Being Alive - Company OBC, 1970 - Dean Jones

Disney film star Dean Jones ("Love Bug")gave a brilliant performance of "Being Alive" in Sondheim's 1970 original production of "Company." Then two weeks into the run, he dropped out due to marital problems.
Jones was replaced by Larry Kert, famous for originating the role of Tony in "West Side Story." Kert received a "Best Actor" nomination for "Company" and his performance of "Being Alive" was added as a bonus track to the cast album when it was reissued in 1998.
This excerpt is from the highly recommended Region 1 DVD "Company: Original Cast Album" of the 1970 recording session. See more 1970 excerpts at
www.theBestArts...
For videos from the 2006 revival, see
www.theBestArts...
Browse our website at www.theBestArts... for more great dance, music and musical theatre performances.

[@JP1451]

To all those finding Sondheim and Company because of Marriage Story - there is no shame in finding amazing music. Whenever you do is good enough. It is a good way to reintroduce Sondheim to a new generation!!

[@dylanboo_lton6754]

J Pinters this type of fan base is lovely, others would attack you for saying this brought us here. Why be angry? They’re learning something new. Such a polite and warm introduction to this beautiful music.

[@ingridsanchez9787]

This is the first time I’ve seen any fandom be this welcoming.

[@theofields6359]

Check out Sunday in the Park with George - some patience in reading the characters pays dividends. A masterpiece.

[@jaymangal1200]

I watched marriage story.. then I watched company and was completely stunned.. then I watched every version of company and listened to every version of 'being alive' and 'company' and it still isn't enough

[@gianinamorales8597]

I smile every time I read this comment. A lot of purists (read: gatekeepers) would be all smug and angry. But you're lovely for being so welcoming. This is how fandoms grow - new people finding new things to love.

[@RoySmiles100]

Dean was going through a terribly painful divorce at the time which was the reason he dropped out of the show as it was too painful to sing this song every night. It is an ASTONISHING performance given the emotional state he was in. I'm sure Larry Kert was brilliant but because of the circumstances this is Dean's song. The anguish and pain he puts into the vocal moves the listener to tears. AND a Sondheim lyric at its finest. Bravo to all concerned! PERFECTION!

[@Caligulita]

So was Raul!

[@VtRD]

Of all the versions of this, the one here is the BEST. "Maybe there's one more in me, let's find out." There sure was.

[@Bob27Fat]

Raul Esparza

[@roguishpaladin]

I prefer Esparza's as well myself, personally...but isn't it a neat world where we have both amazing versions?

[@josefnitervol6415]

Agreed

[@mortalclown3812]

@@josefnitervol6415 ... and now Adam Driver's, too. They are all terrific in their own way.

[@herlanazzahra]

Also adam driver

[@ScootsMahgoots]

Marriage Story brought me here, shame it took me so long

[@Elizannchan]

Jane Jones Fun fact, Dean Jones was also going through a divorce when he performed this very song!

[@nooralijadoo3890]

Jane Jones me too

[@ironclad1609]

and call me crazy but Driver's version, also thanks to the very basic piano background, hit it home even more.

[@10fingers2hands]

Jane jones me 2

[@CarolynHammack]

@@ironclad1609 I was captivated by his version

[@JohnGeorgeHill]

That look on his face as he finished the song, as if he was just coming back from where ever he was transported to.

[@defyingglory]

John G. Hill yes!

[@mortalclown3812]

John G. Hill Hugging you for seeing that and putting it so perfectly. :-)

[@donnaoberlin3431]

John G. Hill, totally!!!

[@RadicalCaveman]

@Robert Lee, Countertenor Who are you counter to? Ulysses Grant?

[@Shindai]

Can confirm, after a challenging or emotional number it's quite jarring when the music stops and you find yourself back where you were before you started, it's part of the fun lol

[@ColumbiaPhoenix]

I just can't get over Elaine Strich's smiles throughout this

[@donnaoberlin3431]

ColumbiaPhoenix love seems to emanate from her.💗

[@97477tim]

she was drunk

[@briant9053]

@@97477tim INDEEEED!?"

[@markschildberg1667]

She knows Dean is giving a great performance.

[@MCiliberti1]

She knows Dean is this good.

[@johnross4819]

Dean Jones is the definitive Bobby. His gorgeous masculinity, his obvious real-life depressiveness, and the genuine beauty of his voice make this one of the best musical theatre performances ever filmed or recorded. True brilliance!!!

[@ritapacitti9599]

Never knew he sang Just WONDERFUL

[@Propfaqs]

He got over the depressiveness! And not by singing such a schmaltzy hit.

[@jonrosen7980]

@@ritapacitti9599 Welcome to the new world! He was amazing and almost no one ever knew, sigh.

[@jlb4]

The expression on his face the instant he finishes the last note is really interesting. He went someplace else entirely! Bravo!

[@Matt-le4xi]

yeah you can tell he was really affected by it and went somewhere personal. I love how he tries to shake it off after as well. As a singer it's rare to find songs that so truly align with what you're going through and it makes your performance almost painful but in the most empowering way.

[@MCiliberti1]

He was the song.

[@ritadian]

I'm probably one of the few who didn't know Dean could sing like that. This is by far the best performance of this song I have ever heard - so much emotion and passion in it that just breaks your heart. Few performers move me like this, and he's now counted among those few.

[@Blogzer]

I only knew of Dean Jones from his acting in The Love Bug from my childhood. Until a few years ago, I had no idea he did Broadway. We're so fortunate this recording exists and I'm sure glad I came across it.

[@jonrosen7980]

@@Blogzer indeed, he was amazing, so sad he had to step out of the role so soon. But Larry Kert was also amazing (as he was in West Side Story). And so was Raul Esparza. It is a plum role if the actor knows what they are doing.

[@robertazevedo8880]

A bonus of this clip is watching how much love Elaine Stritch spreads the love. She clearly would not rather be anywhere else in the world than in that recording studio. Her smiles for Jones and for Sondheim are completely amazing.

[@Babspace]

+Robert Azevedo She was also really, really drunk. Read her memoirs.

[@joshpayne4015]

Later in life, Elaine had not such great memories (and commentary) of her experience with Sondheim.

[@giangvo7555]

William Mason Angela Lansbury had wonderful experience with him when she starred in “Sweeney Todd”, so I guess it’s because Elaine was also an eccentric person herself, not just Sondheim but she ran into trouble with many of her co-stars and directors throughout her career

[@donniemoder1466]

Kind of repetitive tune, I lost interest before the end.

[@matthewbrookoff2224]

From seeing this entire documentary once, my recollection is that Stritch's first attempt at recording Ladies Who Lunch was fraught and unsuccessful (because they tried to do it at the end of a long day). That might have contributed to her having unfavorable memories of Sondheim as someone says in this thread. He was very hard on her that day. She came back after a night of fretting and did the extraordinary recording that we all know and love. I'm so taken by the seeming spontaneity and sincerity of her delivery of "you'll never be a kid again, kiddo" considering she must have uttered it 1,00 times by then.

[@JohnBenincasa]

When most folks think of Dean Jones they picture him with a small white Volkswagen Beetle. Glad this video exists that shows what a truly brilliant talent this man was!

[@anah3864]

Yes! This!

[@perrylindsay6682]

agreed ,hes brilliant ,big surprise 👏👏👏

[@kimdoesstuff]

Stephen Sondheim had such a high impact on me and has made me cry so many times for his genius music and story. Now I cry as he’s gone. RIP Stephen Sondheim.

[@theelusiverainbow]

🖤🖤🖤🖤

[@theofields6359]

I cried too. He left us a great inheritance if you will. So thankful

[@billbrimmer1739]

The fact that Dean Jones’ performance had the composer and producer’s approval certifies it.. His fellow actor’s applauded it. That’s all you need to know. RIP.

[@Pww642]

Dean isn’t my favorite singer of this, but goddam if this isn’t the best, most magical recording of it ever. Everything is so sublime. The late hour. The live orchestra. The whole cast supporting him and each other. Elaine’s smile. Sondheim loving it. And Dean just pouring everything into it.

[@kittykate314]

Agree!

[@windstorm1000]

Spot on tribute!

[@echadmeir]

The most genuinely adult song about marriage and relationships that I know, and, I think, the finest performance - and there have been some great ones. And the period wonderfully comes through too.

[@windstorm1000]

I love how Mr. Jone's plays this like the 'everyman'--not like the broadway tenors--you really believe his version--he's going through all these feelings. His enunciation, and tenor voice are great help too! I love the spare orchestration--it doesn't blow away this tender, yet soaring song.

[@theofields6359]

Yes!!

[@denisehicksbrown7502]

For all those reasons, THIS is the definitive version of “Being Alive.” No one else has every bled on this track like Dean Jones. Perfection!

[@7StoriesVideo]

This clip is the embodiment of beautiful sadness. The intensity of Dean Jones combined with the gorgeous music and the looks on the faces of the other performers is emotionally shattering - and exhilarating at the same time.

[@jaypuncher]

I had the pleasure of stage managing the 1993 reunion concert of the original cast of COMPANY and Dean singing this was certainly a highlight! Rest in Peace dear Dean...

[@TheEsperanza243]

+jaypuncher Wow, super jealous.

[@SoaringTrumpet]

+jaypuncher Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

[@Ediesvids]

I love near the end when Dean starts smiling. He realizes he did have one more left in him.

[@DocPortland]

wow this is incredible! here we are are 45 years after they recorded this, and still no one can top it!

[@Fmcqueen4]

+Jeff Hooper Raul esperaza came close.. but no one can every top dean

[@byronmiller6617]

I like Raul's version better, but they're both amazing.

[@theofields6359]

A convergence of time, place, styles, perhaps even genetics, and you have a writer and vocalist made for a moment. Can’t get it back, good thing it was recorded:)

[@PopeLando]

51. 😍

[@prestuvius]

I love watching Elaine watching her fellow castmates.

[@DeanLeonard1]

RIP Dean Jones. What a wonderful performer.

[@TwilightEpiphany]

70s musicals were really something else

[@StevenWasher]

There's a melodic sweetness; a music deep in his soul that's incredibly moving. This has always been one of my favorite Broadway performances. No current actor can even begin to match it, let alone surpass it. And how astounding to see it on video after all these years. And the bonus: to see Elaine Stritch and Beth Howland, two incredible actors, cheering him and each other on...simply magic.

[@CarolAnneChapman]

This is fantastic. I never heard of this before. Thanks for sharing it.

[@susanmdunn1]

I'm seeing Company this weekend. I will never be able to see this show without seeing Dean doing this song. Out of this World!

[@TheIanyardley]

Saw 'Company' in the Original London Production back in 1972. A wonderful production with Elaine Stritch etc., though I'm not sure if Dean Jones was with them as Bobby

[@StevenWasher]

He was in the middle of a nasty divorce at the time and left the show shortly after it opened. Wild speculation on my part, but I wonder if this performance came out of sheer loneliness. By the way, this was not the "take" they used in the cast album.

[@TheIanyardley]

But a great performance from Elaine Stritch AND she. like Angela Lansbury is still going.

[@mgarrison1980]

This is my go-to song when i am feeling down. The passion he sings with and the words in the song just turn me around.

[@susanmdunn1]

yes, Yes, YES! I do it too!

[@ReneeDeborah]

Still my very favorite rendition of this song. Totally powerful.

[@sh1tlips4]

Always my favorite

[@Bob27Fat]

Raul Esparza

[@ReneeDeborah]

Just finished watching the film “Marriage Story”. Not sure why Adam Driver hates listening to his singing voice. He didn’t do a disservice to the song ..... But I still love this version.

[@lorrainedonahue9507]

It's funny. I never knew about this until a few years ago. I remember Dean Jones from Disney movies in my childhood. This just blew me me away. Amazing talent!

[@TarotMage]

I would always cry at this song. Now I'm going to cry even more. RIP, Mr. Jones. :*(

[@tomhackett2784]

+TarotMage Totally agree with you.

[@jrwxtx]

+TarotMage Very Sad. Too bad the general public only knows him from Disney movies! This is brilliant--best "Bobby" ever!

[@TheEsperanza243]

+jrwxtx What are you talking about? The only Disney films he did were That Darn Cat and The Love Bug.

[@TheEsperanza243]

Wow, I've never even heard of those before.

[@jessica23claire]

I don't have anything deep to add to this conversation but I LOVE your Carrie icon, OP!

[@andrewjones1143]

The look on his face after he sings the final note is just so filled with pain and confusion. Either he was really getting into character, or he was going through something that this song brought up in him. It's so amazing that we have this moment preserved for years to come!

[@MCiliberti1]

The definition of intimate

[@yomega69]

I love how he was so in the zone. Afterwards he was like "WHERE AM I?!?!"

[@cherylmcnutt9905]

No. He was asking himself “was it good enough?” It was.

[@afrogirl757]

I think he was able to gather the moments of what he was living in his personal life and bring it to that recording. He put his heart in it with that dream team cast. RIP Mr Jones.

[@cbalducc]

Dean said or wrote that his drinking and womanizing led to the collapse of his first marriage. He later became a born-again Christian and remarried. Maybe Dean’s career fizzled after that, but that wasn’t the most important thing for him anymore.

[@katryamamable]

"Being Alive" was a sort of an anthem of the times. Sort of still is. RIP. Dean Jones. You nailed it.

[@susanfennimore3152]

Wow! Wrong being alive ,your thinking of the bee gee s

[@mediamamachick]

I love Adam Driver's talent. Like Spike Lee said," Adam Driver is a Beast!!!" However Dean Jones elevates the feeling and words of this song to another level. For me no one can touch this original cast version.

[@BrettAlanActor]

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

[@TheBonerBoyzGotWood]

Definitive version. Arguably one of the finest vocal performances ever on a Broadway cast recording. I frankly find it difficult to listen others sing thing this song because of this amazing performance. It brings tears every time. One can even say that for the entire album.

[@jamesmurrell2306]

Yes! No adjectives, no amendments. Just, yes.

[@evamakri9694]

I know exactly what you mean

[@ladyblakeney]

Same. This is his song, then, now, and always.

[@victordunson719]

Not remotely close to Esparza

[@ReneeDeborah]

I believe this is my absolute favorite rendition of this song. Jones is just awesome here.

[@myratravin9588]

We know he was going through a very painful divorce and that he's doing this through major trauma -- a song about being traumatized by relationships. Also he sings his heart out on the take before this and it wasn't quite good enough. Imagine being him and saying...maybe I have one more in me...and tries it again. Then he transcends the song and the moment like an angel. This is the The Love Bug Disney guy who people may not know was such an a beautiful and profound actor. This moment makes him immortal. It's glorious.

[@literallyallthingsonice]

This song makes me actually feel glad to have loved and lost. By feeling more alive than ever during heartbreak.. we want to die. "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."

[@wordwan]

I wonder how different Dean's life would have been had he continued in this role. Lovely, finding little gems like these. I've never heard him sing this. Thanks for posting it. roo

[@VictoriaBlogger]

Goodbye, Mr. Jones - you are more alive now than you ever have been before, and I hope you're loving it!! We miss you down here already and we'll never forget you!

[@omargoodnesssake]

I’m balling😭 Charles Kimbrough and Beth Howland used to come into my store and I told them how I found out about them and Company watching PBS. Elaine Stritch used to come in also. They were all so lovely. My heart is breaking. Thank you for these videos.

[@nancyglem]

Elaine Stritch looks like she's enjoying herself so much & realizes that she's part of a very big moment with Dean singing. That's so incredible that they came into your store. Great story, thank you for sharing it

[@indigoziona]

Love this. It feels like both a breakdown and a breakthrough ❤

[@LanaDelGaydio]

Dang, I don't think I've seen a better summary of this song before I read this comment

[@doubledancer]

This is the definitive performance... It moves me more deeply each time I hear it. Bravo, Dean!

[@Bob27Fat]

Raul Esparza

[@zeldaharris4091]

Soon after the death of my husband I went to join a musical group in Tel Aviv we were given songs from shows to choose to work on and when I heard this I burst into tears. It was how I felt but not for the same reasons. Of the 40 or so people there one sitting next to me put out his hand and said:"this is your song, right"?

[@OBDjFH05]

The most moving performance I've ever seen. It still gives me chills.

[@aliced8678]

The intensity in Dean Jones’ eyes as he sings every word goes straight to the heart and pierces it. Incredibly touching ❤

[@gloriamitchell3518]

Being Alive.....this is how I feel on this day, in this moment. Thank you Stephen Sondheim.

[@Kasino80]

Keep coming back to this version. Brilliant! Emotional! Marvelous!

[@markrichards6863]

That, ladies and gents, is what I would call giving yourself 100% to something but then digging even a little deeper. It's an amazing performance.

[@amandaletendre601]

Well put!

[@bronxgal3213]

Saw Company on Broadway back in 1970. Nothing has ever come close to this work! Saw it with Larry Kirk.

[@NoFirstNoLastName]

It’s so sweet to see Elaine smile when the line “Come on! You’re on to something, Bobby! You’re onto something!” I would cry if she smiled at me like that.

[@MCiliberti1]

No mere words can express the emotions in this performance. They are all pulling for him as he bares his soul.❤

[@susandoyle-hosie1357]

Absolutely magnificent

[@joshbygosh89]

omg. he gave me the chills.

[@jamesrahner8920]

Elaine Stritch’s smile is so warm it makes me want to tear up.

[@kjg61]

I am so grateful my parents introduced me to theatre at an early age. This show was part of the soundtrack of my youth.

[@salmal7]

Never, ever get tired of watching this/listening to this. Thank you Dean Jones!

[@marniedolera245]

I always thought Raul Esparza did the best version of this, with NPH coming in a close second, but a comment on the NPH version led me this performance which, I have to say, blows all others out of the water. I was teary-eyed almost from the first stanza. "Maybe there's one more in me, let's find out." Love that.

[@JulianneHannes]

Listen to Aaron Tveit's version

[@stevewashington4372]

Thrilling and so, so good!!!

[@brians2025]

Still, the greatest interpretation of this song..!!

[@execelsior999]

Absolutely the truth!!! As much as I admire the singing of Barbra Streisand, her version is painful to listen to.

[@Bob27Fat]

Raul Esparza

[@lucasignacioarayaaraya8791]

Adam Driver

[@susanmdunn]

I confess I can't listen to anyone else do this song. Why try? Its the BEST!

[@elphbwckd212]

There is something about the raw quality that modern day recording just can't capture. We refine too much. This is perfection because it's raw and rough. That's what makes it so magical and timeless.

[@AdventistPrepper]

Just stopped by to admire. Rest in Peace Brother Dean.

[@umaralansari]

He gave it everything, as the tears demonstrate at the end! Great performance by a nice man.

[@Pianomagicdude]

If you listen very closely after the final note, you can hear a very quiet "Damn!"

[@mortalclown3812]

Joseph Rollins I think it was God talking. :-)

[@beantaylor4332]

WHAT A GOOD CATCH THANK YOU

[@mcgahab]

OMG YES!!!

[@KaseyWynne]

Oh wow, you can! Thanks, I would never have heard it otherwise.

[@vhope00]

Still the best version--such an emotional performance. Great singing and acting.

[@execelsior999]

Absolutely the very best version of this great song.

[@Arkelk2010]

Agreed. I have heard Larry Kert's version (thanks KZbin!). It is fine, but I think Jones' version integrates the character into the song better. (On a tangent, I don't think anyone will ever beat Larry Kert in West Side Story, though.)

[@twheeler1980]

He left everything on the floor. “Somebody crowd me with love.”

[@melshinab6081]

I can listen to Dean Jones belt out his heart in this song all day long.

[@MarkHyde]

Dean Jones on Broadway - a time long time ago - beautiful rendition - this man has lived these words. :)

[@jlee4039]

Rest In Peace, Mr. Sondheim. American musical theater, which you helped define, will forever be in your debt.

[@melissaclaire107]

One of the few songs in my life that woke me out of a dead sleep. Was watching "Six By Sondheim" on HBO and drifted off until this performance came on. I can't stop watching this! Such powerful emotions and lyrics, it had me in tears too. The only other two songs that come near are Gary Moore's "Still Got The Blues For You" and Nils Lofgren's "Valentine". I've checked out Julian Ovenden, Raul Esparza, Larry Kert and Neil Patrick Harris' version, but still think Dean Jones' owns this song. Thank-you, Stephen Sondheim.

[@cscottzimnamaste]

I will always refer to this as the definitive version of this monumental piece. There have been and will be, other valid interpretations of this song, but every iteration springs from something here. Dean Jones' intensity and dedication to honoring the truth of the lyrics dig deep, making that unmistakeable Sondheim connection.

[@forbsie05]

RIP Stephen Sondheim. Thank you so much.

[@larksongmusic]

My favorite song from Company. I'm glad to now have his voice imprinted with the song in my memory.

[@trmsomasf]

I come back to this from time to time to get a sip of soul stirring.

[@Jay-cn4yj]

Came here after Marriage Story. The ad for the video was for Star Wars.

[@susanmdunn1]

I just missed seeing Dean do this in New York. He had already left, and I loved Larry. Now I can only listen to this one. DEAN NAILED IT!

[@MCiliberti1]

Dean Jones breaks into another dimension and gives us his heart… unbelievable ❤

[@spaceface320]

Rest In Peace Sondheim, for writing one of the most emotional songs about what it means to love and be alive

[@karenk3043]

Saved on my phone because it is always beautiful.

[@michaelcortez1531]

Dean Jones was a childhood hero of mine. His film work for Disney was great family fun.

[@lorainebenjamin6574]

Isn't this what we all truly want?

[@michael_harren]

My God, this is just perfect.

[@lucianedamestois]

Absolutly brought tears to my eyes. Just a phenominal performance!

[@mortalclown3812]

Rest in paradise, Stephen.

[@judemorrison]

I have to say that, while I have heard many performers sing this song, whenever I hear Mr. Jones' performance I turn into a puddle of mush! Perfection! Bravo!

[@murielbarker4311]

Who ever sings this will unfortunately be judged by Dean Jones amazing raw performance of this song he was brilliant RIPDean

[@AVPGleek]

This is definitely the best performance of this song I've heard!

[@andygrilz8497]

My perception of the goofball from the Herbie movies, Dean Jones, has just changed forever. Wow.

[@idavo]

This is beautiful , bloody crying listenig.

[@idavo]

What a voice.

[@stevewashington4167]

This is brilliance on every level! Writing, direction, performance. Yeah...Sondheim's the man, lol.

[@gloriaklimczak9150]

For the love of my life, gone too soon, our beloved daughter, and the best grandson anyone could ever want.

[@yosefdemby8792]

Rest in peace George Furth, Dean Jones and Stephen Sondheim!

[@jandreidrn]

And also to Elaine Stritch

[@yosefdemby8792]

@@jandreidrn Her as well, yes.

[@Arkelk2010]

I just listened to the Dean Jones and Larry Kert versions. Different voices and emphases--which are fine. I don't think that Dean Jones could have kept up this intensity through eight performances a week. I'm very glad that we have this all-out version, as it is spectacular. I am also glad we have both the Kert and Jones versions, and both men deserve praise for their work.

[@JEPorter777]

This moved me to tears even MORE than the Adam Driver version. The combination of acting,the vocal, genuine emotion and overall performance is truly Beatle level great.

[@corvus1374]

Back before they recorded the vocals and the backing music at different times. The musicians were performing while he was singing.

[@rossinilove]

100 stars! How can you not have tears in your eyes?

[@karenmccants1439]

Wow--always loved him but never realized his vocal talent--superb.❤️🙏🏽

[@Miriam-fk9wr]

🗣 BRAVO!!!! 👏🏻 WOW it’s gives me goosebumps listening to their singing.

[@lucy327rss]

very talented man...grew up watching all of his disney movies which I saw in the theater in the 60's and early seventies.

[@MadgesHatboxVintage]

My favorite Sondheim show.