Raul Esparza - Being Alive

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  • čas přidán 22. 02. 2008
  • From the February 20th, 2008 "Company" edition of "Great Performances" on PBS.
    Purchase the whole show on DVD:
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Komentáře • 1,4K

  • @caitlinisaak
    @caitlinisaak Před 10 lety +1141

    play this at my funeral because this will be the thing that kills me anyway

    • @briant9053
      @briant9053 Před 4 lety +4

      100%!

    • @rodrigodias4328
      @rodrigodias4328 Před 4 lety +24

      Being alive kills 100% of people

    • @gianinamorales8597
      @gianinamorales8597 Před 4 lety +18

      Perhaps not everyone will appreciate the irony of this song being played at a funeral...

    • @healthyholemealbread
      @healthyholemealbread Před 3 lety +1

      🤣🤣

    • @oscar646
      @oscar646 Před 3 lety +2

      Cas, do you mean someone opening you up will be the end of you? I didn’t quite get your meaning but I adore the idea of having it played at your funeral. So yeah. We’ll all form a committee and see that that happens and then we’ll ( the community of on line repliers ) arrive en masse at your services descending like locusts to devour the heaps of delicious food you will have undoubtedly arranged to be served at the after party! Until then, Cas, live an extremely long life, live it to the fullest and most important let that special person get Under your skin! God bless.

  • @maryblakley3590
    @maryblakley3590 Před 2 lety +903

    "Mock me with praise" gives me chills every time.

    • @esined2386
      @esined2386 Před 2 lety +8

      FOR REAL. I can’t believe how long it’s been since this song came out

    • @steffenrobinson4139
      @steffenrobinson4139 Před rokem +2

      SAME

    • @kimberlyhonig8030
      @kimberlyhonig8030 Před rokem +10

      Me too! I’ve listened to this so many times, and I’m always gutted. He’s so amazing. This is my favorite version of Being Alive.

    • @fiscal-de-linha
      @fiscal-de-linha Před rokem +13

      Such a simple and short yet beautiful line, and the way he screams it with such violent triumphant passion is so powerful

    • @HasToPee
      @HasToPee Před rokem +3

      That and his "Stop." And the rest of his performance. Impeccable.

  • @Pyramid132420
    @Pyramid132420 Před 11 lety +803

    Can you believe this was a live performance?
    Personally, I think this is better than the cast recording!

    • @m.riveram9217
      @m.riveram9217 Před 4 lety +6

      Yes!! Saw it live!!

    • @johnstruckhoff7602
      @johnstruckhoff7602 Před 3 lety +7

      theater is usually live LOL

    • @flipperz0362
      @flipperz0362 Před 3 lety +29

      ​@@johnstruckhoff7602 Yes, but the cast recording was recorded in the ideal space for singing, so usually the cast recording sounds better

    • @ricardosierra749
      @ricardosierra749 Před 3 lety

      Dam right

    • @fiscal-de-linha
      @fiscal-de-linha Před rokem +14

      Honestly I think a lot of times songs sound better on stage than in the studio, probably because when performing live the actors have to really express the emotion of the song for the audience, rather than just sing it for the microphone in a studio

  • @RyanSmith-zh8hi
    @RyanSmith-zh8hi Před 9 lety +1968

    To me this is the best version of Company in all aspects. It is less kitsch and "showy" and it really cuts to the core of what the show is about. The emotional depth is so much stronger.

    • @newglappy2389
      @newglappy2389 Před 5 lety +55

      REALLY ABOUT!!!!!

    • @radioban
      @radioban Před 3 lety

      @@newglappy2389 lol

    • @HVolnWhatnow
      @HVolnWhatnow Před 2 lety +18

      I was away from musicals for a long, long time, but a bad breakup several years ago brought me to listening to this specific revival for this exact reason.

    • @pbamse
      @pbamse Před 2 lety +5

      Sounds fake and over the top

    • @firstnamelastname9631
      @firstnamelastname9631 Před 2 lety

      @dan coleman Couldn't agree more. Neil Patrick Harris's is very good, check it out.

  • @dickybelike
    @dickybelike Před 7 lety +1521

    Stephen Sondheim is seriously a musical genius.

  • @mothintofllame
    @mothintofllame Před 4 lety +512

    Raúl’s performance is so emotionally charged because apparently he was going through a divorce at the time. What an astounding actor

    • @loge10
      @loge10 Před 2 lety +56

      Dean Jones, who created the role, was also going through a divorce at the time and left the production shortly after it opened for that reason.

  • @sddurnil
    @sddurnil Před 12 lety +1131

    I loved this version of Company. Having the actors as the musicians (they really were playing) gave the production a tighter feeling - everybody had to be involved in everything - and having Bobby not play an instrument demonstrated how he kept himself apart from marriage, until he was really ready to get married at the end.

    • @oliverdelica2289
      @oliverdelica2289 Před 4 lety +4

      What's your opinion on the Sweeney Todd production that was similar to this?

    • @grantcurry4839
      @grantcurry4839 Před 3 lety +5

      @@oliverdelica2289 - How strange you should ask that question. I was wondering exactly the same thing.

    • @davidsciascia4654
      @davidsciascia4654 Před 2 lety +5

      I also saw this production on Broadway with Raúl and it was-perfect!-and one of the best nights I've ever had at the theatre-for all the reasons you make. I didn't see the Sweeney Todd though. Thank you Stephen Sondheim!!! RIP

    • @connorbrown3126
      @connorbrown3126 Před rokem +8

      Also Joan doesn’t play anything! Except like tiny percussion instruments, sarcastically. Brilliant decisions!

    • @billlynn3196
      @billlynn3196 Před rokem +4

      Having the actors play the instruments did have its drawbacks. I sat second-row center and every time Patti Lupone walked up to the apron to play (of all things) tuba I could see clear up to her crotch.

  • @themripley
    @themripley Před 8 lety +1182

    Please, someone cast him as Javert. I can already hear him *killing* Stars and The Confrontation.

    • @Robert221B
      @Robert221B Před 8 lety +24

      OMG YES

    • @acegardner2966
      @acegardner2966 Před 7 lety +64

      I really wanted him to do Jean ValJean because I need to hear him singing that part in One Day More

    • @kaityoar9125
      @kaityoar9125 Před 7 lety +7

      Megan Ripley I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!

    • @ruby5787
      @ruby5787 Před 6 lety +21

      I'm thinking him as Valjean. After hearing him sing Hallelujah, all I can think is him as Valjean.

    • @KLK1618
      @KLK1618 Před 6 lety +2

      YES PLEASE!

  • @karaashcraft6097
    @karaashcraft6097 Před rokem +105

    From a person who was there on this night, (a) I cannot believe it has been 15 years, (b) Raul was robbed, and (c) this night could never be redone. It was everything theater is meant to be. I still watch this and feel every moment.

    • @karaashcraft6097
      @karaashcraft6097 Před rokem +15

      What you don't see is the four minutes that were filled with standing ovations and tears. The stage door because they were just told the show was closing. It was the most raw and real performance I have ever seen.

  • @carly_6046
    @carly_6046 Před 10 lety +498

    How did he NOT win a Tony Award for this role again? I'm still not over him losing that year. This is my favorite version of the this perfect Broadway song. Sondheim+Raul= Perfection.

  • @1441katie
    @1441katie Před 13 lety +345

    Guys, I just want to say, I've met Mr. Esparza twice and recently took a class with him, and he is NOT arrogant, and he really knows what he's doing. He's very insightful about what a song means, and he's very nice. I understand disliking him as a performer, but you shouldn't bash him as a person. He's just trying to make a living!

    • @eliasmg9144
      @eliasmg9144 Před měsícem

      People didn't like Raul back then?

  • @jonasvezia
    @jonasvezia Před 5 lety +141

    Does anyone cry when he yells stop? Like...he hasn't even started singing yet and you already know how he feels.

  • @chocolateapple
    @chocolateapple Před 2 lety +458

    Rest in peace, Stephen Sondheim. Musical theatre was forever changed by your touch, you’ll be missed everyday.

  • @victordunson7019
    @victordunson7019 Před 9 lety +926

    How he lost the Tony that year baffles me ......

    • @timothyc5878
      @timothyc5878 Před 8 lety +73

      +Victor Dunson Baffles you and every person on this planet.

    • @lizzytucker
      @lizzytucker Před 8 lety +23

      yes David Hyde Pierce should'nt've won!! i must say, i am an extremely big GroffSauce fan but even i was like Company dude shouldve won!! (i dont know his name very well :// sorry)

    • @mylesharris3050
      @mylesharris3050 Před 6 lety +9

      Well at least the show won best revival

    • @jkrfan7
      @jkrfan7 Před 5 lety +26

      lizzy tucker I think David Hyde Pierce eveb said Raul should’ve won

    • @user-sr4jp9vr6e
      @user-sr4jp9vr6e Před 5 lety +1

      Well who said that lack of top honor, will make you a goner? It might even make you a host!

  • @leticiaschmitt1266
    @leticiaschmitt1266 Před 8 lety +1874

    I love Neil Patrick Harris, but Raul Esparza is a much greater Bobby

    • @rosemarycrafting1202
      @rosemarycrafting1202 Před 7 lety +95

      especially voice-wise

    • @clarky23
      @clarky23 Před 4 lety +20

      Raul is good....but in my opinion NPH owns this song

    • @bobbydowdeswell7131
      @bobbydowdeswell7131 Před 4 lety +7

      Yeh
      It’s not camp and OTT like usual Broadway shite

    • @davzzler
      @davzzler Před 4 lety +84

      @@clarky23 no way, NPH is not in the same level as him, Raul is way better!

    • @BakiSmaki27
      @BakiSmaki27 Před 4 lety +55

      I didn’t like NPHs singing at all. Just didn’t get across the emotions of the song.

  • @krpbdp
    @krpbdp Před 10 lety +370

    I was lucky enough to have seen Mr. Esparza play Bobby. I've seen productions all over the world, and this was simply the best I've witnessed. Mr. Esparza, as someone said below, was perfect and it was a shame he did not win the Tony for this performance. He certainly deserved it.

    • @johnsekura7400
      @johnsekura7400 Před 3 lety +5

      I saw the original COMPANY!

    • @krpbdp
      @krpbdp Před 3 lety +6

      @@johnsekura7400 Yes, I did as well. In fact, I saw it three times.

  • @acretzla
    @acretzla Před 9 lety +91

    Raul Esparza can play the crap out of a character turning 30

  • @Lybido
    @Lybido Před 4 lety +394

    I only came here due to Drivers performance in Marriage Story. I was humbled and it intrigued me because the song definitely hit me below the belt (The "mock me with praise" line especially)
    However,
    Rauls emotion behind this performance managed to bring a few tears to my eyes. Slow... shameless manly head-nodding tears.

  • @michelehurtado98
    @michelehurtado98 Před 9 lety +486

    Senor Esparza makes effective and heartbreaking use of what I have come to refer to as the "Esparza Growl." In this song, he uses it at the point when he sings "mock me with praise." It's a palpably visceral moment.
    I have not had the good fortune of seeing Raul Esparza perform live, only via TV various & CZcams. Perhaps 'someday, somewhere.'
    Sorry folks. Had to do it. Couldn't help myself.

    • @tednorton5150
      @tednorton5150 Před 9 lety +13

      Michele Hurtado yeah he definitely "punches up " that moment and one would think it could not stand a dramatic spin as it it such a well placed and paced line. He found a way to give it MORE, which is what great performers do !

    • @michelehurtado98
      @michelehurtado98 Před 9 lety +21

      ***** I don't know if its true or not, but there is a story that when he first sang for Stephen Sondheim, a composer who is historically known to be highly critical, even brutal in assessing a singer's ability to interpret his material, Sondheim rhapsodized in so many words Mr. Esparza's voice and his great talent.

    • @tednorton5150
      @tednorton5150 Před 9 lety +31

      on the DVD Raul says that Sondheim was merciless in WITHHOLDLING praise, but Raul says it was okay with him as it drove him to constantly improve. He also says that his opening numbers were harder to sing as they required so much control (a ballad like "Being Alive " allows for loose timing and stars with big voices always benefit from loose timing on an emotional number).

    • @joysfulljourney
      @joysfulljourney Před 7 lety +5

      Michele Hurtado Same! Jesus, he's just magnificent.

  • @windstorm1000
    @windstorm1000 Před 13 lety +50

    He has a beautiful Broadway style voice with a unique tone, he's sincere, he LISTENS to the lyrics--and he plays the piano!!! People what more do you want??!!

  • @flamingowen
    @flamingowen Před 8 lety +338

    great. now I've got another celebrity crush.

  • @CalebHyles
    @CalebHyles Před 11 lety +661

    Coming from an outsider who found this song because of Glee (bash me if you like), I think this version is spectacular. I've only seen this one and NPH's but I will say this guy does something NPH couldn't maintain throughout and that was staying on-key. Not to mention, his intensity, in my opinion, was the perfect addition. I can't speak for the entire production, but this one song, very very good.

    • @davidpaul2797
      @davidpaul2797 Před 3 lety +113

      Honestly, I'd say this is one of the best consequences of 'Glee', getting people interested in music or artists they didn't have exposure to before. Also, yeah, Esparza kills every part of this song.

    • @oscar646
      @oscar646 Před 3 lety +25

      After reading this post I watched the NPH rendition and found it woefully inadequate. Yes, Esparza knocks it out of the park.

    • @henryalmoney2917
      @henryalmoney2917 Před 3 lety +7

      great production, 100% would watch it

    • @MrBarisio
      @MrBarisio Před 2 lety +3

      Julian Ovenden At the proms just as good if not better

    • @francescoc.6591
      @francescoc.6591 Před 2 lety +10

      There’s nothing to bash you for,…. I heard a little bit of this amazing song on the Sondheim documentary, but what brought me here was an episode of the show “Taxi,” where Alex decides he is going to live his life to the fullest and sings this song.

  • @sc4922
    @sc4922 Před 11 lety +322

    I saw this in NY, and you really have to see the entire show in order to get Esparza's brilliant, amazing performance. His Bobby is diffident and almost emotionally suppressed until he finally lets go with this song and brings the house down. Anyone who thinks the kid from Glee is better than this is out of their minds. And by the way, with four Tony nominations and rave reviews for this role, Esparza hardly needs a publicist to make his case.

    • @abydosianchulac2
      @abydosianchulac2 Před 2 lety +3

      Even from the second to last row I'm the highest balcony, he and the rest of the cast were bowling me over with the sheer emotional energy of the performance (a funny thing when the staging was so intentionally stilted and detached).

    • @steffenrobinson4139
      @steffenrobinson4139 Před rokem +5

      I willl say niel patrick harris is great, but raul esparza is the perfect bobby he is god damn brilliant

    • @kimberlyhonig8030
      @kimberlyhonig8030 Před rokem +9

      I agree. His Bobby is so emotionally stunted, so when Bobby lets it all out for this song… it’s just so emotional and perfect. It’s my favorite performance of Being Alive, my gold-standard. You actually feel Bobby’s understanding of truly loving someone, flaws and all. That love is messy and heartbreaking and perfectly perfect (all at the same time). This performance destroys me every time, in the best way possible.

  • @zzzxxyy
    @zzzxxyy Před 9 lety +464

    ADA Barba can sing!!! This is how he releases steam from all of those cases!!!

    • @cameronnorris220
      @cameronnorris220 Před 9 lety +13

      I was shocked too

    • @mylesharris3050
      @mylesharris3050 Před 6 lety +4

      Well at least they won best revival

    • @beautifullyawkwardfangirl3524
      @beautifullyawkwardfangirl3524 Před 5 lety +10

      Honestly I was amazed. Me and my friend are obsessed with svu and I showed her this and she was just as shocked as I....Pleasant surprise though

    • @maxaustin3377
      @maxaustin3377 Před 4 lety +1

      Beautifully Awkward Fangirl I’m sure a lot of people in law and order can sing

    • @crimps321
      @crimps321 Před 4 lety +1

      @@maxaustin3377 Especially since there are SO MANY NY actors in the show!

  • @karabarkman5685
    @karabarkman5685 Před 2 lety +112

    Came here as soon as I learned of Stephen Sondheim's passing. A true genius and phenomenal artist, and this song will continue to bring me to tears in an entirely new way now.

  • @orestesandpylades
    @orestesandpylades Před 11 lety +212

    That was absolutely flawless. He adds these fascinating little mannerisms into the character that just totally drew me in. Coupled with his phenomenal voice, I was absolutely mesmerized.

    • @kimakotrotman6860
      @kimakotrotman6860 Před 2 lety

      I played Bobby in high school and forgot all of the nuance😔.

  • @courtneylb16
    @courtneylb16 Před 12 lety +62

    i have an obsession with raul's voice, i love it so much. i love the texture, and i love that it's so raw and you can feel the emotion. not every voice is perfect, and bobby's voice doesn't have to be. it has to be real. and raul is my favorite bobby i've ever heard.

  • @mikekahn8981
    @mikekahn8981 Před 11 měsíci +42

    “Mock me with praise “. Chills every time I hear it. Just amazing performance

  • @Bellenchia
    @Bellenchia Před 8 lety +229

    Not only did he pass the Bar exam, but DA Rafael Barba has excellent pitch!

  • @BrettAlanActor
    @BrettAlanActor Před 2 lety +102

    Rest In Peace Mr. Sondheim. You were truly the Shakespeare of Musical Theatre. A great loss, but an incredible life well lived…

  • @irvinegaby
    @irvinegaby Před 4 lety +147

    heard this song in marriage story and I haven't been able to stop playing it since...

    • @jennahollensteinrd
      @jennahollensteinrd Před 4 lety +5

      same

    • @SKS2011SC
      @SKS2011SC Před 4 lety +3

      Same

    • @Undeterminedtv
      @Undeterminedtv Před 4 lety +4

      gaby same!!! Then I got into the OBC recording and realized when the ladies were singing it was another song from company! Lots of parallels which makes sense bc both are stories about marriages

  • @laurahoesly4509
    @laurahoesly4509 Před 5 lety +45

    the "mock me with praise" gets me every time

  • @elliott4106
    @elliott4106 Před 4 lety +61

    Anyone else absolutely love the fact his voice is so imperfect? Makes his acting seem all the more real. Wish we saw more of it in pro theatre.

    • @marileeobrien4376
      @marileeobrien4376 Před 4 lety +5

      More of him?!!! This guy never stops. He just finished a straight play, "Seared", he'll be in the upcoming "Miscast", and probably five or six other things before year end. Check his social media.

    • @elliott4106
      @elliott4106 Před 3 lety +5

      @@marileeobrien4376 “more of IT”, not more of HIM. I’m well aware of what he’s done. I mean, I wish it was more acceptable to present in such a human, unpolished way as he does. Not the glossy, showy nonsense which is all-too prevalent.

    • @mddeebp4445
      @mddeebp4445 Před 11 měsíci +3

      it has a gorgeous rough edge, which is what l think you mean by "imperfect"- certainly the singing is absolutely exquisite

  • @mattdahan6529
    @mattdahan6529 Před 7 lety +54

    First tick, tick... BOOM, then Company. This guy has really eventful birthdays.

  • @teresaschultz6937
    @teresaschultz6937 Před rokem +33

    I stumbled across this... and holy cow. As soon as I heard him yell "Stop" I stopped everything I was doing, put this on full screen, and was enraptured. Absolutely phenomenal performance. I continue to love everything he does. Goodness gracious.

  • @potatogirl1340
    @potatogirl1340 Před 2 lety +50

    Coming back to this after learning Stephen Sondheim passed around an hour ago- heartbreaking. He was such a genius.

  • @carriewhite410
    @carriewhite410 Před 14 lety +31

    Raul's expressions after Amy says "Want SOMETHING." and he starts singing makes me want to cry and just hold him. They're so full of longing and pain. ARGH! SAD!!!!

  • @lflagr
    @lflagr Před 11 lety +119

    Just listened to Neil Patrick Harris sing this in the NY Phil staged version. Different interpretation, but Raul's voice is just so much more powerful and visceral--totally different level of power and emotion.
    Love this version!

    • @jonrosen7980
      @jonrosen7980 Před 4 měsíci

      Yeah, in the end Esparza is a trained musical theater actor, Neil is basically Doogie Howser :-) (He is really good too, but still he can't escape Doogie!).

  • @kimrussell9662
    @kimrussell9662 Před 10 měsíci +8

    Raul performing this is the greatest piece of theatre I have ever seen.

  • @arielaguilar6078
    @arielaguilar6078 Před 4 lety +15

    Everybody talking about Marriage story......
    I came her for Raul ‼️‼️‼️

    • @eamonndeane587
      @eamonndeane587 Před 2 lety +1

      I came here for Raul (aka the best Bobby we will ever have.

  • @Billkeys123
    @Billkeys123 Před 4 lety +597

    At first I thought Adam Driver was just messing around but it became so personal at the end. Brilliant Acting.

    • @briant9053
      @briant9053 Před 4 lety +30

      ADAM DRIVER DESERVES THE OSCAR FOR THAT PERFORMANCE!

    • @mg-vo1vy
      @mg-vo1vy Před 4 lety +35

      Bill Keys Raul deserved the tony

    • @Undeterminedtv
      @Undeterminedtv Před 4 lety +7

      Brian T yeah although he doesn’t have the best voice he did his best and his emotion was FUCKING there. So powerful

    • @jonkelley9021
      @jonkelley9021 Před 4 lety +16

      this is raul esparza

    • @mr.mister7912
      @mr.mister7912 Před 4 lety +4

      The film had a great script, and fantastic actors.

  • @jeh500
    @jeh500 Před 9 lety +196

    I saw the original with Dean Jones & also with Larry Kert (a favorite of mine.)
    But Raul Esparza brings something so different to this interpretation.He is so real.
    So believable as Bobby. He doesn't just go for the adorable side. He goes
    very deep. A great actor. He touched me so much. For those reasons, he has my vote.

    • @wendyleigh2
      @wendyleigh2 Před 8 lety +4

      jeh500 , I saw both of them too! Loved Larry Kert and actually saw it several times with him...but Raul really blows me away.

    • @Goodone168
      @Goodone168 Před 5 lety +2

      Masterclass

    • @jonrosen7980
      @jonrosen7980 Před 4 měsíci

      Jealous that you got to see Dean Jones. I saw Kert and Esparza and NPH (did not like his take on the role at all).

  • @mollymcintoshable
    @mollymcintoshable Před 10 lety +115

    I'd love to see Raúl in Les Mis. Any role. In fact, all the roles!

    • @rkgk1517
      @rkgk1517 Před 4 lety +9

      I really think he would be a killer Javert.

    • @Osarah96
      @Osarah96 Před 2 lety +1

      I want him in every role now. And I will pay every dime for it.

    • @azombiegg
      @azombiegg Před 2 lety +2

      @@rkgk1517 imagine him singing stars!!

  • @rachelq3037
    @rachelq3037 Před 8 lety +108

    No matter how many times I hear him do this - it's followed by a rush to the back of my neck and up to the tip of my head. I've heard many versions, but his is the most powerful. Love it and thank you, Mr. Esparza!

    • @richieinca
      @richieinca Před 7 lety +1

      Rachel Q ... I read similar comments about his performance of this song, but I cannot seem to connect with it ... it just sounds like whining to me :-/ I connect with NPH and Julian Ovenden performances more.

  • @phildinovo
    @phildinovo  Před 16 lety +42

    I strongly encourage you to order a copy of the DVD from PBS. The way he portrays the character of Bobby in this production was simply stunning.

  • @mike.marziliano24601
    @mike.marziliano24601 Před 6 lety +16

    Cut to the SVU team watching this on TV: “Damn, Barba! That’s one set of pipes!”

  • @SzaboPintergast
    @SzaboPintergast Před 2 lety +7

    Here immediately post-the news of his passing. He knew what being alive meant more than any of us.

  • @1990bl
    @1990bl Před 11 lety +9

    I don't understand why people don't like Esparza's wonderful performance and say that Kurt did a better job on glee. I am sorry but this is one of those moments where people have no idea what they are talking about.

  • @AtLastOnTheGround
    @AtLastOnTheGround Před 15 lety +28

    His performance was so moving... moving enough to make me get over MY fear of commitment and start dating again, and fall in love. Only one person could have encouraged me to get over my fear just like Bobby, and that's Sondheim.
    Thank you Mr. Sondheim and Mr. Esparza. Brilliant show, brilliant song, brilliant performance.

  • @avapatino6058
    @avapatino6058 Před 3 lety +26

    After just watching every different main version of Being Alive on youtube I have a reason why I think Raul Esparza's version works best.
    It comes down to the simple fact that it is a very conceptual musical, and when you treat it like it's not it falls flat. The reason The 2006 prediction works so well to me, is that it actively leans into it. No costume changes, all black. Minimal props and sets. It lands like it should. All inside your mind. It's not a show with close and coherent costume changes, it's bearly even got a timeline. When you add flashy costumes and set to it, it just comes off confusing.The fact that the actors play their own instruments adds another layer of brechtian alienation, though it has the effect of bringing it all closer.It gives all the couples something in common instead of just being random people in this life. It alienates the audience giving us the reminder of it existing inside our minds but also gives more of a sense of cohesion. The three girlfriends on the saxs. The complementing musical instruments. Bobby not playing until the end. It gives a throughline that is lacking in many productions, and that makes the weaker without it. I love the set as well, I think that company should always be set in a blackbox type, and the drama blacks. I think it was very cleaver for the costume designer to play with texture instead.
    Also Raul is phenomenal. he really has the ability to just fucking deliver a song without having to make it about him. His acting never feels put upon. He can truly, stand a sing. his nervous and tentative energy at the beginning. The active choice we see him make in opening the piano is so different from his confident assertions we see him make about marriage earlier in the play, hes nervous, and frankly he should be. It means he cares, which is his whole arc throughout.the change from thinking he's alright, and therefore not having to care and question his assertions, to actively being scared. He's not thinking it's going to be perfect. He's not looking for that anymore, hes not even expecting that from himself (another reason why him playing the piano is so interesting and demonstrative in this production.) hes not looking for his "warm Johann sweet jenny loving Susan crazy Amy" or for someone to "marry [him] a little" okay this is becoming a being alive appreciation post but I guess my love of it is how Raul keeps Bobby likable throughout while showing both. He delivers the confidence in the beginning and the terrifying vulnerability at the end while never playing it too hard. He just is. He is and he changes and when he changes you can forget you're even watching a play. I love his performance.

  • @fredgwynn8933
    @fredgwynn8933 Před rokem +11

    I can’t describe how cathartic and intense this was to see him live do this. I was sobbing.

  • @jpsned
    @jpsned Před rokem +8

    Two men who impress and inspire me so much with their talents: Christoph Waltz and Raul Esparza. Man.

  • @shannonsummers1352
    @shannonsummers1352 Před 7 lety +50

    I feel like the instruments are WAY underappreciated in this musical. The flute at the beginning gets me hella emotional :')

  • @caslaker24
    @caslaker24 Před 7 lety +19

    I've read lots of comments about how Raul's voice is amazing but NPH makes you cry because of emotions. I mean people THIS GUY GIVES ME CHILLS THIS GUY MAKES ME SOB HARD. If you can't feel anything while he's singing, especially Being Alive, sorry but you don't have a soul.

  • @illusions142
    @illusions142 Před 12 lety +73

    Breathtaking. I can't put my finger on what he brings to this role that makes it so... painful. I don't know. But it just hits me every time.

  • @YaDiva1973
    @YaDiva1973 Před 11 lety +28

    Yes, I came here because of a certain show, but that's the beauty of that show. It introduces a younger audience to musicals and important Broadway works they may not have investigated otherwise. Now I have a new Broadway show to add to my bucket list. I think that's a great thing.

  • @ashleighbull4266
    @ashleighbull4266 Před 9 lety +48

    How did I not realise this is A.D.A Barba in SVU until now?!?!?!?!

  • @jrcarter9175
    @jrcarter9175 Před 2 lety +13

    Never heard Raul Esparza sing before. Only know him as the best damn ADA Law and Order: SVU ever had.

  • @alexiswood7364
    @alexiswood7364 Před rokem +2

    the BEST “what do ya get” EVER

  • @mackenzieyoung8751
    @mackenzieyoung8751 Před 8 lety +45

    Chilton has a hidden talent.

  • @deaconzero
    @deaconzero Před 13 lety +6

    I was at this performance. Stood in line for hours to get rush tix. It was completely amazing.

  • @perlaperez4402
    @perlaperez4402 Před rokem +30

    Someone to hold you too close
    Someone to hurt you too deep
    Someone to sit in your chair
    And ruin your sleep
    Someone to need you too much
    Someone to know you too well
    Someone to pull you up short
    To put you through hell
    Someone you have to let in
    Someone whose feelings you spare
    Someone who, like it or not
    Will want you to share
    A little a lot
    Someone to crowd you with love
    Someone to force you to care
    Someone to make you come through
    Who'll always be there
    As frightened as you
    Of being alive
    Being alive
    Being alive
    Being alive
    Somebody hold me too close
    Somebody hurt me too deep
    Somebody sit in my chair
    And ruin my sleep
    And make me aware
    Of being alive
    Being alive
    Somebody need me too much
    Somebody know me too well
    Somebody pull me up short
    And put me through hell
    And give me support
    For being alive
    Make me alive
    Make me alive
    Make me confused
    Mock me with praise
    Let me be used
    Vary my days
    But alone
    Is alone
    Not alive
    Somebody crowd me with love
    Somebody force me to care
    Somebody let me come through
    I'll always be there
    As frightened as you
    To help us survive
    Being alive
    Being alive
    Being alive

  • @danbradley1137
    @danbradley1137 Před 7 měsíci +3

    When I first saw this version of Company on PBS one night I was brought to tears at the end. I had no idea who Raul Esparza was or what the play was about. OMG. I still cry when I watch this ending.

  • @ZenGrammy
    @ZenGrammy Před 8 lety +31

    I had no idea that Raffy Barba had so many fans who appreciate him as much as I do. He is magnificent.

  • @amandapr1me
    @amandapr1me Před 2 lety +32

    I'll never stop coming back to this performance. Rest in peace, Stephen. Thank you for the music ❤️

  • @fadhilramadhani1847
    @fadhilramadhani1847 Před 2 lety +9

    Still the best version of Being Alive after all these years. Thank you and rest in peace, Mr. Sondheim.

  • @pacogb9955
    @pacogb9955 Před 9 lety +45

    I need to confess that the first time I heard of Mr. Esparza was in Law and order SVU but.. OMG, he sings... just .. AMAZING.. what a great voice he has I did not know

  • @Mshottie6
    @Mshottie6 Před 7 lety +46

    How Raul Esparza lost the Tony to David Hyde Pierce ten years ago is BEYOND me.

  • @quinnbenz987
    @quinnbenz987 Před 3 lety +10

    i really appreciate the revival stripping this show down to it's bare essentials. a lot of productions just gloss over how sad bobby really is and this song in particular really shows how tortured he is

  • @katieendres6026
    @katieendres6026 Před 5 lety +11

    This is the ONLY version of this song that has made me tear up. It took my breath away

  • @jd3422
    @jd3422 Před 3 měsíci +2

    This was an innovative version of "Company," with the performers playing the instruments. Sondheim was a genius and his art is open to many interpretations.
    Excellent performance of "Being Alive."

  • @charlikoppinger
    @charlikoppinger Před 11 lety +39

    I don't think I will ever get over how incredible this performance is. Definitely my favorite version.

  • @Momitama
    @Momitama Před 12 lety +13

    I love Raoul so much. He takes my breath away. His passion, his unpolished voice. It really speaks to me, as someone who is often crass and strident when in the throws of loneliness. When all the beautiful notes become hoarse screaming. It yanks on my inner turmoil like no smooth, sultry voice could.

  • @jkrfan7
    @jkrfan7 Před 9 lety +87

    Hands down best version ever!

  • @redwalkingnose
    @redwalkingnose Před 3 měsíci +2

    Best rendition of Being Alive.

  • @joysfulljourney
    @joysfulljourney Před 7 lety +35

    I cry every single time I hear this. Every single fucking time. This is magnificent beyond descriptions.

  • @wackwackwackwack
    @wackwackwackwack Před 10 lety +29

    I love this so much~ When he says "Mock me with praise" I just- his voice is gorgeous

  • @writegirl422
    @writegirl422 Před 8 lety +16

    This is the best version of this song that I have ever seen.

  • @go16997
    @go16997 Před 12 lety +27

    This is just absolutely amahzing. I was in times square with my friend and she just whips around and half-screamed "RAUL ESPARZA!" and there he was. he shook my hand :)

  • @pommelhorsepommelhorse8731

    heard the news and came by to say goodbye dear friend

  • @jeremygmail
    @jeremygmail Před 2 lety +10

    RIP Stephen. You may have left us but your music will live on forever.

  • @peperando8733
    @peperando8733 Před 9 měsíci +4

    God, "make me with praise" always impresses me, no matter how many times I watch it

  • @mpeg7523
    @mpeg7523 Před rokem +8

    His version for me is the best
    I can feel his emotion...the way he sang it gives me the chills
    This version of The Company is very different from the others and I love it

  • @jazzminefarol
    @jazzminefarol Před 12 lety +22

    This is the most powerful performance I've ever seen.
    I've never cried so much over a performance.
    I am so in love with this.

  • @julieelizabeth510
    @julieelizabeth510 Před 3 lety +5

    Is there no end.to this man's talents? He sings, he acts, he's bilingual and he plays the piano.

  • @MultiKnight13
    @MultiKnight13 Před 10 lety +150

    Esparza is actually my favorite bobby acting wise I love his comedic timing and his dead pan reactions towards the other actors though I'm not sure who I like more singing wise because Esparza and NPH have really good voices in their own respects

    • @dij7314
      @dij7314 Před 10 lety +70

      Esparza completely wipes the floor with NPH singing wise.

    • @mattsmithers1846
      @mattsmithers1846 Před 9 lety +23

      Esparza is the best bobby, but every other character is better in the 2011 version. NPH is great too but Raul is a bit better.

    • @radcolortiedye6718
      @radcolortiedye6718 Před 9 lety +22

      I am so drawn to Raul's expressions and believe he may just identify with Bobby more in his personal life, adding weight and emotional value to the role. Raul is underrated if you ask me. One of Broadway and televisions best.

    • @RaulzHD
      @RaulzHD Před 8 lety +15

      NPH is Barney.... Not Bobby.

    • @Platinum400
      @Platinum400 Před 8 lety +13

      +MultiKnight13 Really? Just imo I think Raul Esparza is on a whole other playing field. NPH is just meh to me.

  • @aaronkurtzer1518
    @aaronkurtzer1518 Před 8 měsíci +2

    Just need to hear this version every now and then. Others pale to this version.

  • @anyonebutliz
    @anyonebutliz Před 6 měsíci +1

    I always come back to this outstanding performance. I identify with this song.

  • @darrylmorrison6127
    @darrylmorrison6127 Před 2 lety +4

    I live for the "mock me with praise."

  • @coronacarecabaret4083
    @coronacarecabaret4083 Před 2 lety +6

    Stephen thank you for this gift

  • @Theorema2001
    @Theorema2001 Před 4 lety +54

    BEING ALIVE
    by Stephen Sondheim
    Someone to hold me too close.
    Someone to hurt me too deep.
    Someone to sit in my chair,
    And ruin my sleep,
    And make me aware,
    Of being alive.
    Being alive.
    Somebody need me too much.
    Somebody know me too well.
    Somebody pull me up short,
    And put me through hell,
    And give me support,
    For being alive.
    Make me alive.
    Make me alive.
    Make me confused.
    Mock me with praise.
    Let me be used.
    Vary my days.
    But alone,
    Is alone,
    Not alive.
    Somebody crowd me with love.
    Somebody force me to care.
    Somebody let me come through,
    I'll always be there,
    As frightened as you,
    To help us survive,
    Being alive.
    Being alive.
    Being alive!

  • @simplystreeptacular
    @simplystreeptacular Před 2 lety +3

    You will not find a better Bobby than Raul Esparza. Full stop.

  • @gleelover150
    @gleelover150 Před 9 lety +128

    This is the best version of this song. Raul is so much better than other Bobby's (i.e NPH, John Barrowman, etc.) Here is why
    There is a difference between having vocal talent and being able to act. Raul shows both of these abilities in this number. Not only does he sing wonderfully, but he expresses true emotion and need, which I think this song calls for.
    NPH and Barrowman on the other hand, only really express their vocal abilities, while ignoring the acting that truly makes the song. Neither of them bring the emotion necessary for such a song, while Raul on the other hand makes Bobby seem real, and relatable to the audience.

    • @GodsOfGaming
      @GodsOfGaming Před 4 lety +7

      far_out I honestly think NPH showed more vulnerability in his acting than Raul but not necessarily acting. They did it differently. Raul sounded make the others answer his questions and is weighing pros and cons while NPH is just so confused and desperate. Rauls vocals were much better from my point of view at least aswell. He not only sustained his notes perfectly with accurate crescendos and an excellent use of vibrato. As a vocalist with a similar voice he is kind of my goal.

    • @maxaustin3377
      @maxaustin3377 Před 4 lety +1

      Gods Of Gaming I think that’s why this is better. There’s something so painful about the confrontation way he sings the first half of the song here as opposed to the confused way NPH sings it

    • @eamonndeane587
      @eamonndeane587 Před 2 lety

      Being Alive is really the Kind of Song the works best when it's performed within the context of its show rather than as a part of a concert of Assorted songs.

  • @evrm0re916
    @evrm0re916 Před 3 lety +6

    "Somebody crowd me with love. Somebody force me to care. Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive, Being alive"
    Gets me every time.

  • @LMcQuinn
    @LMcQuinn Před 6 dny

    Every single time, I watch Raúl sing this song - it makes me cry!! That's how moving & passionate this man is when he sings - you feel it in your soul!

  • @1990bl
    @1990bl Před 11 lety +3

    This is again one of those moments where you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. This is the moment where he just snaps and lets out all of his heart and soul in this song... you can't possibly compare this performance to Kurt on glee just standing and singing his auto tuned little voice to this powerful of a performance.

  • @jeanhorton4530
    @jeanhorton4530 Před 7 lety +20

    OMG. Perfection. This man embodies this gorgeous song like nothing I've seen. BRAVO!!!

  • @lapoyns
    @lapoyns Před 13 lety +9

    The best version of this song I have EVER heard. And this is my favourite stage song.

  • @chriswalton6899
    @chriswalton6899 Před 11 lety +38

    having seen Neil Patrick Harris do this before, I have to say that Raul brings something really interesting to this song - there's more force within his vocals, more defiance in the way he performs it, whereas Neil does it in a more stripped back way, vocally not as strong but more believable emotionally perhaps...
    but Raul's version did blow me away - that's the joy of musical theatre, so many different ways of interpreting a song

  • @Marcus_1001
    @Marcus_1001 Před 10 měsíci +4

    An absolutely stunning performance. Bravo, Raul!