Raúl Esparza - Side By Side By Side - Company revival

[@myndirnotur]

this production is just sublime

[@randomlink2770]

How did this not win best direction? This is probably some of the most genius staging I've ever seen

[@joeythomas4025]

i don't understand why so many people hate this version of the play i think it is excellent.

[@ShLinGyPoPsIcLes]

OMG Raul's face at the end after he has blew his kazoo makes my heart break every time I watch this :(

[@646guy]

It's the realization he has no one to "play against." This part of the song is a form of call and response where the husband plays first and the wife next. Bobby clearly expects someone to jump in there but no one does and it's a continuation of Bobby's journey into possibly entertainiing something permanent.

[@kaitlynparker1381]

This is easily the most incredibly staged version of any musical I have ever seen! The fact that the cast have to also play the orchestrations live, while hitting all the staging is amazing alone but then to tie the music so strongly to the story like this is amazing, I am blown away by this specific adaption of the musical. It's a fantastic musical with a perfect and mind blowing-ly staged and executed performance.

[@kaitlynparker1381]

I will never understand how this did not sweep the tonys, it deserved everything except possibly some of the more technical aspects like best lighting/ best set design/ costume design, but this is understandable. Best actor, actress, director, staging, best revival all should have gone to this.

[@brianeduardo1234]

exquisitely sophisticated

[@Tebanco60]

Marvelous version!!!

[@AnthonyF53]

Raul is immense!

[@blithium]

Wow. . .I didn't see it before. The kazoo, the look, there's nobody. . .

[@stricker4140]

The fist time my wife made me watch this musical I did not like it. Now I have it on my iPod and watch it at least once or twice a week. I would have to say it is by far my favorite musical. It takes me back to when I was the only single person with my friends.

[@646guy]

Bobby is the eternal bachelor. Everyone had a "response" from their spouse except him (as he's single)...the "Side By Side" and "What Would I Do Without You" aspect that is reinforced as he is beside no one...

[@dominickantonelli4500]

I'm waiting patiently for the episode of Law and Order: SVU where ADA Rafael Barba bursts into song in the courtroom.

[@alexis-tp4eh]

okay but the fact that these actors and actresses can stay in character while playing an instrument and singing in front of a live audience is absolutely mesmerizing. and the little "nyeh" around 4:48 always has me laughing, because of the contrast between the softness of the ensemble.

[@funny_almost]

I never understood why audience always laughs when no one responds to Bobby. It's a devastatingly sad moment :(

[@aldankuul]

+Frozen Pig That's what makes this production, and it's director, John Doyle, pure genius. Every other production of Company I've seen, that part is played as comedy. John Doyle has the ability to make his shows much darker in tone, but they still work as gags (I've never been able to find footage, but apparently he did a darker realization of Oklahoma a few years ago). I wish I could see more shows that not only use actor/muso, but where the concept works as well as this.

[@randomlink2770]

It's probably one of the darkest and yet most enjoyable productions I've ever seen. The first scene is evidence of this, and the kazoo is tet another

[@AlexisRoyce]

I think that the reaction is to the kazoo, which is inherently funny. It makes the lack of response hit a little harder, because you're expecting a joke. So you're in the middle of laughing, and then you realize what's happening, and you feel even worse. You can hear the audience laughter die as they realize what's going on. D:

[@kingofkards91]

There's been some really awesome revivals lately. They need to do a revival of Crazy for You and Brigadoon. I was in high school productions of them the past couple years and I have fallen in love with them. I would DEFINITLY go to NY to see them.

[@theBestArts]

Not a dumb question at all. My understanding is yes. In fact, Raul learned to play "Being Alive" specifically for his role. Not the piano in general - just the accompaniment for "Being Alive".

[@pttorres5980]

the way he looks at Amy always gets me.

[@lynnmiller3937]

Raul is great!

[@soniccherry]

Agreed. I do think it's particularly effective with this number, though. It provides a nice contrast with Robert being the only one who doesn't play an instrument (in this song, at least) and it also gives a nice glimpse into how he views the married couples, which (I think at least,) surprises him at the end. If nothing else, John Doyle made the right decision for this song.

[@NateSean]

I miss being on a stage. I saw Company on the very stage that I performed in Anne Frank on during my high school years.

[@2016ninja4]

YES BARBA

[@kingofkards91]

Huch-i!!!!!! When!? Where!?

[@cyrodilicbrandy]

Yeah, I think the actor muso thing worked especially well with the instruments fitting the characters' personalities.

[@fflorol]

he also plays the Kazoo! :)

[@tornamiadirr]

@DramaXDogz Well his kazo playing was not answered by a woman; when all the other men played their instruments they were answered by a woman.

[@quiksilver2323]

John Doyle undeservingly didn't win best director for this show =( he won it for Sweeney Spring Awakening for some reason beat this BRILLIANT revival out...but it was Spring awakening...and Spring Awakening did own the Tonys....but still!

[@SaintAlia10191]

@aasjb4ever Because he has no one to play with. He makes a great third wheel, but that's all. Ulitmately marriage is a bicycle built for two and there's no one to pedal with.