Opera Singer Reacts to VOICEPLAY & Arellano | You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch | Performance Analysis

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Who is the Grinch?!

[@staceypost7282]

The guys say he's THE Grinch, the real one.

[@Yoruten17]

Great review :) Even Voiceplay is keeping the Grinch's true name a secret! People are speculating a man named Tony who is a former member of the group. J'None is the baritone with the sick runs, Eli is the tenor, and Layne is the beat boxer and usually does the arrangement.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

@@Yoruten17 THANK YOU!

[@maeco7]

Lots of people have been speculating that he's actually the Grinch from Universal Studios in Orlando. VoicePlay definitely has connections there (Geoff for sure used to work there, not sure about the others), so that would make sense!

[@meganmurdock9107]

@@maeco7 J None did too. He was Dracula in the Beetlejuice show and Geoff was Frankenstein.

[@VracksTSC]

"I'm not ready!" No one ever is when it comes to Geoff. Check out their Oogie Boogie song and the Little Mermaid Medley to see Geoff play Ursala

[@darquemode1165]

I watched Geoff's video on how to sing really low and I was so not ready. Soon as it began and he spoke I lost it. Well yeah.. have _that_ voice and sing low. Easy peasy.

[@viperstrike3827]

@@darquemode1165 I can sing it like Thurl Ravenscroft.

[@lazaren5632]

Adriana is 16. Geoff arranged this. And the makeup was amazing.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

16?!

[@lazaren5632]

@@jessicasopranonotes The bald guy is Eli (El- ee) and sings tenor mostly, and the guy with the runs is J. None who sings mostly baritone. No one knows who the Grinch is (Except Voiceplay) because he was provided by the make-up company (Voiceplay is in Orlando and regularly do things for Disney and Universal Studios). J. None is also a vocal coach through Tara Simon Studios. Can you check out their version of Imagine Dragons - Warriors? Betting it'll blow your socks off.

[@WelcomeApathy]

@@lazaren5632 I second Warriors times a thousand!!

[@KurNorock]

Wish I would have known that before. Now I have to go to jail.

[@kd5nrh]

You know why basses do so much arranging? Because somebody else did it once and we don't want to suffer through that again. Seriously, who thinks up some of the bass lines in hymns? Ten measures of one note, a jump across the whole scale and back to one note.

[@mickoldbear3008]

Geoff Castelucci does that, lol, and he isn't even trying yet...and as mentioned elsewhere check the Oogie Boogie song for his range... 5 octaves I believe...

[@catwhowalksbyhimself]

Actually, I consider the Little Mermaid medley to be an even better demonstration of his range.

[@ad9aggie]

His cover of the Beatles' Blackbird shows his range even more. It is on his channel.

[@mickoldbear3008]

@@catwhowalksbyhimself you'll get no argument from me friend.... And as another comment says, blackbird as well.

[@laurab5750]

He's like 3 notes shy of 6 octaves.

[@mickoldbear3008]

@@laurab5750 bet he's working on bagging them as well.... 😀

[@Debs_Badger]

Nice reaction, I appreciated your calling attention to some of the details that many reactors miss. I think because, as a singer, your perspective is different. So thank you for that. I think you got all your questions answered by other commenters, except the question we ALL have (and the one the boys aren't answering), who the Grinch is. VoicePlay has some truly wonderful arrangements, in many different styles, depending on where your interest lies. Some favorites of mine are "Something Just Like This," "Can't Help Falling in Love," "Bridge Over Troubled Water," "Kiss," and "Attention." I will mention, though, if you watch any of those I've listed, you will see a fifth member. His name is Earl and he was their Tenor 1 until he left the group this past June. He is missed. Oh! Thought of another brilliant one with a different featured singer (since it's post-Earl): "Superstition."

[@ashleysheree7057]

VoicePlay are always going all out with the costumes, sets, and makeup. That's why they're my favorite! To see more of that you should check out their Little Mermaid Medley. Also Geoff arranged this one. And the one doing the runs is J. None. He and Eli (the bald guy with glasses) are both known for doing amazing runs

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I love that they go all out! It makes them stand out! So much appreciation for the work they put in their videos and arrangements.

[@CaseyCassidy]

You should do more Voiceplay, literally any of them, they're amazing. And their descriptions tends to have whose arrangement it is (which I really like) and the names of the sings and such!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

WHO'S READY?! Cause I definitely wasn't!

[@MIBAQS]

YEAH! MORE!!! And Voctave please =). Any song. Love from Uruguay!

[@bethelliot7140]

If you love Disney, you'll also love their Moana medley

[@azitula]

Love your reaction. I learn and appreciate the song more from your analysis. Thank you. Voiceplay always has the credits in the description. Geoff did the arrangement for this one. Most of their production is either arranged by Geoff or Layne ( beatboxer). Waiting for next one. Merry Christmas!

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I didn't know, thanks! And your comment was a great reminder for me to leave the original video link in my description box, always forget. Merry Christmas!! ☺️

[@louf1025]

Welcome to Voiceplay! This is exactly what they do. They're all incredible - great ranges, not just Geoff. Their technical ability is superb. You'll hear complex harmonies from them, perfect arpeggios and bell tones, time signature changes, syncopations, etc. They're so technically perfect. And then they have Geoff's 5 octave + range.

[@dgkesquire]

J. None is the baritone with the manbun and the sick runs. Eli (pronounced "El-Lee") is the tenor. And Layne is the beat-boxer who waited on the Grinch.

[@Star-vh4cs]

And the dog too

[@Drake844221]

Welcome to the world of VoicePlay XD Honestly, they're my favorite acapella group these days, and they constantly do amazing work. About a year ago, one of their founding members, a guy named Earl, left the group. He was their high-end singer, and he's been a part of the group since they started. It still breaks my heart that he moved on from the group, but I do have to respect his decision. As such, they've spent the last year going through featured artists, as a kind of extended audition process. They did the same thing when another member, Tony, had left the group years ago, and JNone (Mr. Runs) was the featured singer for a number of videos until he was announced to be the new standing 5th member. They've done some amazing work while going through guest artists, both this time and the last time. I look forward to when they settle on someone to be their new fifth member, but I trust them to do good work in the time until then.

[@daynanoneya3068]

Voiceplay is incredible! They have so many great songs! I really think you'd like their Little Mermaid Medley and Boy Bands in 5 Minutes to name a couple. Great reaction.

[@maeco7]

I absolutely love how you break these videos down! Great reaction - I love VoicePlay :)

[@inferlynx737]

Voiceplay also did phantom of the Opera as an opera singer I’d love to hear your opinion

[@caincronos]

Can't believe this was three years ago already! I remember loving it when it came out and I'm still coming back to it so many years later when the season comes around. All the best and congrats on 100k!✌

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thank you! 😊🤗

[@sprumf]

In the description they put who arranged the music and other fun stuff, geoff arranged this one. Phenomenal job on his part.

[@jimbull316]

I learn so much from you, but you are just so fun to watch and listen to at the same time What a gift you have!!!

[@staceypost7282]

I really love your reviews. You are both knowledgeable and informative, and obviously passionate about music. You might be interested to know that Adriana is only 16 years old.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I just read that she is only 16 from another comment. I'm in shock! Such an accomplishment at such a young age!

[@Hashtag_Not_All_Hippies]

I love your reactions. They're spot-on, technical without drowning in details. And your joy at listening/watching great music is contagious. I only have one small criticism, and it's a minor one. Someone may have said it before, Idk. You have a lot of comments (and well deserved). But, there was about a 5-second funny bit at the end of the video that got cut off. No music, it wasn't 'absolutely necessary' but it did make a good/funny cap to the end of the video.

[@Skybolt211]

Jess, awesome reaction and breakdown, as usual... you might really enjoy jumping over to the Charismatic Voice and watching Elizabeth's interview with Layne Stein, the one who puts all this VoicePlay stuff together.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Awesome recommendation! I’ll definitely watch it, thank you!

[@Lego51]

She also has a great interview with Mr. Geoff.

[@Nyxira]

You are delightful. Thank you. Also I agree with your groans. The man can SING.

[@RougeOso]

I always learn something from you 😁 Oh are you in for a treat! Others by them (FacePlay) Nightmare Before Christmas “Oogie Boogie” “What’s This” & “Kidnap Mr. Sandy Claws”

[@RougeOso]

Can’t wait!

[@trixiebella]

Great job! They are so fun love them.

[@user-mo7ck7nc8z]

Ima say it again...I could listen to you talk music all day long. My 2021 is going to be a major improvement from 2020 and I pray your work here is part of it lovely lady. Have a wonderful rest of 2020.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

What a beautiful comment. Thank you!! So glad to have you as part of my journey ☺️

[@phcusnret]

I love watching people react to Geoff's crazy low notes.

[@rio5439]

Your analyses is so amazing and interesting, thank you!! Can't wait for more VoicePlay reactions! Their names: Baritone (guy with the wonderful runs) - J.None Tenor (guy with the glasses) - Eli Beatboxer - Layne and Bass - Geoff who also arranged this If you love their transitions, I can highly recomment their Queen in 5 minutes or Boy Bands in five minutes medleys, those are masterpieces concerning transition between songs and visuals!

[@bobwatson8754]

Just wanted to note my appreciation of what you bring to reaction videos. Knowledge, humor, style, good looks. YGG.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Thanks so much Bob! Loving the reassurance ☺️

[@stado9891]

Thank you for taking your time to explain so well

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

I do not know the name of the gentleman playing the Grinch, but I do know he is a staff character actor at Universal Studios, Florida, where this video was filmed. He does a lot of work for them. It might be that they brought back Tony Wakim, who used to be a member of the group and who has on occasion played the Grinch at Universal since then. All of the members of Voiceplay started out as vocal performers at the Disney parks and at Universal Studios here in Orlando, where they are still based -- and where I live. The current lineup of Voiceplay is: Eli Jacobson - tenor (he's the bald guy in the glasses) Jesse "J" None -- baritone (he's the guy whose runs you adored) Geoff Castallucci - bass (you know who he is) Layne Stein - vocal percussion (and a baritone when he gets to sing)

[@jessicasopranonotes]

So helpful, thank you!

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

@Alexandria Hauser Among others.

[@GrumpyOldGuyPlaysGames]

@Alexandria Hauser I think it was Jason Isaacs who said that the best villains have always been played by people who are folks with amazing senses of humor.

[@BartonBreen]

Something else to note. The original of this in 1966 was sung by Thurl Ravenscroft, whom Geoff has said several times is his bass role model. Geoff did the arrangement on this. I'm sure it was very meaningful to him to update it and play with the arrangement, but there's a lot of the original bass there as a sort of homage.

[@sunniva7982]

Thank you! This is exactly the type of analysis I've been looking for! I know that they are brilliant, but you help me know why they are :D

[@obe22099]

No idea why I wasn't notified, I had the stupid KZbin bell thing on. Good that I go through my subscriptions once in a while.

[@bethelliot7140]

👏👏👏 I especially like the backing vocals at the end, the Ba da ba da

[@guypithecusthe1st453]

Adriana was also featured in Voiceplay's "Frozen 2 Medley" and appeared in their epic, "Just Sing" from the Troll's World Tour movie. If you watch their "Just Sing" video turn on closed captions to see everybody's name. ... Guy

[@christineschutten248]

It's a year later but... 👏 👏 👏 I loved this and I really liked your reaction.

[@gregconley746]

They did this shoot at the orlando studios, the grinch is the person who plays the grinch there!

[@davidclaudy4822]

She’s beautiful. Love her.

[@pgismo1012]

Loved your reaction/analysis! You're one of my faves to watch. You should check out VoicePlay's "Tennessee Whiskey", any of their "Nightmare Before Christmas" stuff and "Lost In Japan" to hear more of J.None and his runs.

[@EricHammond01]

I love your reactions ❤

[@ПетрКобзарь-к6з]

pls, more reaction of Geoff and Voiceplay

[@Richie_RHD]

Oh geez, welcome to the voice play wormhole. Oogie boogie song is epic. It’s also appropriate for Christmas time. Also, I’m subbing so I can catch the next voice play songs you do

[@finalfantasyruler]

“Narcissistic sopranos. We’re a lot but we have good intentions” girl I just found your channel and I love you. Subscribed.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

lol, thanks!!

[@chefe6597]

Love your videos. I'd love to see you perform live one day. I love opera music.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I have been thinking of doing something special for the 2021 year, so stay tuned 😉

[@chefe6597]

@@jessicasopranonotes awesome can't wait

[@kristinalarson3745]

you should really listen to Voiceplay's The Little Mermaid! It's beyond goodk!

[@stevenzickau3918]

If you haven't heard or seen Voiceplay's version of "My Mother Told Me", it is a must see. Layne designed the background, costumes and arrangement. He is the percussionist/beatbox and vocals.

[@Froggyh63]

Great reaction! Btw, Geoff has a solo Christmas song, Mele Kalikimaka with a female trio, The American Sirens. It is great!

[@Rosannasfriend]

Great reaction!

[@CynicalTesuji]

I learn so much from your reactions and comments. Hopefully you will do more reactions to other Voiceplay (and Geoff's solo work) in the future; they are so extraordinarily talented- as you well know!- and their arrangements are so clever. Also- and to me, this is the most important part- they have so much *fun*. It's always a little sad to me to see artist perform who are technically amazing, but seem to have lost some of the joy that comes with creating music. These guys are living their best lives while performing incredible music, and that elevates the experience to a whole other level. I have to echo other commenters, hoping that you will look into things like The Oogie Boogie song (if you are blown away by Geoff, this is something you won't want to miss) and other solo works by Geoff. His full range is on display on his covers of High and Dry (Radiohead) and Blackbird (the Beatles).

[@-.NYX.-]

LOL.. i am loving your reactions!! Great as always dear.. You um.. you should explore Voiceplay >.> And especially Geoff... this guys range is not humanly possible .... ♥

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Hi Jenna! I actually have a couple of videos on Mr. Castellucci's solo work on my channel 🤗

[@DougRayPhillips]

Voiceplay is: Eliezer Jacobson: Tenor Earl Elkins Jr: High Tenor (he left the group earlier this year, so they're operating with guest artists in the open spot) Jesse Nunn: Tenor/Bass [the guy who does the runs you commented on] Geoff Castellucci: High Tenor to subharmonic Layne Stein: Beatbox and extra voice, occasional violin

[@gavinglass5961]

I noticed that nobody has mentioned this so I wanted to let you know that Adriana Arellano is only 16!

[@darlenecheatham7775]

This is her 2nd video with them. Check out the Frozen 2 video

[@jessicasopranonotes]

Insane!!

[@3912James]

She looks early 20ish.

[@chandleraskew6496]

There are so many good songs from voiceplay! If you listen to queen in 5 minutes or can’t help falling in love by them you really get to see their ranges

[@tschlaak]

It looks like you reacted to Geoff headless horseman. You need to do more voice play!! Boy bands in 5. Queen in 5.

[@pauldavidson4977]

Jesse's runs are crisp and on point. He also does some vocal coaching at Tara Simon Studios.. Great arrangement, with excellent timing on all of their lines. Have a suggestion for you. I'm not sure if you've listened to the Mongolian band THE HU, started with 4 original members, ( all men ) performing a metal/rock mix with a flavoring of country. They use some traditional instruments alongside standard rock gear. Two versions of probably their most popular song called Wolf Totem. Original version is played at their Covid -19 relief effort fund raising concert, the second is done featuring Jacoby Shaddix of papa.roach. THE HU sing in their mother tongue, while the 2nd. has Jacoby singing I English with a bit of rap quality..

[@dustinwhitt3020]

Just discovered your channel and very much enjoy your animated reactions and technical breakdowns. Have watched your Home Free, Pentatonix, and now Voiceplay. Hope to see more reactions to these groups :) I think you would certainly enjoy Home Free's cover of "Ring of Fire" featuring Avi.

[@stevenshewfelt888]

love adriana's boots

[@submanusn3692]

11:03 ♫"Monsieur Grinch"♪

[@daventunes3822]

Voiceplay's longtime high tenor, Earl, left the group several months ago. Their videos since have featured guest artists, like this. They have also recalled a favorite partner of theirs, Rachel Potter, to do a couple of songs. They did something similar when Tony Wakim, the baritone, left the group. He was eventually replaced by J. None. Voiceplay has not yet announced if they are auditioning for the high tenor spot, or if they have I missed it. Oh, and there's a cute comedy bit at the end that you missed.

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I went back to rewatch the original video like 5 times because I loved it so much. And that's when I noticed I missed the funny part at the end lol

[@leonardsimmers9158]

Yes, the cover of Moana Medley, and Little Mermaid with Rachel Potter are great. They also recalled Adriana for their cover of Frozen 2 Medley. I think her voice really shines in that performance. Of course, you really need to check out their cover of The Oogie Boogie Song, from the Nightmare Before Christmas. Another one where Geoff goes sub-harmonics.

[@blueisback3683]

Yes, all of it was great, including Jess' reaction. And I agree, I could have sworn it was Jim Carey.

[@FretsOnFire]

Great reaction to this phenomenal number, really, what a great arrangement & performances!! Hey Jess - I'm Joe, I'm a guitarist in Chicago. I just saw your reaction to Dimash SOS & loved it, subscribed! But I noticed it was from a month ago & no Dimash since...you really seemed to love him, so I thought you would do more by now...please, more Dimash!!

[@jimjacobs322]

You have to watch Voiceplays covered of Imagine Dragons Warrior. One of my favorites by them

[@wendischambach6181]

Agreed! I also think you'll appreciate the suggestion for "Can't Help Falling in Love" and I'll throw in for "Tennessee Whiskey" as well.

[@rubenveiga7687]

I love your analyzes, they are so detailed that it is a pleasure to listen to them and that is why I would like to ask you if you can react to this theme of Argentine folklore, where I am from, a hug Prayer from the backwater - Manuel Moreira and Nahuel Pennisi

[@WelcomeApathy]

I don't know if anyone mentioned this, but the set design and all of that is done by the guys of Voiceplay. They do basically all the work except the makeup on pretty much all of their videos. Typically whoever does the arrangement also plans out and directs the video, although sometimes they change it up. They do the arrangements, they design and put together the sets, and they often do the editing of it all. They do have a guy who helps them with that sometimes. But in general, they're the ones doing it all. That's the same with lots of their solo work, too. For example, in Geoff's The Headless Horseman, it was him and his wife who put together the set, filmed the video, and even did the stuff for the special effects. There's a fun behind the scenes video on patreon of Geoff and his wife blowing out candles and then dropping to hide from the cameras repeatedly. Anyway, if you like good transitions, you've found the group for it. Check out their medleys, they'll blow your mind. The best for transitions, as well as vocals, are the Moana Medley, the Little Mermaid Medley, and Boy Bands in 5 Minutes, (which is a rioting good time!).

[@garethmcconathy4294]

Please react to Geoff’s cover of Blackbird by the Beatles!

[@jrRabet]

Geoff makes everyone melt. 😉

[@janetdw]

Adrianna was all of 16 when they did this!!!! She is all of 18 in their version of We’re Good”.

[@Batsonoutdoordesigns]

I don't know if you have seen their cover of Tennessee Whiskey but WOO BOY if you like J None and his runs you will LOVE IT! PS your singing voice is amazing!!

[@ilikememecats6836]

You need to watch Oggie Boogie Man by voiceplay,it's amazing

[@timothycrooker9065]

I would love to see a reaction to VoicePlay "This is Halloween" & "The oggie boogie man"

[@MrPaoloena]

Hi please react to "Misty mountains" Peter Hollens and Tim Foust they are singing a cappella and Tim is another basso profondo very very good. Stay safe

[@lkreinmiller-author]

Baritone - J. None. Tenor - Eli (Ellie). Beat box/Max - Layne Stein. I think the grinch was on loan from Universal Studios or Disney.

[@Rawwbot]

Impressed by Geoff Castelluccis Bass Voice? Check out "Voiceplay - Oogie Boogie Song" and turn the subtitles ON :D

[@BenPVC]

Make my Christmas wish come true please!! React to Yseult. Love your videos, hope everything's going great! Stay safe and happy holidays from Barcelona!

[@Noobslikepie]

Great video!! I was hoping you’d check out voiceplay after you did headless horseman. All of their arrangements are usually super clean and tight. Cant recommend highly enough their cover of Oogie Boogies song and their Little Mermaid Medley!

[@johnmeggers5059]

I'd love to hear your commentary on "You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch" as performed by Small Town Titans. Their bassist / lead singer has an incredibly low voice, and what they do with that song is, I think, almost beyond belief.

[@christopheralston9743]

Voiceplay on the sing-off show back in day had two females in the group!

[@shirleykarr3554]

Not accurate. They competed with Honey La Rochelle because the producers wanted them to have a female member. For the Sing-Off tour after the competition, Emoni Wilkins joined them instead of Honey. She had competed with another group.

[@claystovall]

You have to watch oogie boogie song. It's incredible.

[@Daehawk]

Theres something about a well spoken pretty girl that draws me into watching these reactions.

[@terrancenolan6832]

If you really want to see Geoff show his stuff, review Voice Play's cover of the Oogy Boogy Song. Geoff's got mad range and drops an inhuman low note too!

[@davidclaudy4822]

Who is the opera singer. She’s beautiful. I love her and her reaction to the video. Love it.

[@jennyo8596]

You have to do VoicePlay + Rachel Potter "Phantom of the Opera"! It is awesome!!

[@LadyAJ95]

Layne(sp?) , the beat boxer, does a lot of the song arranging.

[@sprumf]

I’m looking forward to the day you react to mele kalikimaka (might have spelled that wrong) by Geoff. It’s so good.

[@christinestromberg4057]

They had a high tenor who left the group so they now have various guests to make up the five.

[@rickieslinglend4854]

Need to listen to The Misty Mountain Cold

[@mattchan720]

React to more voice play please! Their oogie boogie cover and the little mermaid are my personally favourites

[@ltkauffee]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@georginafletcher1688]

Great reaction! You should definitely check out Geoff's cover of Blackbird, amazing! 👍❤😊

[@philstansfield]

Geoff and Layne (the beatboxer) do the majority of the arrangements for all their stuff.

[@desiraejohn4381]

OOGIE BOOGIE like for next reaction vote!!!!!!!! Will not regret i PROMISE

[@wtimmins]

Voiceplay's Oogie Boogie has a lot of really interesting visual stuff and some AMAZING bass singing.

[@wesleystorks9374]

If you really want Geoff’s range, immediately go and listen to his cover of High and Dry by Radiohead on his personal channel. It’s insane!

[@rollingmetal949]

Geoffgasms are real danggg

[@bradalpert6995]

Voice Play Bravo!! You should check out Home Free. Another phenomenal a cappella group. Their new original Christmas songs Snow Globe and Cold Hard Cash are great.

[@singlechristiancowboy]

👏

[@matthewdalzell2294]

Pentatonix is always a favorite! They have several Christmas songs out (and many others).

[@jessicasopranonotes]

I'm hoping to add one of their arrangements to my Christmas Performance Analysis Edition. Stay tuned 🤗

[@3912James]

Since you're in the Christmas spirit....at your leisure please react to Home Free Do You Hear What I Hear. ❤❤❤❤❤