Raúl Esparza - Marry Me A Little - Company

Raúl Esparza sings "Marry Me A Little" from the 2006 revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Company."
This video is an excerpt from the highly recommended 2008 PBS DVD "Company." Unfortunately, the DVD is Region 1 only (US/Canada DVD players or worldwide PC DVD players).
In 2007, "Company" won Tony Awards for "Best Revival of a Musical" and "Best Direction of a Musical (John Doyle)." Raúl was nominated for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical. The original 1970 production was nominated for 12 Tony awards and won 6 of them.
PBS and Image Media have affirmed their copyright of this material - but are allowing the posts on KZbin. We extend our warmest thanks to them.
Browse our website at www.theBestArts... for more great dance, music and musical theatre performances.

[@randomlink2770]

People are missing the point of this song. It's that Bobby doesn't understand marriage. He keeps repeating the same thing that he wants, where he wants to be married except he doesn't want any of the baggage or responsibility to come with it. He's ignored his friends saying that you sometimes regret marriage, and he seems to ignore the terrible aspects of marriage. His problem is he wants perfection, and he doesn't want to be married to a person, he just wants to be married (you have to marry somebody, not just some body). Raul did this perfectly...sincerity but a touch of doubt. Raul understands the complexities of Bobby.

[@amandawilmot9932]

James Noonan actually, th3 song is about him wanting to be married but not wanting lose any of himself along the way. He wants to continue being himself, but he wants to share his life with someone. Listen closely to the lyrics :)

[@randomlink2770]

Amanda Fernandez I think it's more of a combination of the two, since losing part of yourself is part of marriage. Plus he seems to not want to fight which is a natural part of marriage, and he wants not too much and not to go all in which is necessary with marriage.

[@amandawilmot9932]

James Noonan You make an interesting point, but I think it's quite the opposite. I think what he's saying is that he wants someone who has their sense of self, just like he does. He wants someone to share his life, not take his life, which is what marriage is about. I personally don't believe marriage is about sacrifice, it's about the joining of two lives. Think of it this way, if you know you want children, you wouldn't necessarily sacrifice wanting children because your significant other didn't want them, would you?

[@randomlink2770]

Not necessarily, but that's a big thing too. Marriage in the end means you're making a lot of sacrifices, as you're going to have to compromise some things in order to be with someone. Bobby's problem is this, as he keeps looking for the perfect person for him even though in reality that's not going to happen. All of his couples have baggage, whether it be constant bickering and playing to each other's vices, having one party who is scared to make mistakes, mirroring Bobby's predicament, and another couple who have different senses as to what is and isn't fun. Obviously all these couples have made sacrifices in order to get where they are now, and Bobby's scared that he isn't going to get perfection. It's why he's horrified by what he sees throughout the show, convincing him not to get married, only to be convinced to do so once he sees how perfect Amy and Paul are (or at least they have nothing noticeable). Paul is doting and caring and perfect for Amy's paranoia. The thing is though, in Marry Me a Little, he doesn't understand Amy and Paul are the outlier. Bobby is afraid to get into a situation where he finds some unhappiness, even though that's natural. It's only furthered by Act 2, as he is given the perfect situation, April's ability to skip a day at work to stay with Bobby, that he realizes this is wrong, as this ammount of perfection feels unnatural to him, and to the audience, where it's presented as idiocy on April's part and not a responsible decision. Being Alive is about taking the good and bad with marriage, something he wasn't willing to do in this song.

[@pingpong4811]

You are both arguing from different points of views, different interpretations of marriage not taking into account when the musical was written and which time is represented. Of course, you can apply any interpretation of marriage and look at this piece in different time periods, thus neither of your arguments is invalidating the - at first glance seemingly opposing, yet actually next to one another standing - arguments.

[@edithann1284]

I. Love this version. I love John Barrowmans version raul has been married at a young age and divorced. john is married now. i think that accounts for the difference in the way they sing the song!

[@scorpioninpink]

Experience makes all the difference.

[@Judill]

The original key is one half-step lower than Raul's version. The original high note is F sharp while Raul's is a G. And I saw this on broadway... incredible.

[@carriewhite410]

*runs off to watch DVD* This song is the definition of Sondheim beauty

[@patebrisee]

agree with pretty much everything especially the context point... except that I think both performances are pretty spesh =D seriously gu

[@NotFidelProductions]

The trumpet player got a bit too excited at the climax, was completely washing everyone out.

[@OrangeXenon54]

This was during the Broadway orchestra strike so it’s an actor playing it. Cut them some slack.

[@KaraokeKid22]

John's voice is so weak in this role, are you kidding?

[@taylorbarrett3767]

He's the Leonardo DiCaprio of Broadway. Where is his Tony?

[@roguishpaladin]

He probably should have won in 2007.

[@shenvalla]

In david hyde pierce's bathroom

[@SteviaCookies]

I can marry him a LOT.

[@savanaofray4426]

SteviaCookies NO HE MINEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!,BACKK THE HE'LL OFF MY RAUL

[@Kirby02140]

Ready to sit in his chair? Ruin his sleep? 😏

[@ShakeelKhan-bn5zt]

@@Kirby02140 What is happening here🤣

[@ASHxxx83]

He is by far the best version of Bobby.

[@DanielCastroGodoy]

Agnes Huertas Right? Definitely not my favorite version of the play as a whole, but he's the best Bobby!

[@ez88uc]

He should have won the Tony for this!!

[@camchangfilms]

He's the best bobby. And this is coming from an NPH fan. Esparza does everything perfectly Edit: damn 9 years ago I didn’t expect this many likes haha thanks guys :)

[@OrangeXenon54]

So true. This production actually had emotional teeth. The others seemed too cheery without the underlying darkness that this one embraces.

[@Haleyncasey]

OrangeXenon54 You hit the nail in the head exactly, that's why this production is great.

[@Analblockage]

NPH was so miscast for Bobby.

[@davidmehnert6206]

I didn’t see NPH and would nor compare Raul Esparza to his Broadway compère Though I know of no equal in singing this song From a riverrine narrative running too long

[@KyleRayner12]

While I generally hated the NPH production, as it was too happy and music-heavy, I think he did this particular song a bit better than Esparza. He had a nervousness and desperation that works well for this particular moment.

[@maucarlos2018]

damn, barba fucking with my feelings right now. 😂😂😂

[@lisaross4216]

It is so hard to play a character like Bobby because he’s supposed to be grounded in reality. This whole performance is pure genius. The way he uses his voice to express the character’s thoughts and processing is so dynamic and interesting to listen to. But he’s also standing perfectly still with very subtle facial expressions that give a very grounded feel. It’s a joy to listen to and watch.

[@truverdigirl]

This performance just rips my heart out every time I hear it. He completely embodied this role. He actually moved me to tears in the theater which has only happened maybe three times. Amazing performance.

[@travisbplank]

This performance is perfection. So many performers believe that more movement is better, more facial expressions, etc. Watch how he takes us on a journey while barely moving a muscle.

[@actingout4462]

Travis Plank it’s all in that vibrant voice. love him

[@Blake_Laisure]

It’s better to not even think about that stuff and he doesn’t he just works it.

[@cometkite]

I think the fact he's missing the point is part of the point. Bobby is so lacking in self-awareness that he honestly does want someone to "marry [him]... a little". He doesn't even realize all the contradictions and irrationalities in what he's singing. He wants all the rewards of love and marriage without any of the responsibilities, and he doesn't realize how the two are connected. So I think the actor's sincere/oblivious delivery works well in the context of the character.

[@roguishpaladin]

Agreed. This delivery makes Being Alive all the more memorable when its time comes.

[@allanl.wigfield7068]

@@roguishpaladin So having been married for 30+ years I think this is nearly a perfect description of a great marriage :)

[@joshm2718]

@@allanl.wigfield7068 this song or being alive?

[@ohheyididntseeu]

Marry me a little, Love me just enough. Cry, but not too often, Play, but not too rough. Keep a tender distance so we'll both be free. That's the way it ought to be. I'm ready! Marry me a little, Do it with a will. Make a few demands I'm able to fulfill. Want me more than others, Not exclusively. That's the way it ought to be. I'm ready! I'm ready now! You can be my best friend, I can be your right arm. We'll go through a fight or two-- No harm, no harm. We'll look not too deep, We'll go not too far. We won't have to give up a thing, We'll stay who we are. Right? Okay, then. I'm ready! I'm ready now! Someone-- Marry me a little, Love me just enough. Warm and sweet and easy, Just the simple stuff. Keep a tender distance So we'll both be free. That's the way it ought to be. I'm ready! Marry me a little, Body, heart, and soul. Passionate as hell But always in control. Want me first and foremost, Keep me company. That's the way it ought to be. I'm ready! I'm ready now! Oh, how gently we'll talk, Oh, how softly we'll tread. All the stings, The ugly things We'll keep unsaid. We'll build a cocoon Of love and respect. You promise whatever you like, I'll never collect. Right? Okay, then. I'm ready. I'm ready now. Someone-- I'm ready!

[@balseirocharmed]

Gosh he sings like an angel

[@amberwimer3961]

Agreed!

[@jocelynmartinez5339]

Yup

[@savanaofray4426]

Burning Ember correct but he's mineee

[@phantom4087]

Why are we even talking about John Barrowman? First of all, John was too young to sing the song in the first place. In addition, Raul is playing really good and specific actions with the piece. He's a better actor period.

[@SM-BSW]

You want to play a song about emotional unavailability at your wedding? It's a beautiful song, but heartbreaking because it's about Bobby's refusal to make a real connection. Maybe not the best choice for wedding music.

[@hannahkathleeny]

I get chills every time he sings "I'm ready now!"

[@KatTheArtist]

Best version of Marry Me A Little

[@mzmiller52]

See if you can find ellen Greene singing this. A bonus track on her Christmas cd. I think it was recorded in the ‘70’s and it is unbelievable.

[@zackstark24601]

Love this version but TBH I love the Katrina Lenk version she did a spectacular job in the current Revival running on Broadway

[@coll912]

@Taylor Barrett He IS the Leonardo DiCaprio of Broadway. Notice how they both deserve their Tony/Oscar and haven't received one?

[@KLK1618]

coll912 yes!!

[@uknowwho889]

I love how he can stand so still.. but portray so much emotion. I think there's a lot to be said for standing still.

[@loner_izm]

Obsessed obsessed obsessed with his voice...

[@RangelGabi]

Anna chandra same here

[@embothebimbo]

Damn son he can sing

[@Haleyncasey]

All his singing in this show makes me cry

[@gleelover150]

Can he marry me, like not even a little, like full blown marry me NOW

[@jamiechapman4874]

This is a beautiful yet sad song. Unfortunately a lot of people go into marriage like this.

[@scorpichella]

Raul Esparza: What a Talent!! 👏🏻

[@acidlands]

I would gladly marry him

[@savanaofray4426]

Jordan O'Neill NOOOOO HE MARRRYYY MEEEEEEEEE FOREVEEEERRTRR

[@BadWolfRT]

I'm confused as to why people criticize Barrowman's version for being too sincere about marriage and not dark or doubtful enough when Barrowman's version of this song wasn't performed in a performance of Company, and he wasn't portraying the character of Bobby. He sung this song in a "medley" musical of different Sondheim songs, with its own story and characters, so it makes sense his version is not going to suit the character of Bobby as well as someone actually portraying that character. Unless there's also a version of him singing this song in a legitimate production of Company , not his version in Putting It Together, that I missed.

[@karolinesmith6119]

Putting it together is the version i know of and it was divine !

[@Thewisedaz]

Why is this video full of comments praising Raul and the video for "Being Alive" full of people calling him the antichrist?

[@Sarahoxy]

Oh this is gorgeous. His voice is so beautiful. There's so much emotion.

[@trindog5843]

He's an amazing Broadway performer and an amazing actor especial him playing rafael barba in total raul esparza is amazing

[@davidhinton8654]

Hmmmm,...Raul’s interpretation of the menu anywhere would be defining, but...let’s look...Raul is the definition of anything he chooses to perform...that being a baseline, the rest of us, the rest of the performing world must find Bobby as he exists where we are at the exact moment we perform...Mr. Sondheim has blessed us with a malleable character that allows for each of us, to be alive...

[@shrinkpachyderm]

this raises the hair on the back of my neck.awesome tender and classic and brilliant

[@sylvesterbird]

I'm so happy they decided to put this song back in for the revival! The whole cast playing instruments thing works out really well for me in this production too. I remember seeing the Sweeney Todd revival and not being too thrilled with the stripped down orchestra.

[@mzmiller52]

Cerveris was a great Sweeney, but lupone was not a great mrs. Lovett. She hasn’t been great since sunset blvd. Seen better mama rose’s than hers as well.

[@drdev4]

@senatordan When I saw it I felt like he wanted traits from all the different women in his life, and so he wanted the little parts from each of them he liked. He wanted each of them to marry him a little. But that might have just been how they played it in the production I saw.

[@yahoo12345jojo]

HOLY SHIT. I was going to make a joke about Rafael Barba's secret talent -- BUT IT IS HIM. HOLY SHIT.

[@rachelmtheus3659]

I'll marry u a lot

[@HarukoAkagi10]

Oh my, Doctor Chilton...

[@YourAchillesHeel]

who would've thought, right?

[@cjhs2006]

it Isn’t That I Don’t Want to Get Married It’s Just That I’ve Seen How it Panned Out For my Mom(Divorced Twice),Father(Divorces 1 Mistress Just to Marry Another),&,Both of my Older 1/2 Brothers(Both Divorced Once),it Scares The Shit Outta me,I’d Rather be a Constant 1 Night Stand Than Constantly Divorced,Don’t Have to Worry About Emotions Getting in The Way

[@Flamsick]

I really like this guy's interpretation of Bobby. Done with an undertone of pathos that pervades throughout. Dean Jones was damn good but played the rolea little lighter. Agree?

[@tonyzito6493]

Esparza acts it better, but Dean Jones has as stronger singing voice, I think.

[@Dualis58]

Dean DEFINITELY doesn't. his vibrato was incredibly wobbly, he lacked range, and his resonance and support were nowhere near Raul's ​@tonyzito6493

[@jessicaponticello8937]

He's so damn hot 🔥

[@wisewumman]

OH yes. He can sing like that. Amazing, yes?

[@mariarendon5950]

Raúl Esparza the best, I love him

[@englishamerican]

@fortolddreamer1012 to be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of NPH in that role. He did a good job, but for me the role was poorly cast. I just didn't believe it.

[@LadySpoCoy]

I agree with quem98, "Marry Me A Little" probably is not the best song for a wedding... If anything, "Being Alive" would, I think, the best song from Company for a wedding.

[@MichaelKneller]

...you realize that this song is pretty unromantic, right? lol

[@roguishpaladin]

Well...it's one of those songs that on its surface is romantic. It's the deeper meaning which makes is so very unromantic.

[@lenlee14]

@FoggyRoad81 man, you are SO right.... somebody better tell sondheim and the rest of the gang that apparently they all made a HUGE mistake by casting him...... oh wait.... I got that backwards. He CAN sing and is a HUGE success. That's right... silly me for confusing that.

[@jenniferlynnteel]

I agree, Raul not only sounds so much better but acts circles around JB! Such great emotional depth behind every word. Love it. I like his Being Alive even better.

[@joshm2718]

JB?

[@brendonmichaelmccray]

@@joshm2718I’m assuming John Barrowman

[@themirrorsofmymind]

DAMN! Had no idea he could sing like THAT!

[@supermarroman9120]

The string quartet in the second part is a goddamn gut punch. 2:18

[@joaoegp420]

I love him, and Sondheim too

[@mzmiller52]

So glad I saw this production. It was all the darkness intended. He was wonderful he sings Sondheim as well as Glynis Johns and Bernadette Peters. Try to find Ellen Greene’s version as well, on her Christmas cd as a bonus. Think she recorded it way back in the 70’s.

[@atward100]

never get tired of listening to this

[@xanstallings4241]

UMMM WHERE IS HIS TONY 💘💘

[@NeilShapiro]

hahah yeahh definitely not the right show to choose from for wedding music... for that matter, most of sondheim's shows are about dysfunctional relationships and the like (Follies, Company, I'm sure there are more). Perhaps if you want a sondheim tune, "It Takes Two" from Into the Woods.

[@brooklynbaby6885]

His voice is so heavenly ❤️❤️

[@estelamarisresende3946]

AMO ADORO MUITO RAUL ESPARZA ....como o PROMOTOR EM LAW & ORDER.....e como CANTOR....Divino,lindo,ESPETACULAR, EMOCIONANTE. PARABÉNS

[@andrewgust1774]

ADA Esparza is killing it.

[@ieatglue44]

I disagree. I think that Barrowman's is a valid approach. I'm partial to the way Raul plays it but I think the "overconfident" feel is only skin-deep, and is supposed to be that way. The audience can grasp that he is not, in fact, ready, by asking for someone to "marry him a little". They don't need the actor telling him. Both are good.

[@JHRobbins]

@XPRT10R - wow, an evolved, mature human being on KZbin - good on you. I pretty much expected you to come back blasting at me- again, good on you.

[@mjewan9920]

Imagine how awkward the line would be if she failed to catch the boquet?

[@IDONTFEELNOPAINNOMO]

Raul is so hot.

[@9215]

I don't mind the nasal, but it's when he holds note that's flat that irks me a little. That and it just feels a little flat performance-wise. That said, JB gives too much. Need a third contender :P

[@senatordan]

What is this song about? Is he ready for marriage ... or does the "little" imply that Robert only wants some kind of *Commitment Lite". When Robert says, "Want me more than others, not exclusively" .. it made me wonder if he was implying something other than monogamous marriage.

[@Trancilian]

Had to get used to the song, but I love it now. Full of passion and brilliant singing

[@shrinkpachyderm]

i can't stop listening to this.

[@uknowwho889]

i'm so angry with myself, i accidently put 1 star for this! Its so goooooooood!

[@stellartunes]

@chetgeyer I found his emotional depth and acting delivery excellent, but like you I must admit I find his nasal quality distracting...but then again, like Elaine Stritch, a pretty voice isn't always essential to a role..

[@tjrobbi]

I'm sorry to tell you but "Being Alive" comes from Company. La Cage Aux Follies is by Jerry Herman...This is Sondheim. And also for the record This song was originally cut from Company it was first performed in Sondheim's review show called ...wait for it...Marry me a Little! This performance comes from the ill-fated revival where they put the song back in.

[@otto8996]

He longs for something yet he doesn't quite understand what it truly is, so the song sees him create some kind of idealistic form of marriage to cling to

[@srsantlucas]

RAUL ESPARZA ES PURO AMOR

[@hazy_lacy]

I wish there was a version with him as Bobby, but the rest of the cast from the NPH version

[@TabletopTeamBuilding]

as a singer/performer i prefer John but Esparza nailed this role perfectly. (this has nothing to do with the way John sang it in Putting It Together cuz that was a different interpretation)

[@Gaiusoct]

Anybody seen him in Hannibal as Dr. Chilton?

[@balloontoyentertainment3684]

Just watch Adrian Lester's version and see what a brilliant actor HE is!!!!

[@LadySpoCoy]

I love both Raul and John's versions of this song. They both bring something beautiful and memorable to the character. ^_^

[@osahju914]

John who?

[@ImFamiliarWithLedges]

@@osahju914 John Barrowman, I assume.

[@SkyeGuy]

Erm... I'm not quite sure this is a good song to propose with. Bobby is obviously not as "ready" to commit as his voice would hint at. In-fact, he's incredibly naïve to think that any girl will be all he's hoping for in this song-- same with Someone is Waiting. It's only at Being Alive that he actually realizes that he shouldn't look for perfection or idealism-- he's just looking for someone to share life with. I'd go for proposing with Being Alive. Heheh. But yeah, Sondheim is a true genius.

[@thomasdequincey5811]

He sings it beautifully.

[@Migueliceman]

i kinda of want to do this song for auditions

[@toddsherry]

It wasn't in the original show. Actually, it was the original ENDING to the original production, but was cut. Added back in to this production 30 years later

[@franklesser5655]

ADA Barba, is that you?

[@romcallis]

Great sondheim

[@Elaiyel]

Who knew? !!!

[@KaraokeKid22]

i have a question a bout this whole scene. Amy asks, "What did I just do" and all that, and then Bobby propses to her. Then she screams im getting married! And then Bobby sings this song. But in the second act Amy and Paul are together all of the time and Bobby is makin out with April. So of course by the end of teh first act im thinking that Bobby and Amy ended up together, but then once act 2 comes, they're not, so what is she saying "Im the next bride" and "Im getting married" to?

[@KaraokeKid22]

o iknow, ive seen it. so when she says that she is basically rejecting him, and then when she says "Im getting married, I'm the next bride", she's talking about Paul, who she is going to marry after all, and Bobby is singing "Marry me a little" just talking about who he could marry in the future?

[@sim91]

just a bit shallow...... raul brings just so much and than some to this role, jb clearly doesnt even come close to matching raul's performance. and raul is gorgeous in HIS own way, jb looks produced and quite frankly is not as special as esparza, talent wise, let alone looks....

[@ebergsven]

Are you kidding me!? There is now way that John Barrowman could one-up Raul Esparza as the role of Bobby. First off Raul actually sounds like a man when he sing's, no offense to JB, but he sounds much to young as the role of Bobby. Just listen to the first 3 lines of both versions and I think you'll be in a agreement. Another aspect of it is that JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table. I watched both of these videos numerous times. Take a look for yourself.

[@Ravenelvenlady]

@ebergsven I especially concur with, "JB doesn't have the emotional depth that Raul Esparza brings to the table." And I think John Barrowman is very talented, but Raul delivers the characterization more convincingly in this song than he does. It brought tears to my eyes.

[@trinka4598]

@ffandbffan yeah but do you have to move around to "act" he stands there an sells it....i found jons version more playful while rauls is sweet and sincere. its coming from the heart..i feel that he really is begging for a love. idk i just dont believe you have to move to act and i didntt notice it at first because i was to consumed in his facial features

[@mws717]

I have to agree that Raul is so much better then John when singing this. Raul's voice fits the part more and he has so much more emotion then John. I mean John is an amazing singer in his own right, don't get me wrong but he sounds much too young to be singing about marriage and love.

[@morph628]

Time does not follow a strait line in "Company." Instead of one thing after another we get an amalgamation of varrious evenings with Robert and his friends, each exisiting independently... as if Bobby is remembering back to snipets of his life..make any sense?

[@lenlee14]

@FoggyRoad81 mmmkay simon cowell lets see yours! Cause either way you look at it, Esparza has a job (in stone, basically) and uh you don't. Cause you are like one of the few who dislike his style. And I'd like a quote to justify your logic behind him thinking he is anything like Patinkon (who is also marvelous btw).

[@Malzziz]

Yeah, I think his voice can be a little annoying but he does a much better job at actually acting a song than John. With Raul it doesn't have to be perfect because Bobby, as a character, is far from perfect, you know?

[@jgonnerman85]

@doctorwhofangirl22 Assuming the performance under discussion is the one on youtube, it's not just that they are different interpretations, but that they are interpretations of different creatures. This is one in the actual show; Barrowman's is in a musical revue. Obviously, one should expect more musicality in the concert, and more drama in the theatre. Each performer is doing what is appropriate for the venue.

[@msmazahs]

Right?