Raul Esparza - Being Alive

From the February 20th, 2008 "Company" edition of "Great Performances" on PBS.
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[@mothintofllame]

Raúl’s performance is so emotionally charged because apparently he was going through a divorce at the time. What an astounding actor

[@loge10]

Dean Jones, who created the role, was also going through a divorce at the time and left the production shortly after it opened for that reason.

[@dickybelike]

Stephen Sondheim is seriously a musical genius.

[@anastasiazinnecker1855]

Project Priority No doubt.

[@justshowmehow]

Oh, I thought it was by Andrew Lloyd Weber..... just kidding.... #ONLYONESONDHEIM.

[@ArtHerreraLeon]

May his memory be a blessing... ♥️😢

[@firstnamelastname9631]

He is very funny, seriously.

[@yahiryellow1]

straight legend, west side story, Sweeney Todd the demon barber

[@maryblakley3590]

"Mock me with praise" gives me chills every time.

[@esined2386]

FOR REAL. I can’t believe how long it’s been since this song came out

[@steffenrobinson4139]

SAME

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

Me too! I’ve listened to this so many times, and I’m always gutted. He’s so amazing. This is my favorite version of Being Alive.

[@fiscal-de-linha]

Such a simple and short yet beautiful line, and the way he screams it with such violent triumphant passion is so powerful

[@HasToPee]

That and his "Stop." And the rest of his performance. Impeccable.

[@RyanSmith-zh8hi]

To me this is the best version of Company in all aspects. It is less kitsch and "showy" and it really cuts to the core of what the show is about. The emotional depth is so much stronger.

[@newglappy2389]

REALLY ABOUT!!!!!

[@radioban]

@@newglappy2389 lol

[@HVolnWhatnow]

I was away from musicals for a long, long time, but a bad breakup several years ago brought me to listening to this specific revival for this exact reason.

[@pbamse]

Sounds fake and over the top

[@firstnamelastname9631]

@dan coleman Couldn't agree more. Neil Patrick Harris's is very good, check it out.

[@karaashcraft6097]

From a person who was there on this night, (a) I cannot believe it has been 15 years, (b) Raul was robbed, and (c) this night could never be redone. It was everything theater is meant to be. I still watch this and feel every moment.

[@karaashcraft6097]

What you don't see is the four minutes that were filled with standing ovations and tears. The stage door because they were just told the show was closing. It was the most raw and real performance I have ever seen.

[@zyxw2024]

​@@karaashcraft6097I don't envy anything really, but I envy your presence at that performance.

[@caitlinisaak]

play this at my funeral because this will be the thing that kills me anyway

[@briant9053]

100%!

[@rodrigodias4328]

Being alive kills 100% of people

[@gianinamorales8597]

Perhaps not everyone will appreciate the irony of this song being played at a funeral...

[@healthyholemealbread]

🤣🤣

[@oscar646]

Cas, do you mean someone opening you up will be the end of you? I didn’t quite get your meaning but I adore the idea of having it played at your funeral. So yeah. We’ll all form a committee and see that that happens and then we’ll ( the community of on line repliers ) arrive en masse at your services descending like locusts to devour the heaps of delicious food you will have undoubtedly arranged to be served at the after party! Until then, Cas, live an extremely long life, live it to the fullest and most important let that special person get Under your skin! God bless.

[@sddurnil]

I loved this version of Company. Having the actors as the musicians (they really were playing) gave the production a tighter feeling - everybody had to be involved in everything - and having Bobby not play an instrument demonstrated how he kept himself apart from marriage, until he was really ready to get married at the end.

[@oliverdelica2289]

What's your opinion on the Sweeney Todd production that was similar to this?

[@grantcurry4839]

@@oliverdelica2289 - How strange you should ask that question. I was wondering exactly the same thing.

[@davidsciascia4654]

I also saw this production on Broadway with Raúl and it was-perfect!-and one of the best nights I've ever had at the theatre-for all the reasons you make. I didn't see the Sweeney Todd though. Thank you Stephen Sondheim!!! RIP

[@connorbrown3126]

Also Joan doesn’t play anything! Except like tiny percussion instruments, sarcastically. Brilliant decisions!

[@billlynn3196]

Having the actors play the instruments did have its drawbacks. I sat second-row center and every time Patti Lupone walked up to the apron to play (of all things) tuba I could see clear up to her crotch.

[@themripley]

Please, someone cast him as Javert. I can already hear him *killing* Stars and The Confrontation.

[@Robert221B]

OMG YES

[@acegardner2966]

I really wanted him to do Jean ValJean because I need to hear him singing that part in One Day More

[@kaityoar9125]

Megan Ripley I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING!!

[@ruby5787]

I'm thinking him as Valjean. After hearing him sing Hallelujah, all I can think is him as Valjean.

[@KLK1618]

YES PLEASE!

[@Pyramid132420]

Can you believe this was a live performance? Personally, I think this is better than the cast recording!

[@m.riveram9217]

Yes!! Saw it live!!

[@johnstruckhoff7602]

theater is usually live LOL

[@flipperz0362]

​@@johnstruckhoff7602 Yes, but the cast recording was recorded in the ideal space for singing, so usually the cast recording sounds better

[@ricardosierra749]

Dam right

[@fiscal-de-linha]

Honestly I think a lot of times songs sound better on stage than in the studio, probably because when performing live the actors have to really express the emotion of the song for the audience, rather than just sing it for the microphone in a studio

[@carly_6046]

How did he NOT win a Tony Award for this role again? I'm still not over him losing that year. This is my favorite version of the this perfect Broadway song. Sondheim+Raul= Perfection.

[@jonasvezia]

Does anyone cry when he yells stop? Like...he hasn't even started singing yet and you already know how he feels.

[@1441katie]

Guys, I just want to say, I've met Mr. Esparza twice and recently took a class with him, and he is NOT arrogant, and he really knows what he's doing. He's very insightful about what a song means, and he's very nice. I understand disliking him as a performer, but you shouldn't bash him as a person. He's just trying to make a living!

[@eliasmg9144]

People didn't like Raul back then?

[@chocolateapple]

Rest in peace, Stephen Sondheim. Musical theatre was forever changed by your touch, you’ll be missed everyday.

[@HiWorldHaveANiceDay]

Yeah, that Unsleeping DnD campaign was tough

[@Lybido]

I only came here due to Drivers performance in Marriage Story. I was humbled and it intrigued me because the song definitely hit me below the belt (The "mock me with praise" line especially) However, Rauls emotion behind this performance managed to bring a few tears to my eyes. Slow... shameless manly head-nodding tears.

[@charlesevans6918]

The line is “ mock me with praise “

[@chhayagautam6724]

Same

[@esthercarrick570]

Ditto

[@victordunson7019]

How he lost the Tony that year baffles me ......

[@timothyc5878]

+Victor Dunson Baffles you and every person on this planet.

[@lizzytucker]

yes David Hyde Pierce should'nt've won!! i must say, i am an extremely big GroffSauce fan but even i was like Company dude shouldve won!! (i dont know his name very well :// sorry)

[@mylesharris3050]

Well at least the show won best revival

[@jkrfan7]

lizzy tucker I think David Hyde Pierce eveb said Raul should’ve won

[@user-sr4jp9vr6e]

Well who said that lack of top honor, will make you a goner? It might even make you a host!

[@windstorm1000]

He has a beautiful Broadway style voice with a unique tone, he's sincere, he LISTENS to the lyrics--and he plays the piano!!! People what more do you want??!!

[@michelehurtado98]

Senor Esparza makes effective and heartbreaking use of what I have come to refer to as the "Esparza Growl." In this song, he uses it at the point when he sings "mock me with praise." It's a palpably visceral moment. I have not had the good fortune of seeing Raul Esparza perform live, only via TV various & KZbin. Perhaps 'someday, somewhere.' Sorry folks. Had to do it. Couldn't help myself.

[@tednorton5150]

Michele Hurtado yeah he definitely "punches up " that moment and one would think it could not stand a dramatic spin as it it such a well placed and paced line. He found a way to give it MORE, which is what great performers do !

[@michelehurtado98]

***** I don't know if its true or not, but there is a story that when he first sang for Stephen Sondheim, a composer who is historically known to be highly critical, even brutal in assessing a singer's ability to interpret his material, Sondheim rhapsodized in so many words Mr. Esparza's voice and his great talent.

[@tednorton5150]

on the DVD Raul says that Sondheim was merciless in WITHHOLDLING praise, but Raul says it was okay with him as it drove him to constantly improve. He also says that his opening numbers were harder to sing as they required so much control (a ballad like "Being Alive " allows for loose timing and stars with big voices always benefit from loose timing on an emotional number).

[@joysfulljourney]

Michele Hurtado Same! Jesus, he's just magnificent.

[@krpbdp]

I was lucky enough to have seen Mr. Esparza play Bobby. I've seen productions all over the world, and this was simply the best I've witnessed. Mr. Esparza, as someone said below, was perfect and it was a shame he did not win the Tony for this performance. He certainly deserved it.

[@johnsekura7400]

I saw the original COMPANY!

[@krpbdp]

@@johnsekura7400 Yes, I did as well. In fact, I saw it three times.

[@sc4922]

I saw this in NY, and you really have to see the entire show in order to get Esparza's brilliant, amazing performance. His Bobby is diffident and almost emotionally suppressed until he finally lets go with this song and brings the house down. Anyone who thinks the kid from Glee is better than this is out of their minds. And by the way, with four Tony nominations and rave reviews for this role, Esparza hardly needs a publicist to make his case.

[@abydosianchulac2]

Even from the second to last row I'm the highest balcony, he and the rest of the cast were bowling me over with the sheer emotional energy of the performance (a funny thing when the staging was so intentionally stilted and detached).

[@steffenrobinson4139]

I willl say niel patrick harris is great, but raul esparza is the perfect bobby he is god damn brilliant

[@kimberlyhonig8030]

I agree. His Bobby is so emotionally stunted, so when Bobby lets it all out for this song… it’s just so emotional and perfect. It’s my favorite performance of Being Alive, my gold-standard. You actually feel Bobby’s understanding of truly loving someone, flaws and all. That love is messy and heartbreaking and perfectly perfect (all at the same time). This performance destroys me every time, in the best way possible.

[@zzzxxyy]

ADA Barba can sing!!! This is how he releases steam from all of those cases!!!

[@cameronnorris220]

I was shocked too

[@mylesharris3050]

Well at least they won best revival

[@beautifullyawkwardfangirl3524]

Honestly I was amazed. Me and my friend are obsessed with svu and I showed her this and she was just as shocked as I....Pleasant surprise though

[@maxaustin3377]

Beautifully Awkward Fangirl I’m sure a lot of people in law and order can sing

[@crimps321]

@@maxaustin3377 Especially since there are SO MANY NY actors in the show!

[@mikekahn8981]

“Mock me with praise “. Chills every time I hear it. Just amazing performance

[@courtneylb16]

i have an obsession with raul's voice, i love it so much. i love the texture, and i love that it's so raw and you can feel the emotion. not every voice is perfect, and bobby's voice doesn't have to be. it has to be real. and raul is my favorite bobby i've ever heard.

[@karabarkman5685]

Came here as soon as I learned of Stephen Sondheim's passing. A true genius and phenomenal artist, and this song will continue to bring me to tears in an entirely new way now.

[@acretzla]

Raul Esparza can play the crap out of a character turning 30

[@orestesandpylades]

That was absolutely flawless. He adds these fascinating little mannerisms into the character that just totally drew me in. Coupled with his phenomenal voice, I was absolutely mesmerized.

[@kimakotrotman6860]

I played Bobby in high school and forgot all of the nuance😔.

[@CalebHyles]

Coming from an outsider who found this song because of Glee (bash me if you like), I think this version is spectacular. I've only seen this one and NPH's but I will say this guy does something NPH couldn't maintain throughout and that was staying on-key. Not to mention, his intensity, in my opinion, was the perfect addition. I can't speak for the entire production, but this one song, very very good.

[@davidpaul2797]

Honestly, I'd say this is one of the best consequences of 'Glee', getting people interested in music or artists they didn't have exposure to before. Also, yeah, Esparza kills every part of this song.

[@oscar646]

After reading this post I watched the NPH rendition and found it woefully inadequate. Yes, Esparza knocks it out of the park.

[@henryalmoney2917]

great production, 100% would watch it

[@MrBarisio]

Julian Ovenden At the proms just as good if not better

[@francescoc.6591]

There’s nothing to bash you for,…. I heard a little bit of this amazing song on the Sondheim documentary, but what brought me here was an episode of the show “Taxi,” where Alex decides he is going to live his life to the fullest and sings this song.

[@flamingowen]

great. now I've got another celebrity crush.

[@filteredcreativity9409]

+Nan Bollinger preach

[@lili457ify]

yes

[@alexander_avila]

me

[@diana__s]

same

[@almightygagaxx]

facts

[@laurahoesly4509]

the "mock me with praise" gets me every time

[@Bellenchia]

Not only did he pass the Bar exam, but DA Rafael Barba has excellent pitch!

[@elvirafernandesbraga8962]

Vozeirão Rafael Barba

[@christianfranz2686]

And also waited to fully confess his love when his love benson was under stress

[@BrettAlanActor]

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

[@teresaschultz6937]

I stumbled across this... and holy cow. As soon as I heard him yell "Stop" I stopped everything I was doing, put this on full screen, and was enraptured. Absolutely phenomenal performance. I continue to love everything he does. Goodness gracious.

[@lflagr]

Just listened to Neil Patrick Harris sing this in the NY Phil staged version. Different interpretation, but Raul's voice is just so much more powerful and visceral--totally different level of power and emotion. Love this version!

[@jonrosen7980]

Yeah, in the end Esparza is a trained musical theater actor, Neil is basically Doogie Howser :-) (He is really good too, but still he can't escape Doogie!).

[@leticiaschmitt1266]

I love Neil Patrick Harris, but Raul Esparza is a much greater Bobby

[@rosemarycrafting1202]

especially voice-wise

[@clarky23]

Raul is good....but in my opinion NPH owns this song

[@bobbydowdeswell7131]

Yeh It’s not camp and OTT like usual Broadway shite

[@davzzler]

@@clarky23 no way, NPH is not in the same level as him, Raul is way better!

[@BakiSmaki27]

I didn’t like NPHs singing at all. Just didn’t get across the emotions of the song.

[@mattdahan6529]

First tick, tick... BOOM, then Company. This guy has really eventful birthdays.

[@potatogirl1340]

Coming back to this after learning Stephen Sondheim passed around an hour ago- heartbreaking. He was such a genius.

[@elliott4106]

Anyone else absolutely love the fact his voice is so imperfect? Makes his acting seem all the more real. Wish we saw more of it in pro theatre.

[@marileeobrien4376]

More of him?!!! This guy never stops. He just finished a straight play, "Seared", he'll be in the upcoming "Miscast", and probably five or six other things before year end. Check his social media.

[@elliott4106]

@@marileeobrien4376 “more of IT”, not more of HIM. I’m well aware of what he’s done. I mean, I wish it was more acceptable to present in such a human, unpolished way as he does. Not the glossy, showy nonsense which is all-too prevalent.

[@mddeebp4445]

it has a gorgeous rough edge, which is what l think you mean by "imperfect"- certainly the singing is absolutely exquisite

[@carriewhite410]

Raul's expressions after Amy says "Want SOMETHING." and he starts singing makes me want to cry and just hold him. They're so full of longing and pain. ARGH! SAD!!!!

[@kimrussell9662]

Raul performing this is the greatest piece of theatre I have ever seen.

[@illusions142]

Breathtaking. I can't put my finger on what he brings to this role that makes it so... painful. I don't know. But it just hits me every time.

[@perlaperez4402]

Someone to hold you too close Someone to hurt you too deep Someone to sit in your chair And ruin your sleep Someone to need you too much Someone to know you too well Someone to pull you up short To put you through hell Someone you have to let in Someone whose feelings you spare Someone who, like it or not Will want you to share A little a lot Someone to crowd you with love Someone to force you to care Someone to make you come through Who'll always be there As frightened as you Of being alive Being alive Being alive Being alive 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 Being alive Somebody need me too much Somebody know me too well Somebody pull me up short And put me through hell And give me support For being alive Make me alive Make me alive Make me confused Mock me with praise Let me be used Vary my days But alone Is alone Not alive Somebody crowd me with love Somebody force me to care Somebody let me come through I'll always be there As frightened as you To help us survive Being alive Being alive Being alive

[@jemcrispe7934]

Thank you!

[@ausill22]

Thank you.

[@phildinovo]

I strongly encourage you to order a copy of the DVD from PBS. The way he portrays the character of Bobby in this production was simply stunning.

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

His performance was so moving... moving enough to make me get over MY fear of commitment and start dating again, and fall in love. Only one person could have encouraged me to get over my fear just like Bobby, and that's Sondheim. Thank you Mr. Sondheim and Mr. Esparza. Brilliant show, brilliant song, brilliant performance.

[@IjeomaThePlantMama]

I hope you found that special someone!!

[@jeh500]

I saw the original with Dean Jones & also with Larry Kert (a favorite of mine.) But Raul Esparza brings something so different to this interpretation.He is so real. So believable as Bobby. He doesn't just go for the adorable side. He goes very deep. A great actor. He touched me so much. For those reasons, he has my vote.

[@wendyleigh2]

jeh500 , I saw both of them too! Loved Larry Kert and actually saw it several times with him...but Raul really blows me away.

[@Goodone168]

Masterclass

[@jonrosen7980]

Jealous that you got to see Dean Jones. I saw Kert and Esparza and NPH (did not like his take on the role at all).

[@rachelq3037]

No matter how many times I hear him do this - it's followed by a rush to the back of my neck and up to the tip of my head. I've heard many versions, but his is the most powerful. Love it and thank you, Mr. Esparza!

[@richieinca]

Rachel Q ... I read similar comments about his performance of this song, but I cannot seem to connect with it ... it just sounds like whining to me :-/ I connect with NPH and Julian Ovenden performances more.

[@avapatino6058]

After just watching every different main version of Being Alive on youtube I have a reason why I think Raul Esparza's version works best. It comes down to the simple fact that it is a very conceptual musical, and when you treat it like it's not it falls flat. The reason The 2006 prediction works so well to me, is that it actively leans into it. No costume changes, all black. Minimal props and sets. It lands like it should. All inside your mind. It's not a show with close and coherent costume changes, it's bearly even got a timeline. When you add flashy costumes and set to it, it just comes off confusing.The fact that the actors play their own instruments adds another layer of brechtian alienation, though it has the effect of bringing it all closer.It gives all the couples something in common instead of just being random people in this life. It alienates the audience giving us the reminder of it existing inside our minds but also gives more of a sense of cohesion. The three girlfriends on the saxs. The complementing musical instruments. Bobby not playing until the end. It gives a throughline that is lacking in many productions, and that makes the weaker without it. I love the set as well, I think that company should always be set in a blackbox type, and the drama blacks. I think it was very cleaver for the costume designer to play with texture instead. Also Raul is phenomenal. he really has the ability to just fucking deliver a song without having to make it about him. His acting never feels put upon. He can truly, stand a sing. his nervous and tentative energy at the beginning. The active choice we see him make in opening the piano is so different from his confident assertions we see him make about marriage earlier in the play, hes nervous, and frankly he should be. It means he cares, which is his whole arc throughout.the change from thinking he's alright, and therefore not having to care and question his assertions, to actively being scared. He's not thinking it's going to be perfect. He's not looking for that anymore, hes not even expecting that from himself (another reason why him playing the piano is so interesting and demonstrative in this production.) hes not looking for his "warm Johann sweet jenny loving Susan crazy Amy" or for someone to "marry [him] a little" okay this is becoming a being alive appreciation post but I guess my love of it is how Raul keeps Bobby likable throughout while showing both. He delivers the confidence in the beginning and the terrifying vulnerability at the end while never playing it too hard. He just is. He is and he changes and when he changes you can forget you're even watching a play. I love his performance.

[@mollymcintoshable]

I'd love to see Raúl in Les Mis. Any role. In fact, all the roles!

[@rkgk1517]

I really think he would be a killer Javert.

[@Osarah96]

I want him in every role now. And I will pay every dime for it.

[@azombiegg]

@@rkgk1517 imagine him singing stars!!

[@YaDiva1973]

Yes, I came here because of a certain show, but that's the beauty of that show. It introduces a younger audience to musicals and important Broadway works they may not have investigated otherwise. Now I have a new Broadway show to add to my bucket list. I think that's a great thing.

[@Billkeys123]

At first I thought Adam Driver was just messing around but it became so personal at the end. Brilliant Acting.

[@briant9053]

ADAM DRIVER DESERVES THE OSCAR FOR THAT PERFORMANCE!

[@mg-vo1vy]

Bill Keys Raul deserved the tony

[@Undeterminedtv]

Brian T yeah although he doesn’t have the best voice he did his best and his emotion was FUCKING there. So powerful

[@jonkelley9021]

this is raul esparza

[@mr.mister7912]

The film had a great script, and fantastic actors.

[@fredgwynn8933]

I can’t describe how cathartic and intense this was to see him live do this. I was sobbing.

[@shannonsummers1352]

I feel like the instruments are WAY underappreciated in this musical. The flute at the beginning gets me hella emotional :')

[@irvinegaby]

heard this song in marriage story and I haven't been able to stop playing it since...

[@jennahollensteinrd]

same

[@SKS2011SC]

Same

[@Undeterminedtv]

gaby same!!! Then I got into the OBC recording and realized when the ladies were singing it was another song from company! Lots of parallels which makes sense bc both are stories about marriages

[@caslaker24]

I've read lots of comments about how Raul's voice is amazing but NPH makes you cry because of emotions. I mean people THIS GUY GIVES ME CHILLS THIS GUY MAKES ME SOB HARD. If you can't feel anything while he's singing, especially Being Alive, sorry but you don't have a soul.

[@amandapr1me]

I'll never stop coming back to this performance. Rest in peace, Stephen. Thank you for the music ❤️

[@1990bl]

I don't understand why people don't like Esparza's wonderful performance and say that Kurt did a better job on glee. I am sorry but this is one of those moments where people have no idea what they are talking about.

[@jrcarter9175]

Never heard Raul Esparza sing before. Only know him as the best damn ADA Law and Order: SVU ever had.

[@eamonndeane587]

I first saw him in Pushing Daisies.

[@jpsned]

Two men who impress and inspire me so much with their talents: Christoph Waltz and Raul Esparza. Man.

[@charlikoppinger]

I don't think I will ever get over how incredible this performance is. Definitely my favorite version.

[@SzaboPintergast]

Here immediately post-the news of his passing. He knew what being alive meant more than any of us.

[@quinnbenz987]

i really appreciate the revival stripping this show down to it's bare essentials. a lot of productions just gloss over how sad bobby really is and this song in particular really shows how tortured he is

[@pacogb9955]

I need to confess that the first time I heard of Mr. Esparza was in Law and order SVU but.. OMG, he sings... just .. AMAZING.. what a great voice he has I did not know

[@jkrfan7]

Hands down best version ever!

[@fadhilramadhani1847]

Still the best version of Being Alive after all these years. Thank you and rest in peace, Mr. Sondheim.

[@jazzminefarol]

This is the most powerful performance I've ever seen. I've never cried so much over a performance. I am so in love with this.

[@joysfulljourney]

I cry every single time I hear this. Every single fucking time. This is magnificent beyond descriptions.

[@arielaguilar6078]

Everybody talking about Marriage story...... I came her for Raul ‼️‼️‼️

[@eamonndeane587]

I came here for Raul (aka the best Bobby we will ever have.

[@Marcus_1001]

An absolutely stunning performance. Bravo, Raul!

[@writegirl422]

This is the best version of this song that I have ever seen.

[@sofia.427]

la emoción que refleja cuando termina y el público entero lo ovaciona... es hermoso, el loco ha de pensar fa loko q capo q soy. toda la banda es uncreible, les salió perfecto es realmente impresionante

[@ashleighbull4266]

How did I not realise this is A.D.A Barba in SVU until now?!?!?!?!

[@brookegoertzen3343]

ME TOO UGGHH

[@wackwackwackwack]

I love this so much~ When he says "Mock me with praise" I just- his voice is gorgeous

[@ZenGrammy]

I had no idea that Raffy Barba had so many fans who appreciate him as much as I do. He is magnificent.

[@katieendres6026]

This is the ONLY version of this song that has made me tear up. It took my breath away

[@Momitama]

I love Raoul so much. He takes my breath away. His passion, his unpolished voice. It really speaks to me, as someone who is often crass and strident when in the throws of loneliness. When all the beautiful notes become hoarse screaming. It yanks on my inner turmoil like no smooth, sultry voice could.

[@redwalkingnose]

Best rendition of Being Alive.

[@gleelover150]

This is the best version of this song. Raul is so much better than other Bobby's (i.e NPH, John Barrowman, etc.) Here is why There is a difference between having vocal talent and being able to act. Raul shows both of these abilities in this number. Not only does he sing wonderfully, but he expresses true emotion and need, which I think this song calls for. NPH and Barrowman on the other hand, only really express their vocal abilities, while ignoring the acting that truly makes the song. Neither of them bring the emotion necessary for such a song, while Raul on the other hand makes Bobby seem real, and relatable to the audience.

[@GodsOfGaming]

far_out I honestly think NPH showed more vulnerability in his acting than Raul but not necessarily acting. They did it differently. Raul sounded make the others answer his questions and is weighing pros and cons while NPH is just so confused and desperate. Rauls vocals were much better from my point of view at least aswell. He not only sustained his notes perfectly with accurate crescendos and an excellent use of vibrato. As a vocalist with a similar voice he is kind of my goal.

[@maxaustin3377]

Gods Of Gaming I think that’s why this is better. There’s something so painful about the confrontation way he sings the first half of the song here as opposed to the confused way NPH sings it

[@eamonndeane587]

Being Alive is really the Kind of Song the works best when it's performed within the context of its show rather than as a part of a concert of Assorted songs.

[@mike.marziliano24601]

Cut to the SVU team watching this on TV: “Damn, Barba! That’s one set of pipes!”

[@jeremygmail]

RIP Stephen. You may have left us but your music will live on forever.

[@deaconzero]

I was at this performance. Stood in line for hours to get rush tix. It was completely amazing.

[@mackenzieyoung8751]

Chilton has a hidden talent.

[@iwaizumi5004]

Haha this

[@MultiKnight13]

Esparza is actually my favorite bobby acting wise I love his comedic timing and his dead pan reactions towards the other actors though I'm not sure who I like more singing wise because Esparza and NPH have really good voices in their own respects

[@dij7314]

Esparza completely wipes the floor with NPH singing wise.

[@mattsmithers1846]

Esparza is the best bobby, but every other character is better in the 2011 version. NPH is great too but Raul is a bit better.

[@radcolortiedye6718]

I am so drawn to Raul's expressions and believe he may just identify with Bobby more in his personal life, adding weight and emotional value to the role. Raul is underrated if you ask me. One of Broadway and televisions best.

[@RaulzHD]

NPH is Barney.... Not Bobby.

[@Platinum400]

+MultiKnight13 Really? Just imo I think Raul Esparza is on a whole other playing field. NPH is just meh to me.

[@danbradley1137]

When I first saw this version of Company on PBS one night I was brought to tears at the end. I had no idea who Raul Esparza was or what the play was about. OMG. I still cry when I watch this ending.

[@peperando8733]

God, "make me with praise" always impresses me, no matter how many times I watch it

[@LMcQuinn]

Every single time, I watch Raúl sing this song - it makes me cry!! That's how moving & passionate this man is when he sings - you feel it in your soul!

[@mpeg7523]

His version for me is the best I can feel his emotion...the way he sang it gives me the chills This version of The Company is very different from the others and I love it

[@chriswalton6899]

having seen Neil Patrick Harris do this before, I have to say that Raul brings something really interesting to this song - there's more force within his vocals, more defiance in the way he performs it, whereas Neil does it in a more stripped back way, vocally not as strong but more believable emotionally perhaps... but Raul's version did blow me away - that's the joy of musical theatre, so many different ways of interpreting a song

[@jeanhorton4530]

OMG. Perfection. This man embodies this gorgeous song like nothing I've seen. BRAVO!!!

[@Theorema2001]

BEING ALIVE by Stephen Sondheim Someone to hold me too close. Someone to hurt me too deep. Someone to sit in my chair, And ruin my sleep, And make me aware, Of being alive. Being alive. Somebody need me too much. Somebody know me too well. Somebody pull me up short, And put me through hell, And give me support, For being alive. Make me alive. Make me alive. Make me confused. Mock me with praise. Let me be used. Vary my days. But alone, Is alone, Not alive. Somebody crowd me with love. Somebody force me to care. Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive, Being alive. Being alive. Being alive!

[@teopap412]

Thanks

[@jd3422]

This was an innovative version of "Company," with the performers playing the instruments. Sondheim was a genius and his art is open to many interpretations. Excellent performance of "Being Alive."

[@evrm0re916]

"Somebody crowd me with love. Somebody force me to care. Somebody let me come through, I'll always be there, As frightened as you, To help us survive, Being alive" Gets me every time.

[@coronacarecabaret4083]

Stephen thank you for this gift

[@lapoyns]

The best version of this song I have EVER heard. And this is my favourite stage song.

[@julieelizabeth510]

Is there no end.to this man's talents? He sings, he acts, he's bilingual and he plays the piano.

[@zerjiozerjio]

Never fails to make me cry. I don’t know how a single song can encapsulate the human condition so thoroughly, so earnestly, and so sublimely. Genius composition and performance.

[@go16997]

This is just absolutely amahzing. I was in times square with my friend and she just whips around and half-screamed "RAUL ESPARZA!" and there he was. he shook my hand :)

[@tir3d_al1za]

something i don’t think we talk about enough is the breath at the very end of this clip !!! and his face while the people behind him are talking. it really pulls it all together

[@Mshottie6]

How Raul Esparza lost the Tony to David Hyde Pierce ten years ago is BEYOND me.

[@fnamelname1775]

This song is so emotionally powerful. The fact that he is accompanying himself just adds one more layer of emotion. So impressive.

[@AndreaMarleyPenta]

I love the emotion he puts into this.

[@leighbesstoad]

I always had the impression that this was "Man on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown" with Raul which is a brilliant take on it. Working through the emotions of the beginning and finally, finally coming to terms with everything. This to me is the best version of Being Alive encompassing all the emotions and bringing a full baritone voice to bear. This is everything Being Alive is meant to be.

[@weblars1]

I saw this production of Company in 2007, and then saw Raul Esparza on SVU later on. I am still amazed at his talent and depth of emotion in everything he does. This show was totally mesmerizing and he gave as powerful a performance I’ve ever seen on a Broadway stage next to Patti Lupone in Evita.