven't seen the show nor have I researched it very much. Is his character supposed to be drunk?
PhantomObsession 3 years ago
yes, but this is just not a good production.
footballjohn34 3 years ago
I do not think that his portrayal of the character is good. His vocals, were a disaster. I do not understand why he was singing out of his nose at the beginning, and towards the very end he was off tempo. I do not think that this was the right part for him.
a4aleks 3 years ago 3
I've been going through all of the Donmar Warehouse Company videos, and about 50% of the comments have been pretty negative like this, which says a lot considering that the atmosphere of Broadway Videos on youtube is usually pretty positive.
The entire production just seems to me to be very weak.
One of my biggest problems is that they make way too many arbitrary choices; like having Bobby go way over-the-top with that crying. Jesus.
bluebettle 3 years ago
Really? I actually really like the crying that Adrian adds, for some reason it sort of makes sense. It may be a bit OTT but I think I'd be crying if I were Bobby too.
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago
I'd have to say that he's my second favorite Bobby, obviously I'll never found anyone who can make me feel for the character as much as Raul.
This guy really doesn't have good pipes, but I think that almost adds to the performance because he's focused only on acting and while it may be a bit OTT, it still makes me cry.
Well done, Adrian!
AtLastOnTheGround 3 years ago
Great performance. The whole show was excellent. Obviously, watching a single song in isolation doesn't give the same feeling as experiencing the whole show. One of the best theatrical experiences I've had.
simhedges 3 years ago
Wow, this really does not translate. The song is so much bigger than he can handle. This is a vocal tragedy. BUT, the direction is brilliant. I love all of the choices, too bad they could not find someone who could sing and this would have been definitive. I cannot get involved emotionally when it is this bad. I respect the acting, but stick to straight plays please!
radish95 3 years ago
He's not still drunk. This play is not linear, it's all in his head. He's not at the club anymore, which I felt he was trying to portray to start - I think that really takes away from the consciousness of Robert's decision that marriage may not be so bad after all. I don't like how they did this song at all. And he does not have a good voice.
ieatglue44 3 years ago
True he does seem to be really into his character, and up to a point I was drawn into his performance, but his awful diction really threw me off, it lessened the power. If he took some lessons in how to phrase and connect certain words in a song, he'd do even better. I don't think he's the best Bobby, but it all depends on how you look at it, I guess. No matter what though he did a great job!
doomwhatelse 3 years ago
very emotional performance. the most emotional (except perhaps for passion with donna murphy) interpretation of a sondheim show with all the messy journeys that raw emotions entail. i think i really like this performance. i may have to get used to it a bit. i go from he's overacting to he's nakedly exploring his innermost recesses. is he being self indulgent or brave? i'm not sure yet, but i commend him and the rest of the performaners for their take on the piece.
pjcgatsby 3 years ago 3
I know what you're saying, Donna Murphy in Passion was heartbreaking and phenomenal. I see it being brave though, because he had the choice between at least trying to sound like a well-trained singer OR acting the shit out of the part. While most professionals would choose the first, he chose the acting aspect, regardless of a few audience members who refused to look past his bad singing at his great interpretation.
It's a different take on the piece, but I like it as much as the original.
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago 3
I agree with you about the messy journeys ... and actually about how it sometimes seems he's overacting. But I think that might actually be at least party because the camera shot is so tight, and he's acting for the distance at which the people in the audience sit. I saw this production in person and loved it, but the videos sometimes make me cringe -- they're shot from so close!
jensara 3 years ago
I'm really impressed with this guy. He completely sacrificed singing well and sounding pleasing, a brave thing to do, in order to stay completely in character. Reminds me a bit of Ellen Greene as Audrey in "LSOH". Very moving.
bohemiawelcumsyou 3 years ago 3
yeah, i know what you mean. it is just like ellen greene in lsoh. thanks.
pjcgatsby 3 years ago
I, too, was there to see this performance - twice at the Donmar and also once at the Albery. As with theboyintheredshirt's experience, everyone in the theatre was moved; every night. Great number, superbly performed. Well done Adrian Lester!!
hkalondon 3 years ago
What are you people talking about. That was one of the most moving performances I've ever seen, especially of this song. He delved into the song and took it to another place that no other performer has. It was excellent in my book.
jamdobson 3 years ago
HOW BEAUTIFULL MAN HE IS AND WHAT A GREAT PPRFORMANCE! GOD BLESS YOU!
Lovely, tant de mélancolie et de poésie!
Frédéric, FRANCE, EUROPE.
FrederickRD 4 years ago
The vocals suck but the acting is FANTASTIC
bohemiawelcumsyou 4 years ago
And of course, the acting is more important.
dobar821 4 years ago
He sounds like kermit the frog. I can't take him seriously. lmao.
Mario54World 4 years ago
Great actor, but can't sing.
shmoogle14 4 years ago
I had the privalage to see this production of Company front row center in London. In my opinion, this was no holds barred the definitive version of this show in every way imaginable. By the end of "Being Alive" there wasn't a dry eye in the house and the applause was volcanic. Perhaps it doesn't translate exceptionally to film because, I assure you, the emotions flying off of that stage were so involving that I believed every damned minute of it. Ain't nothin' like live theatre. Nothing.
theboyintheredshirt 4 years ago 2
This Is An AMAZING Performance! He Stays In Character All The Way Through And He's Powerful At The End! Very Moving! He's Not Actually Drunk He's Acting Drunk. I Think This Is One Of The Best Performances Ive Seen
LolKayy 4 years ago 2
im sorry.. i just think its awful.
mark182678 4 years ago
he's drunk in this scene that's why he sings like that
scf1964 4 years ago
I recently found a bittorent download of this whole show. Two very large Avis. Lester's voice was surprsingly fragile, but not nearly as nasal as this makes him sound. There's something about that recording being recompresssed here that does him a real disservice. He is a far better singer than this sounds.
kmccubbin 4 years ago
For me this heart-wrenching performance will always be the definitive, I think. This was from the London Donmar Warehouse production, directed by Sam Mendes, and I thought Lester's performance throughout was magnificent. Just listen to the yearning in.'Marry me a little'. And the rest of the cast were great too, including Michael Simpkins from my home town, Brighton.
ronwilliams753 4 years ago
You guys are being WAY to hard on this performance! This is the first CD of COMPANY I owned--and if you listen to the CD this man has a great voice and his BEING ALIVE is beautiful. I like him here as well, because he is acting the song, which is what happens in a musical. I do not feel he one-ups Esparza or vice-versa--I enjoy both cast albums for different reasons. Two people CAN offer two equally powerful--but different--interpretations of songs...
RobbieDaleSmith1970 4 years ago
The BEST acted version of this song ever with the WORST voice. His tone sounds like Kermit the Frog.
troyful 4 years ago
Well said.
shmoogle14 4 years ago
No--more like Urkel.
tomz58 4 years ago
I think you'll find that sondheim writes for actors who can sing, and not singers who can act. The emotion is more important. and he doesnt miss any notes he just sings differently. although esparza has an amazing voice, it has to be said Donmar's acting leaves Esparza in the dark
Butler12101986 4 years ago 2
There is a difference between being a mediocre singer but great actor, and flat out sucking. Mr. Lester has the most miserable singing voice I have ever heard.
MattBarlow 4 years ago
I think that this version of being alive is almost too comedic, too characterized.
orca1142 4 years ago
being an actor i remember someone telling me "there isn't only one right way to do a character, just like there isnt one absolute truth." obviously esparza and lester do different things with the character, and they do the best with what vocal talents they have. but in the end i think both performances are good because they complement the rest of their specific productions well.
gibsohen 4 years ago
I think this is an amazing performance! You really do feel his emotion and his pain. Its NOT all about singing pitch perfect, in beautiful clear notes, its about expressing the song and what it means. Yes Raul can belt it out, but it almost borders on shouting. I think Adrian Lester did a great job on this. If you really think this is rubbish, you dont have a clue
DDTC 4 years ago
"Being Alive" is one of the most gorgeous songs ever created, and while 'acting' through it is key, one most also have the voice to back themselves up. I can feel his emotion (particularly in "make me confused/mock me with praise...") but there is something about his vocals that just doesn't settle well with me. Perhaps I have been listening to Mr. Esparza too often, but this particular rendition is lacking something.
ordinarysunday 4 years ago
ok....can you honestly tell me that this is good???? This is the worst production of Company I have ever seen, and even I, a college actor could do this better. If you want to see a REAL production, look up raul esparza in company. (someone to sit in your chair, to ruin your sleep), come on....that part sounds dreadful
freakofdamonth 4 years ago
different than Dean Jones' standard interpretation, but that's not necessarily bad...
gabsylv 4 years ago
Sondheim said in an interview recently that Adrain Lester was the best actor ever to play Bobby. I think the journey in this song is awesome.. Sondheim isn't about singing.
griste25 4 years ago 2
great comic timing, but damn...what's up with that voice? ugh.
encorebc 4 years ago
I think the important thing to consider with this performance is less the singing, more the acting. The emotion this guy is putting in is incredible - you feel the whole journey he makes through the song. He is a true actor! It's a pretty easy song to this sing well - in this case however although it may not be sung note perfect, it actually makes more sense in the context of the song and the show - do you find it easy to sing/talk when you're crying?
SRadders 4 years ago
this is my auditson song this guy sucks and iam black as well
RAGETME2000 4 years ago
Kermit the Frog?
fossegoat 4 years ago
I just don't understand his constant need to indicate everything...same in Marry Me A Little..
alimomen 4 years ago
Could have just been the actor's choice to show something about the character. If you notice, when he first discovers that marriage means he'll "be alive" he stops indicating so much. And then after that his hands move distinctively less (they still move, but it would be out of character to stop completely). This actor already showed that he can act without much indicating in the show "hustle" so if he indicates here he probably had a reason.
gibsohen 4 years ago
Very good - incredible song - well acted - prefer this to the Barrowman version.
cp6ap 4 years ago
I actually can't decide if I like his voice or if I hate it. I'm not sure.
Pandadude18 4 years ago
I know what you mean .. it is just a little too nasal for my liking... gets rather annoying after a while...
Jaybabe 4 years ago
Raul Esparza and John Barrowman are the best Roberts by far.
Pandadude18 4 years ago
There is nothing mean in this statement, but he could make a killing doing Sammy Davis Jr. impersonations!
WheresMyPrize 4 years ago