Company 2007 Tony Performance: Being Alive

Raúl Esparza sings "Being Alive" from the John Doyle directed revival of Stephen Sondheim's Company. I personally felt that he gave a fantastic performance of one of my all time favorite songs. I would like to see the revival very much.

[@moonstone1520]

He was so robbed of the Tony. Everytime I hear him sing this song, I get goosebumps all over.

[@victordunson719]

Still pissed about that one

[@WatchandLearn16]

Who won?

[@Hannah-zm4et]

@@WatchandLearn16 David Hyde Pierce for the show Curtains

[@michaels9508]

I agree Nobody sings this like him

[@Nacho-Mamma]

He was most certainly robbed. In fact, this was also the best production of "Company" I have ever seen. The entire cast deserved a Tony!

[@juliaunger913]

That "mock me with praise" has got to be one of the most powerful moments on stage, ever.

[@KLK1618]

I totally agree! Gives me chills every time!

[@williamschiavi3966]

It's the moment in the song where i go from dewy eyed to crying

[@littlemissie7978]

"Mock???" Isn't it *"Mark* me with praise? I always thought it was "*Mark.*"

[@sharonfieldstone]

@@littlemissie7978 It is indeed mock!

[@anne-sophieletourneau-hudo9364]

@@littlemissie7978 it’s mock, because he’s a very cynical man and thinks a person could never love him properly (or he believes deep down he doesn’t deserve to be loved and therefore any kind of love he gets would be mockery and fake)

[@charlikoppinger]

Will never understand how he didn't get the Tony. This is the absolute best version of this song. Actually, Raul's versions are all my favorite. No one can sing the song the way he can.

[@figaroatemyshoe]

This performance is PERFECTION. Saw him live in the 1st row and he was so emotional when he finished this song that he had tears rolling down his face. He is riveting.

[@AbbeyThoughts]

I love your comment, Taylor. Thanks for leaving it.

[@Caligulita]

I’m so jealous. I can’t imagine a better experience.

[@samseleznow3430]

So many feels. There really is nobody who does this song justice like he does. Nobody.

[@jwhite7622]

Sam Seleznow listen to the original recording by Dean Jones. That is how the song should be sung really. Not that this guy isn’t good but he’s just not in the same league as Mr. Jones.

[@lovexstory2896]

wait until you hear Adam Driver sing this in Marriage Story

[@TheDavidStephens]

David Phelps with Voctave has the most mind blowing ending, but this is absolutely amazing as well!

[@johndillis3725]

@@lovexstory2896 just watched it. Brought me to tears. The context in the movie is entirely different (had it/lost it/wants it vs. avoided it/wants it) But the Director plays with that and makes it so so rich.

[@johndillis3725]

@@lovexstory2896 just rewatched the clip of Adam Driver. My god the emotional progression he goes through from karaoke ham to the realization that oh sh*t this song is my song to pleading with the universe redemption. It’s powerful

[@stonecutter0602]

This is without doubt one of the greatest theater songs ever written, and Esparza is really exceptional singing it. Who knew he was such a talented stage performer? Sondheim is a true genius. The song goes right through you, like a taser. Terrific!

[@jordoncarnegie1206]

We all did. Lol considering theatre is where he came from....

[@Hectorlionelcroons]

He should've won that Tony!!

[@jcmt88]

the intense vibrato is what makes this so amazing and memorable. Raul is truly a once in a lifetime guy. His intensity and the strength of his voice make this performance what it is.

[@Roguelle]

But can someone explain to me why Raúl can, at any moment, go from a demonic smoker(1:51) to operatic angel (1:53) in milliseconds. He does this in the Actors Fund HAIR concert too. Always leaving me breathless, speechless, and backtracking ...vocal acrobatics, this guy. So talented.

[@strivingformindfulness2356]

Arielle dela Calzada There's a video about that; not really answering the question (except Raúl's just amazingly talented!), but taking notice of a couple of other roles where he does this. (@3:38-6:22, approximately). kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmLSaquCfNJrZrc

[@unnatural6edq]

He has PERFECT breath control, that's why he can do those transitions so flawlessly and put so much emotion in all of his performances

[@jaydee970]

The best is example is "Time Warp" from Rocky Horror. There's a video.

[@danielleesparza8252]

I'm so in love with Raul Esparza's singing voice

[@julieelizabeth510]

I love him full stop. An incredible talent.

[@broadwaymelody33]

his last, big "BEEEEEEEEEEEEEE-iiiinnng" makes me cry every time I hear it

[@zerjiozerjio]

Same, person from 12 years ago. Same!

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

HE SHOULD HAVE WON THE TONY!!!!!

[@intheatremode]

It should've been him of Jonathan Groff that year..I do love David Hyde Pierce though.

[@earth2ela]

Who would know that he had lost his voice a few days prior to this performance? He's fantastic. And that doesn't even begin to cover it. His emotion is so incredibly strong in this stellar performance, that I had thrills and chills going through me. Raul Esparza--truly a one of a kind performer.

[@Caligulita]

Raul is one of the most talented and amazing people on stage ever. He deserves all the awards.

[@BrittanieShipway]

This is just stunning. I can't imagine any body else singing this song better. Perfect.

[@musicalgeek406]

A lot of people have sounded just as good singing this song. But Mr. Esparza delivers it with an unbridled passion and raw intensity that is unlike any I've ever seen. Absolutely brilliant. I wish he had won the Tony.

[@harrygonzalez4028]

Raul owns and lives every depth of sentiment of every word of Sondheim’s desperate existential cry for meaning in life ! Perfectly executed with such unnerving surrender to reflect the absurd albeit necessary need for attachment that is the essence of the human condition. The Genius Sondheim !

[@pannyy55]

This is, in my book, the best, greatest, masterpiece that Stephen Sondheim ever wrote. Well done, Master Sondheim...well done!!!!

[@miacienfuegos]

When he sings "Mock me with praise" SPEECHLESS!

[@aAryan0309]

I love how he just lets go for the last note it's breathtaking

[@4dultw1thj0b]

When I first saw this video 2 and a half years ago, it was the first time I'd ever heard this song and Raul's unbelievably beautiful voice, and I was moved to tears.

[@galileocan]

Me too. And when I saw him on the Tony Awards that year and heard him sing this, I knew I wanted to hear him sing it live. I ordered tickets and managed to hear him sing it the day before the show closed. Life is good for...Being Alive!

[@Theordoreqaz]

holy crap how the hell did he lose

[@EduardoTorres-ls6vr]

Aaron I guess David Hyde Pierce was better (don’t think so).

[@kennethdesmondmosley1075]

His performance was lackluster throughout and the show was overall cold and lifeless. There was so much time in his scenes waiting fir him to feel it before he spoke His timing was off and it was like a character that kept disconnecting from the story. But it’s an issue I have with many meisner trained actors. That said his work in the songs was great. Mary me a little was even better than this if you can imagine

[@Brevard1994]

Was at next performance on Broadway following his win.. (Tuesday night)… CRAZY show stopping crowd clapping standing ovation...went on for 15 minutes…Wow.

[@HPSJ85]

he didn't win sadly

[@CourtPren0613]

+Robert Beukema That's Raul Esparza & he didn't win

[@roguishpaladin]

To be specific, Company won one Tony of the three it was nominated for (which is why it got the applause). It did deservedly win best revival but Esparza lost for best male lead and it also lost out for best director. I still hate the fact that David Hyde Pierce won that year. He froze out not only Esparza (who I feel got robbed) but also Jonathan Groff for Spring Awakening. I could've dealt with Groff winning, but not Pierce...

[@aAryan0309]

Every time I listen to this song the Mock me with praise line always gets me his emotion is so raw and beautiful

[@fredlandes2279]

And when I hear it, I feel like it's too angry, that in reality being mocked with praise is something sweetly done by someone who loves and totally knows you.

[@rebeccalun990]

Raul really needs to be back on.Broadway. I love Rafael Barba (he is amazing) but he needs to show his talents and beautiful voice outside is the fancy suits and suspenders. he belongs on Broadway

[@kellyalves756]

Rebecca Lun Amen. It’s pretty obvious this is where his heart is.

[@JennaLeighhh]

one of the most brilliantly and beautifully composed shows in the history of broadway and musical theatre.

[@crispypoohs]

This will always be my favorite version of this song. That last phrase comes out from such a guttural place inside, I get chills every single time.

[@vdm33706]

When he did this number at the end of the show, it was awesome. His performance finally made the character someone you could understand, and see change and grow -- and get scared -- as the "years" were passing him by.

[@shannonsummers1352]

They way he belts the last note is too beautiful. It blows me away every time

[@rkgk1517]

This video has been on KZbin for 13 years and both the video and audio quality are pretty damn good. That's honestly super rare. Most videos of this caliber were struck for copyright reasons a long time ago.

[@crazylizer27]

I've seen recorded versions of both Neil's production (played at my local movie theater) and Raul's (on youtube somewhere), and even with the higher quality of sound on the NPH one, there is no contest to the emotion and power in Raul's voice. He was so much in character, I truly felt it.

[@gavinhart1068]

I’ve seen both versions as well and while I think Neil does a good job, there’s just something about Raul’s not only singing, but also his character. The buildup with his character into eventually this song is so good

[@kariclark4947]

I only wish he would have been casted as jean valjean in the le miz film. Don't know if he ever played the character on stage but he would have killed it. Sorry Russell, #sorrynotsorry

[@nplacy]

do you mean javert??

[@manumtz91]

did you forget his name?

[@mookietookie64]

+manumtz91 isn't that the one thing javert told him not to do

[@wendyhardin5259]

Not sorry you didn’t know the right role?

[@beggers5]

I do not think Raul gave up stage work as many actors move back and forth between the stage, television and film. Television does have a bigger paycheck considering he has a role on a major television series. I will say this that stage and Broadway actors are some of the most talented in the business period! It is interesting that many of you did not know that Raul has and continue to have a huge career as a stage actor.

[@hakunamattata437]

One of my all time favorite songs and tony performances. Wow wow wow.

[@TheaterBoyATA1]

he has so much emotion in this song, i cant imagine how it feels to expose a character like in in front of so many people in such a large space. its amazing, this man is a legend...

[@kaitlynparker1381]

This by far deserved best actor and best directer and the fact it did not get it is a crime.

[@natehadlock]

I've come back to watch this video multiple times for over a decade. just brilliant

[@MAKMB29]

I love Ezparaza's singing voice!!!!

[@catalpa797]

ezparaza

[@tealgurl7]

How is it possible that someone is that good? I can watch this a thousand times and not get sick of it. LOVE HIM!!!!

[@Jocular64]

Wow! This is the performance that made me fall in love with this super talented, handsome performer!

[@nathaly6619]

i've never heard of this musical and yet i'm crying

[@MasterCacophony]

His emotional portrayal is perfect !! I love this.

[@alankovacik1928]

such a incredible song! what a performance!

[@melisaez]

Heartbreakingly magnificent

[@NEO7426]

I saw this performance during rehearsals at the 2007 Tony Awards. it brought many people in the theater to tears. It was powerful and passionate ..INCREDIBLE!

[@strivingformindfulness2356]

I need a sponge over here.... I'm just a puddle of absolute admiration of Raúl Esparza. 💖💖💖💖💖

[@broadwaymelody33]

His last BEEEEEEEEEEIIINNNNNG ALIIVE just sends chills down my spine.

[@broadwaymelody33]

Good statement! :D The most true I've heard! I'm sick of people complaining about his vibrato. But there are so many long notes....isn't it better with his gorgeous, interesting style of voice? =D

[@janettemcclure1383]

Chills. Every time, chills.

[@inthedark222]

So beautiful. I feel like bawling every time.

[@MaryOntano]

He Is magnificent!!

[@bandrson34]

i am so so glad i saw this over the summer. it was absolutely numbing to be able to sit in the front row and hear this man perform this song.

[@ArielGonWonderz]

The way this man can move me to tears.

[@mmarie0789]

if i were in that audience i would have stood up and bowed to HIM.

[@broadwaymelody33]

I usually say that I "get chills" as a figure of speech, but the first time I heard him sing this, I literally felt chills. I didn't know it could actually happen.

[@lynn8101]

Raul is amazing actor and singer wow what a performance I just love the guy I get tears in my eyes when he sings he will always be close to my heart

[@ScottUSA.]

I've always loved this song. What a wonderful powerful performance!! We all deserve to experience true love and to allow ourselves to "be alive"!! Even though Stephen Sondheim is no longer with us, he left us all his beautiful works. The song has to be one of his best!!

[@phantomoftheopera346]

i have been replaying this constantly for a week now. simply wonderful

[@emily51805]

there aren't adequate words to describe this. honestly one of the best performances of anything anywhere anytime.

[@Gootoo22]

it's amazing to think that in many tony performances they use lights and sets to intrigue the audience but all that raul esparza needs is a piano and his voice. truly truly amazing.

[@dadesmone]

i still get chills every time i watch this. He's truly unbelievable.

[@sked95]

Raul Esparza is now one of my favorite singers. AMAZING!!!

[@RobinDragonryder]

That was one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard in my life.

[@latinapeacechick]

I can't stop listening to this... he's amazing!

[@ryenagade]

Hey, new to the musical community, but when I saw this performance on the 2006 documented musical, it moved me to tears, I loved this musical number next to The Ladies Who Lunch. Now looking it up to revisit it and coming across this, I began to cry from how beautiful it was, Raul really put his heart and soul into performing this song, god bless this.

[@Smeagol6942]

Thank you

[@Jonesin44]

You absolutely nailed it. Some people can't accept a perfect performance, me especially, I like to pick out all the smallest little imperfections. But I have to admit it was damn near perfect. His vibrato highlights every single long note. He also used such great emotion too without hamming it up.

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

He should have win that Tony. Period. Facts are facts, America.

[@ramsesthethird2]

Breath taking... What a voice and a charisma, he is just amazing.... I loved his performance

[@elisabethkensinger4867]

Love this! His version is my favorite, except for the lines from the other characters. I love that this version omits them.

[@dramanrc]

he is so great and unique. i love this. and the piano is awesome.

[@ChampionNeha]

he should sing on SVU

[@Vmvm123]

It's not screaming at all! It's what you call belting!

[@dramamole]

I love him so much!! If a guy can sing they have my heart and he's just fantastic.

[@DesHouston]

WOW!! What an amazing and powerful performance - would have loved to have been in the audience - such passion!!

[@bbuckingham93]

Absolutely stunning, my favourite song of all time :D

[@sburngasser]

I'm obsessed with this performance.

[@lovethegypsy]

Love this performance

[@kevinguy247]

Yeah!! Well put!

[@RC-vv6nr]

Fantastic ‼️

[@atomik4568]

Being Alive...it's great isn't it! Thanks for sharing.

[@jcmti]

a work of art. i watched the 'live' simulcast in australia.......and i was horrified when he didn't win.....i still can't believe it......... and to lose to david hyde pierce....... criminal. this felt like a defining performance - for the piece and the artist. bravo Mr. Esparza. He was also fantastic in Taboo and Cabaret.

[@beccaantoine2116]

What he put into this role is why this is one of my all time favorite Broadway performances.

[@ItsSunnyYo]

OMG I'm crying right now :')

[@JLF18]

Amazing performance

[@carriewhite410]

I listened to my obc recording of Company after this, and as powerful as that is, and how amazing the obc will always be, there's just something SO powerful about this.....he is such an AMAZING Bobby.

[@charlikoppinger]

No one compares to him, to me. He's simply the most incredible Bobby I've ever seen.

[@CAROLIVERDI]

Just perfect, she always finds the raw and real emotion of every song she sings. She always sucks me into her performance bubble and I forget everything else around me as soon as she begins to sing.

[@K3LLYRI0T]

i love this song!

[@Vmvm123]

I can't wait for his solo! It 's gonna be stellar!

[@JennaLeighhh]

what a beautiful performance...

[@charmedw]

I'm glad that Glee brought me here - and I'm absolutely in love with this version!

[@bebastefania23]

Oh. my. god. This is absolutely breathtaking.

[@mashellshock]

I still can't believe he's been nominated so many times and yet never won. He deserves to win so badly.

[@bwaygurl105]

SING IT, RAUL. Idc what anyone else says...this man deserved that Tony.

[@TheViciousCabaret]

Gorgeous rendition....

[@marbleann]

I am always amazed when people sing Sondheim. His songs are very difficult to sing so when a person sings him well they have to be great singers. This is wonderful.

[@TomatiRob]

Just amazing!!

[@InspectorKaramazov]

I am in love with this man.

[@Actor99]

i watched this tonys not expecting any great stand ut performances and i sat there and he started singing and that final BEEEING ALIVE wasjust i chilled up it was awesome