I wish this show could be revived on Broadway. How can such a financial/critical disaster the first time around become so highly lauded as a musical/compositional masterpiece and not get a revival for so long?
@keauxgeigh Revivals of this show have issues because the book is a disaster. It's one of Sondheim's best scores, but the book by George Furth just doesn't measure up. That being said, if the John Doyle production in Cincinnati, with the actors doubling as the orchestra, gets good notices when it opens, there might be a Broadway transfer (like his revivals of "Sweeney" and "Company").
I saw the original twice..the first and last preview. They made such a mistake by replacing the leading man. The show had the ugliest production values and had no purpose being told in reverse but what a talented cast, especially Ann Morrison.
I don't love "very sneaky how it happens. every day you're on the brink", but from "First the prizes then the interviews..." all the way to the end is fucking brilliant. It's what this number should be. Especially the "Inc" at the end: perfect.
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I think Esparza is good, but like his performance with company he gets TO aggressive at the end, i understand his choice and hes brave to go for it but its WAY out of control.
Sorry if this is a duplicate, it's my first time posting. Anyway, I posted my 1988 Franklin Shepard, Inc which, actually, proves Mr. Esparza's restraint! It's at /watch?v=aoE5XejSeUY
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Good here. But "Company" is another story. Esparza's much lauded performance is so over-the-top that he seems completely unlikeable. It might have been better in a less obtuse production, but for me it really was puzzlingly distancing.
At the same time he was playing George in Sunday in the park, what an amazing range. Do you think Lonnie Price could have played both roles, I doubt it. This is a performance that had I not seen it, I would not believe it from a describtion. He is wide open with the emotions spilling out from inside, but he is not all over the stage, until the very end. When he does physically explode it is overwelming. This is a very difficult song, and he makes it work as a piece. All I can say is WOW!!
Fantastic. My school does the show next week and I'll be sure to bring this up. I'm Frank and it gave me some inspiration as to how to deal with the uncontrolable Charley!
Wow. I just got the soundtrack to Merrily and heard this song for the first time yesterday, and this video made me fall in love with it concretely. As if I didn't already worship Raul Esparza...
does anyone know where i can find a copy of the original Moss Hart play this was based upon? i found one on ebay for $3, but i lost the bidding, thinking it'd be sold again, but i found a wholesale value of $300. no joke.
Last week I was asked to perform this at the Erie Playhouse in PA...this weekend. Not having ever heard this song in my life, I got the music on 6 days before the concert and was told to learn it. I have watched this video DOZENS of times and I learn more every time! He really is great.
Sorry I never responded! The director at the Playhouse was shocked when I went out onstage without my music...after just having introduced me and saying I was going to have the music with me. I ended up being the only performer that night with a standing ovation, and applauded until I came out for a second bow!
There was a news story on broadwayworld where Sondheim and the Roundabout theatre company's artistic director announced that a Merrily revival will be part of 2009/10 season directed by James Lapine. Yet they used words like 'goal'and 'aim', so the intention has been announced. Hopefully it will happen. I think it will.
Yeah, I saw Merrily once, and their Charlie stole the show as well. But he played it the same way any actor would take it and interpret it and treat it.
Raul, on the other hand, always finds that new way to play and be a character and does it to the max, shaming everyone else who even tries to call themselves an "actor." He is amazing.
A flat-out show stopper of a performance by an actor who years later has finally gotten his due as one of the best leading men in musical theater. This was the first time I saw Raul Esparza or Merrily We Roll Along. It was a brilliant performance, and I couldn't believe the flat review that followed by the (now former) Washington Post theater critic.
This brought back so many memories of seeing it in DC - thanks
COLMCI 5 days ago in playlist Favorite videos
I wish this show could be revived on Broadway. How can such a financial/critical disaster the first time around become so highly lauded as a musical/compositional masterpiece and not get a revival for so long?
keauxgeigh 3 weeks ago
@keauxgeigh Revivals of this show have issues because the book is a disaster. It's one of Sondheim's best scores, but the book by George Furth just doesn't measure up. That being said, if the John Doyle production in Cincinnati, with the actors doubling as the orchestra, gets good notices when it opens, there might be a Broadway transfer (like his revivals of "Sweeney" and "Company").
ihavetofinishthehat 2 weeks ago
Nice production values for a college production.
funboy7979 1 month ago
I saw this live and totally fell in love with him!
Eyllek2 4 months ago
Comment removed
Eyllek2 4 months ago
wow that was like 15 seconds of applause after
Goodyearmonkey 4 months ago
@phantom4087 Michael Hayden.
quiteso 4 months ago
I love Raul Esparza. Marvelous!
riverboy1852 9 months ago
Raul Esparza is a totally new name to a Brit like me but I am knocked out by him.
DSKIPJONES 10 months ago
I can't stop watching this...ugh...so good.
tomatoherb 10 months ago 2
This is the best performance I've ever seen in my life.
TheDoctorOfOdd 1 year ago 7
i have fallen in love<3<3<3<3<3<3<3
XBeboXLuvaX 1 year ago 4
this song is so genius
WWEQAF 1 year ago 5
I saw the original twice..the first and last preview. They made such a mistake by replacing the leading man. The show had the ugliest production values and had no purpose being told in reverse but what a talented cast, especially Ann Morrison.
pudgeuncle 1 year ago
aww i saw Fraklin Shepard Inc. the other day in this play called Sondheim on Sondheim OMG it was awesome
NewTuber101 1 year ago 2
I saw this production live at the Kennedy Center. It was an excellent version of a very difficult show to pull off. Esparza was wonderful!
TheStefanSittig 1 year ago 2
@TheStefanSittig
Who played Franklin?
phantom4087 6 months ago
I don't love "very sneaky how it happens. every day you're on the brink", but from "First the prizes then the interviews..." all the way to the end is fucking brilliant. It's what this number should be. Especially the "Inc" at the end: perfect.
Splurge24 1 year ago 2
"There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
corsairstw 1 year ago 4
wonderfull performance,wish there was more
mickmikado 1 year ago 3
I suppose someone's "manic" is another person's "electrifying"
Mortimer731 2 years ago 3
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Raul Esparza is total asshole, but damn that jerk is talented. That was quite good.
Splurge24 2 years ago
OH MY GOD!! It's Alfredo from Pushing Daisies!!!
Anyone know what year this was?
Emmamalou 2 years ago
2002
mishrogers 2 years ago
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I think Esparza is good, but like his performance with company he gets TO aggressive at the end, i understand his choice and hes brave to go for it but its WAY out of control.
smeggers0329 2 years ago
I never noticed that, but your totally right. I get wanting to include a build-up but he kind of goes manic, eh?
Splurge24 2 years ago
@Splurge24
Sorry if this is a duplicate, it's my first time posting. Anyway, I posted my 1988 Franklin Shepard, Inc which, actually, proves Mr. Esparza's restraint! It's at /watch?v=aoE5XejSeUY
OneOfHermsKids 1 year ago
'Let's take a commercial break'... That worked so well after that applause :L
wew1llr0ckyou 2 years ago
this production should've been on Broadway so Raul could finally receive his MUCH DESERVED Tony.
lavalamp625 2 years ago 39
what does he say at 4: 48
broadwaylvr03 2 years ago
"I'm surprised at how much I like this"
jtTrumpet 2 years ago
thank you!!
broadwaylvr03 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Good here. But "Company" is another story. Esparza's much lauded performance is so over-the-top that he seems completely unlikeable. It might have been better in a less obtuse production, but for me it really was puzzlingly distancing.
m2prod 2 years ago
Could anyone else do this as awesomely as Raul did... I submit that they could NOT!!
TlairAddicted 2 years ago
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TlairAddicted 2 years ago
I'm auditioning for this in a couple weeks...man this is hard
backinblack222 2 years ago
At the same time he was playing George in Sunday in the park, what an amazing range. Do you think Lonnie Price could have played both roles, I doubt it. This is a performance that had I not seen it, I would not believe it from a describtion. He is wide open with the emotions spilling out from inside, but he is not all over the stage, until the very end. When he does physically explode it is overwelming. This is a very difficult song, and he makes it work as a piece. All I can say is WOW!!
Snowydog123 2 years ago 2
HE ROCKED IT! This is SUCH a hard song to sing, and Raul made it look easy!
AtLastOnTheGround 2 years ago 4
I looooove Raul!!
ILOVEPASSINGSTRANGE 2 years ago 4
LMAO such a drama queen !!
tinkedofferm 2 years ago 4
lol i can see it
Csonker19 2 years ago
PURE GENIUS!
I need him to do a solo album, preferably of mostly Sondheim. His voice interprets Sondheim better than anyone out there.
MrMcMusic01 3 years ago 3
Fantastic. My school does the show next week and I'll be sure to bring this up. I'm Frank and it gave me some inspiration as to how to deal with the uncontrolable Charley!
DavidLEddy 3 years ago
Raul is amazing in everything that he does. This is exceptional.
tinytimton 3 years ago 5
lol @ the ridiculously long applause. hahaha I love Raul Esparza/
GermyLung 3 years ago 4
It was a showstopper!
tinytimton 3 years ago 4
Any chance getting this video recording on DVD?
davyiu 3 years ago 2
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I dont like Raul at all compared to Lonny. Lonny was the best at playing Charlie. Raul is going too fast.
Shizzaty15 3 years ago
I love Raul Esparza, and Merrily is my favorite musical.
Thanks for this clip. :)
julesforpeace 3 years ago 6
Looks, Voice and Talent. Raul has it all.
He reminded me of the comic genius of Danny Kaye in this - superb!!
cruzdirector 3 years ago 2
Did he make a recording of Merrily We Roll Along??
groundlings123 3 years ago
nooo.
just for this occasion.
i think he did Merrily,
and Sunday in the Park with George
in this instant.
i did HEAR somthing about
there maybe possibly being a revival
of Merrily We Roll Along.
which i would just die if he did!
it would be fantastic :D
Deppsangle 3 years ago
A revival put on by Roundabout Theatre Company has been announced. It's supposed to hit Broadway in the 09/10 season.
pumpkinheadedmf 3 years ago 2
ohhdear!!
thats wonderful!
ill have to get out there during
that season,
thank you!!
Deppsangle 3 years ago
Wow. I just got the soundtrack to Merrily and heard this song for the first time yesterday, and this video made me fall in love with it concretely. As if I didn't already worship Raul Esparza...
oldredhillsofhome 3 years ago 2
i cant stop watching this, he is so amazingg!
LOVEEE Raul<3
Deppsangle 3 years ago 2
does anyone know where i can find a copy of the original Moss Hart play this was based upon? i found one on ebay for $3, but i lost the bidding, thinking it'd be sold again, but i found a wholesale value of $300. no joke.
insaneberry 3 years ago
Last week I was asked to perform this at the Erie Playhouse in PA...this weekend. Not having ever heard this song in my life, I got the music on 6 days before the concert and was told to learn it. I have watched this video DOZENS of times and I learn more every time! He really is great.
Jake24601 3 years ago
How did it go?
meowkie 3 years ago
Sorry I never responded! The director at the Playhouse was shocked when I went out onstage without my music...after just having introduced me and saying I was going to have the music with me. I ended up being the only performer that night with a standing ovation, and applauded until I came out for a second bow!
Jake24601 3 years ago
I would love it if Raúl was cast in the just announced 2009/10 revival of Merrily!
superheathurrr 3 years ago 2
is it official? i thought that was still in talks?
PhoenixOfNight 3 years ago
There was a news story on broadwayworld where Sondheim and the Roundabout theatre company's artistic director announced that a Merrily revival will be part of 2009/10 season directed by James Lapine. Yet they used words like 'goal'and 'aim', so the intention has been announced. Hopefully it will happen. I think it will.
superheathurrr 3 years ago
i just love it how long they all have to sit around because of raul's applause.
what a ledge
HepzibahSmith 3 years ago
Amazing.
Eagle11800 4 years ago 2
wow! that knocked out of my boots!
jerisboyfriend 4 years ago 4
Amazing! I keep watching it over and over again. I <3 Raul!!!!!!!!!
fsrahbar 4 years ago 5
I love this song. He did a fantastic job.
homecatorange 4 years ago 4
Yeah, I saw Merrily once, and their Charlie stole the show as well. But he played it the same way any actor would take it and interpret it and treat it.
Raul, on the other hand, always finds that new way to play and be a character and does it to the max, shaming everyone else who even tries to call themselves an "actor." He is amazing.
buddwyer138 4 years ago 3
SHAMING EVERYONE ELSE WHO EVEN TRIES TO CALL THEMSELVES AN ACTOR. A little dramatic, don't ya think?
msumedanthro 4 years ago 3
Eeeee! Wonderfull!
superheathurrr 4 years ago 3
there is not a better performer on the american stage than this man. we are so lucky to be able to see him.
sharkbat 4 years ago 39
Perfection.
jsct66 4 years ago 6
If you guys are in DC, go check out Merrily at Signature. It's amazing.
theleadingplayer 4 years ago 4
absolutely amazing. absolutely amazing!
thelight117 4 years ago 4
OMG, Raul Esparza is a god.
ItinerantBookaholic 4 years ago 5
This is out of this world. Wow.
dwzobell 4 years ago 3
One word - Amazing
DreamerDriver 4 years ago 5
A flat-out show stopper of a performance by an actor who years later has finally gotten his due as one of the best leading men in musical theater. This was the first time I saw Raul Esparza or Merrily We Roll Along. It was a brilliant performance, and I couldn't believe the flat review that followed by the (now former) Washington Post theater critic.
quakerwildcat 4 years ago 4
I played Charley Kringas once, and I am so glad I didn't get to see this, hahaha! Raul Esparza is AWESOME.
hyperren 4 years ago 3
All I can say is that this is why Raul is my favorite actor!
This is one of his best performances!!!
PRFRMR20 4 years ago 4