"Willkommen" by Raul Esparza

"Willkommen"; the opening number from the 1998 Broadway revival of "Cabaret" at Studio 54. Performed by Raul Esparza as The Master of Ceremonies & the Kit Kit Club. I believe that Sally Bowles is played by Gina Gershon.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• performing
• arts
• Raul
• Esparza
• Cabaret
• Willkommen
• Kit
• Kat
• Emcee
• Broadway
• Studio
• 54

[Goodyearmonkey]

.....soo I'm pretty sure Alan Cumming did everything that Raul is doing. AND YES Alan Cumming did it FIRST. Raul is copying the hair, the blocking, and vocal style.

[BLU8]

@Goodyearmonkey Realistically, there isn't much replacement actors can change about their character. The hair, make-up, & costume will be the same. The blocking will be about 99% identical, maybe with little unique flourishes that each individual actor adds. But overall, a replacement actor has nowhere near the level of creative freedom as the actor who originated the role. There are going to be a lot of similarities because they're both playing the SAME character in the SAME production.

[funboy7979]

My god, could this guy's publicist try just a little bit to sound real under her various screen names here? What a job, typing "gee he's great" over and over. Alan Cumming made all these weird production concepts reasonable. This tedious hack in the same role in the same production is clueless and charmless.

[BLU8]

@funboy7979 With all due respect, it's a little far-fetched to assume YouTube users praising an actor are just numerous aliases for his publicist/agent. It is possible for him to have actual fans on YouTube, you know.

[TRWolf]

Which... is the way the Emcee character is supposed to be played, no?

[Mikazukiful]

anyone else think that the actress who plays Sally in this at 5:46 looks like a cat from the nose up? not dissing her personally i think its just the video?

[MrBigralph321]

Very nice video. I worked for this musical for 7 years so watching it brings me beautiful memories, although I remember cameras were strictly prohibited nice job.

[Goodyearmonkey]

@YourMajestyFilms no i agree. i was just referring to this revival.

[YourMajestyFilms]

@Goodyearmonkey Joel Grey did it best.

[pajamajockey]

@BLU8 I actually think Esparza puts on a much better show than Cumming! As far as hair goes and such there IS a general idea they have to follow as far as the character goes but when I watch Cumming I feel like I'm watching someone go through their blocking as if they might do it in rehearsal - just kind of dragging and not really enjoying his performance and connecting to the audience as well as Esparza does. I've seen several versions and no one plays the Emcee with as much fire as Raul!

[Misducky03]

Mmm... I prefer Alan Cumming´s performance, with all do respect, it´s more authentic and appealing...

[lilgiggler35]

i had the privilage of seeing Joel Grey do this show back in the early 90's. he did it much like in the movie. Alan Cummings reinvented the role. he updated it for modern audiences. the entire show was updated. the other actors who have taken on teh emcee since( neil patrick harris, raul esparza, john stamos, others) have basicaly repeated alans performance and they all did a good job. although rauls was to me the creepiest, but still very well done.

[vezacagar]

Raul is great, but i do still prefer Allan ;)

[DameDisco78]

Why do so many people pick on Raul Esparza?? I think he is great! And, I love that he is an NYU grad, my hubby's Alma Mater. Oh come on now, guys - don't be jealous...!