Chess Benefit Concert Rehearsal - The Arbiter

[@RichardBrennan]

Raul and the director have hit on a winning combination here. By eliminating the need for the arbiter to dance, all he has to do is interpret the rapid-fire lyrics, which he now actually has the chance to do. I also like the way Raul knows when to tap into the rhythm and when to throw it away and move at his own pace. It gives it a more natural feeling.

[@TimeandMonotony]

I see a lot of Raul's Freddie here. He's got that same swagger (and sunglasses.) Which is great!

[@PatricktheRogue]

Do you know if Raul was the singer of the arbiter in the 2008 CD release, Chess The New Musical Cast?

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@PatricktheRogue If you mean Chess in Concert with Josh Groban, Adam Pascal and Idina Menzel, no, Raul wasn't in that. Marti Pellow was the Arbiter (not one of my favorite Arbiters, personally.) Raul played Freddie in the 2018 Kennedy Center production, though.

[@PatricktheRogue]

@@TimeandMonotony No not that. There is a 2008 CD release Chess The New Musical Cast from Big Eye Records, a a studio recording. .Sounds like Raul, but there are no credits.

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@PatricktheRogue Oh really? I didn't know about that.

[@canalelvira]

uau...He is The Arbiter ....what a voice

[@Darklyastir]

This guy nails it

[@darthmimi]

...The shades actually manage to ENHANCE the Crazy Facial Expression Love that is Raul Esparza.

[@blue1297]

lol. I love his dance break near the end.

[@AMcGrath82]

I've seen a lot of versions of this. This one is a bit fast. But the actor playing the Arbiter himself does very, very well. Respect where it's earned.

[@stakemespike04]

I looove his nerdy dance moves in the background. So funny!!

[@RAC3504]

I wish they had added Raul to the rest of that dream cast-he's a beast!!-Awesome

[@katelovestennessee]

AMAZING!

[@russelllindsay2702]

Love it. So funky!

[@WadeAblitt]

I love the way Seth directs just by singing and pointing his finger in the air!

[@NorceCodine]

I got goose bumps...

[@hannahwig]

Raul did play The Arbiter in the show and he was WONDERFUL if I do say so myself....

[@jonnycunliffe]

raul is great!!

[@dragonbalde43]

I can't believe 2 people "disliked" this.

[@angelwings4191]

Raul was a lot better than Marti Pellow. Raul has power behind his voice, Marti was so quiet and his voice just didn't bring out the character like Raul's does.

[@bmc102392]

hottest arbiter everrrrr

[@monorailblue]

Hahaha I love his swagga!

[@ctaxgb]

He is not "Bjorn The Unique", but it is EXCELLENT impersonation! And the finale is Brilliant! Best I saw for now. Million thanks to uploader.

[@wowamazing123]

raul is the best.

[@katelovestennessee]

the rake of the stage is freakin scary!

[@AMcGrath82]

The backing vocals are actually quite good.

[@charizardag]

I really wish that the Final cut was posted again. done anyone else have that? all I can find of this version is the rehearsal

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

Here's a clip of the number in the actual concert: kzbin.info/www/bejne/roXdkn-an6qbiKc I wish I had a straightforward source for you, but all I can say is if you were to type "chess concert 2003", you'll find various clips of this broadcasted concert along with rehearsal clips like this one. Also, I suggest you look up the video lists referred to as "broadway bootlegs", for I believe the full thing should be in one of those lists somewhere.

[@Rudziewicz]

That's because left-handed conductors are amazing.

[@VicViper26]

I would, believe it or not, title him as a baritone. His most comfortable notes are rather low. He, however, is a fantastic singer. Ergot, he can hit tenor and soprano notes.

[@lexellcassini]

Come to Mexico, Raul :(

[@Jiraiya1313]

me too but the cast of the DVD was pretty great.

[@Chriswren9]

So is Raul a baritone or a tenor...? Because he can get up pretty high but that would also be considered the range of a baritone.... ps.I think he is the next generation of B-way and I can't wait to see what his next project is...but I say that every time...

[@G4Rat]

I love how confused those two women look around 2:36. Raul starts to move her

[@kimberlygabaldon3260]

He does a good job. I'm still addicted to Björn, though.

[@phangirlable]

Sounds perfect! Though I don't think anyone can ever beat the original Tom Jobe sang this while dancing his butt off to a difficult choreography. :D

[@jazzophile]

+Elarion Tom Jobe was the Arbiter in the first West End production

[@MaskedMan66]

Who's the curly-haired lady in the black skirt?

[@charizardag]

this version?

[@jonnycunliffe]

raul didn't play the arbitr in the actual concert did he? why wasn't marti rehearsing?

[@Ander01SE]

Probably didn't like the pace of this version, I prefer Björn Skifs version myself.

[@ieatglue44]

I would say Tenor. Because tenors can get low. And baritones can go lower. I don't think Raul can go as low as a baritone could - at least, he doesn't usually. Bobby in Company seemed a bit low for him. I could be completely wrong, though. Hahahaha

[@spookythebando]

I just noticed that Seth's conducting with his left hand.... hmmmm. He's still freaking awesome.

[@Chriswren9]

Here Here! I can't spell ether! Who cares!?!

[@AMcGrath82]

He needs to work on his posture.