The Official Raúl E. Esparza "Spread the Love" Thread, Part 3- Page 97

[misschung]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 6:36pm

heh. In reality, my mom would be happy if I traveled wherever to see Raul, as long as I'm not selling my soul or anything. Now that I'm older and actually have like, an income, she's happy to see me do what makes me happy. When she heard about Raul being in Our Town, she was like "oh no..." - and when I told her I was driving to Williamstown, she wasn't really surprised lol.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 7:30pm

I got a whole lecture about immature frivolity. Don't even get me started, heh.

[misschung]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 8:18pm

I'm sorry

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 8:20pm

I figured I would tell her I'd be away -- I wasn't asking permission, I was telling her I was going. She was just mad about a bunch of other things and it all kind of bubbled over. I think she... doesn't quite approve of my going, but she's not angry anymore.

[misschung]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 10:42pm

Well, thats good.

I wonder if they're going to announce the rest of the OT cast before the reading.

I'm almost done with The Homecoming, and wow. There are a few particular scenes that I've read so far that I've gone "I can't wait to see what Raul does with this"

Updated On: 8/8/07 at 10:42 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/8/07 at 10:55pm

I'm wondering if there will only be a press release for high-profile casting? I'm curious, though. And the play doesn't have a small cast, either!

I loved The Homecoming. I need to read it again to fully absorb, but it's definitely my kind of play.

[misschung]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 9:07am

Now I'm wishing that OT was fully staged instead of just a reading, but I'm not complaining

I finished the Homecoming last night. I've never read anything like that, but then again, I haven't read very many plays at all. I can't wait to see it tho

Updated On: 8/9/07 at 09:07 AM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:33am

Homecoming news:

https://www.playbill.com/news/article/110205.html

It's a limited engagement now, and it's been pushed back a week. So that solves part of the mystery musical problem.

Updated On: 8/9/07 at 11:33 AM

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:47am

I wonder if it was pushed back because of Daniel Sullivan's accident? Which could explain the delay in casting Ruth. Hard to hold auditions in a hospital room (although I sincerely hope he's home and recovering rapidly!)

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:51am

Forbidden Broadway SPOILERS:

(Jared) Bradshaw's amusing personal website includes snapshots of him with stars ranging from his hero Patinkin to Bernadette Peters (who quipped "Aren't you talented!"), Norbert Leo Butz, Audra McDonald and the god of Forbidden Broadway himself, Stephen Sondheim. All reacted well to the show, he reports, even Raul Esparza, whose onstage counterpart gets a huge Tony statue snatched from his grasp in a rather vicious Company parody, "Being Intense." "He was such a good sport," Bradshaw says of Esparza. "I said, 'Thank you for coming; we were so nervous.' And he said, 'I was prepared. Steve [Sondheim] told me, 'They have fangs, but they love you.' I thought it would be worse than it was.'"

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 11:56am

Awww, the Tony -- that's so sad! And yet... totally hilarious. I'm going to see it soon, I think. I love Forbidden Broadway, and I really cannot miss "Being Intense." Maybe it'll be a good temporary antidote to my "I miss Company" blues. That's one of the things I adored about the FB version I saw -- it was like a comedic re-visitation experience to some shows I hadn't seen in a long time.

[opiv]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 12:05pm

HA that's really harsh/hilarious.

I really liked the Homecoming too. I read it in about an hour though, so I'll probably read it again. To me, it was one of those plays I'd prefer seeing live (like The Destiny of Me). I'm excited to hear who they'll cast as Ruth.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 12:52pm

I am beginning to see the black comedic possibilities of HOMECOMING. Does anyone see a hint of humanity in Lenny's treatment of Sam in the first act? Wish I knew who Ruth would be played by. That could make all the difference. Can't wait to see McShane as Max -
Updated On: 8/9/07 at 12:52 PM

[misschung]

Posted: 8/9/07 at 1:34pm

wow, I didn't know that they did that with the Tony in FB. oh man! Well, it's true - and funny.

I really like Lenny's character in the Homecoming. I feel like the play ends so abruptly, I wasn't expecting that at all.

Yay for the official dates, this is exciting!

[humbugfoto]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 10:30am

Couple of mini-reviews from local SF Bay area papers of last Sunday’s Help Is On The Way concert:

From the San Francisco Bay Times:

“Broadway’s Raul Esparza gave a torchy, melancholic “God Give Me Strength” from Grace of My Heart, about trying to get over a lost love affair, and skillfully employing crescendo and decrescendo throughout.”

From Lee Hartgrave at Beyond Chron:

“And what a treat is was that Raul Esparza came out to sing for the packed house. He wowed the audience with the Burt Bacharach & Elvis Costello song “God Give Me Strength” from ‘Grace of My Heart’. And I needed strength after he finished. His voice is like a four lane highway – he offers a great vocal ride.”

[polly2]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 11:16am

i like that last one. esp the "And I needed strength after he finished." it made me giggle

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 11:27am

His voice is like a four lane highway

Awesome.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 3:51pm

What a California simile!

[MotorTink]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 4:13pm

I just finished reading "Our Town". It was ok, interesting and a quick read. I think Raul will make a good Stage Manager. I hope he tries a New England accent with the role.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 6:05pm

I think I'd be hard-pressed not to laugh. Heh.

Leenya's website says Company will air in January or February '08.

Updated On: 8/10/07 at 06:05 PM

[opiv]

Posted: 8/10/07 at 6:20pm

Ahhh that seems so far away

I can't wait.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 11:32am

I guess they are not going to announce the rest of the OUR TOWN cast. I love that Roger Rees is directing this reading! Wish I could go!

[misschung]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 11:36am

I'm so excited.

[Ariella]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 12:15pm

Yeah, I'll really look forward to hearing about it.

[keen on kean]

Posted: 8/11/07 at 12:23pm

AND I finished HOMECOMING for a second time. Lenny is an extraordinary part and I think Raul will have a hell of a time with it. They better get the best Ruth possible, though, to keep the tension in balance - someone who can play off Raul, Michael and Ian (presumptuous - like I am on a first name basis with any of them...).