The Official Raúl E. Esparza "Spread the Love" Thread, part two- Page 149

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 12:46am

I def overhyped things for myself. I threw up today because I was so excited. No joke!

I figure though that it's not really the production that wasn't as fabulous as I thought. It maybe, and this is all my personal opinion, that the score is one of Sondheim's weaker scores. And for me the show itself isn't as enticing (sp?) as Sondheim's other shows. So, it's probably that more than any other aspect of this production.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 12:49am

I do that too, sometimes. But I just... want it to be as beautiful as I remember it being, and I'm sort of harboring these secret fears of disappointment. I know that in all logic, I won't be, because it's the same show, but... we'll see.

I know what you mean about the score. My feeling to that end is that all of the theatrical "stuff" about the production kind of overrides that for me. The catharsis and the meta-theatrics and everything that Doyle plays with just really do it for me.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 12:52am

...like Doyle's direction overrides the book/score??

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:01am

Well, not exactly. But I don't think I'd have fallen so deeply in love with a traditional production of Company, because it would be lacking everything Doyle's direction brings to it -- and then the fact that it may NOT be one of Sondheim's best scores (though bottom-rung Sondheim is still genius) stands out much more. Like, all of the wonderful things that Doyle's sort of... theatrical purism brings to the show make it THAT much better, even if the score isn't arguably one of his best. Company also sort of behaves like a play, because of those book scenes that have 2, 3 or 4 people in them, which is interesting.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:05am

Would you say the same thing for Sweeney?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:07am

Not necessarily; I think Sweeney is much stronger material. This is not at ALL to say that Company isn't good, because... duh, it's wonderful, nor is it to say that I don't think Doyle absolutely enhanced it, but I think Sweeney's a better musical on its own.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:09am

So then what about it do you think made Doyle's contribution to Company more enhancing than of Sweeney?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:15am

I think that he got a chance to really refine the concept, plus the fact that rather than placing the concept upon a show, this time he picked a show and placed it INTO the concept. For the second try, he chose one that he knew was going to work -- and I think the conceit acts very differently here, but I think it works better. That's just my opinion on the matter, though. I don't even think 'more enhancing' is an accurate assessment. In Sweeney, there were things given by the instruments in the way of character interactions and characterization. In Company, you get the huge metaphorical conceit, which I think is glorious. In both cases, I think it enhances the shows because he strips it down to only the bare necessity; he strips it down to nothing but the story.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:21am

I def agree that Doyle's orchestration concepts fits light years better with Company. Instead of Lovett playing the tuba for no apparent reason (I really never understood why in Sweeney they played instruments other than for the fact that they actors were to be the orchestra), characters played the piano (namely for Ladies Who Lunch) for a point. Whichever character played the piano during Ladies Who Lunch was supposed to be a pianist at some bar or where ever they were. There was a purpose other than implementing the actor/musician concept. So yes, it just fit better in this show.

But I think, for me, the reason why I didn't think this was as impacting as Sweeney was mainly that the story/score aren't as up to par as other Sondheim works. But then again, like you said, less than perfect Sondheim is still genius.

Let me just say how cute Raul was during Company and What Would We Do Without You. His dancing and responses to "what would we do without you" were the cutest EVER! Why is he so adorable? Does he know it? He should

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:30am

I think the issue is that... Company is a show about regular people, both a blessing and a curse in terms of accessibility.

And trust me, he knows how cute he is.

[tagiunagi]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 1:32am

I really can't get over how cute he is. I don't want to turn into some fangirly, but the fact of the matter is, Raul is as cute as a button.

[Shiksa Goddess2]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 2:21am

Company reviews are gonna be my new crack, I can see it now...

[orangeskittles]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 9:16pm

Argh, they're not even at intermission yet and I already can't wait to hear about it!

[Ariella]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 9:52pm

Wow, it's impossible to do homework. I'm so impatient to see this show, and I have been since I knew Raul was cast. I seriously hate the midwest at times like this.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 10/31/06 at 9:55pm

Well, I saw the show last night. Raul was not only in top shape during the performance, but at the stage door as well. That man is just one of the many reasons I adore this community so much. He was such a gentleman and he was really greatful for everyone who was there to show support. I have never seen Raul that vocally on top of things. It certainly seems as though he's had some vocal training. I loved watching his support during Being Alive, cause he held onto those notes and his whole body was workin'! I was also wondering if he's quit smoking for the time being. Just because he seemed to have much more technique with his voice than before.

I was so proud of him. And he was so happy to see familiar faces there. It was a wonderful night.

I will say this though, I sort of wish I could have seen this before Sweeney Todd. It's not fair that people are going to compare the two, but they most definitely will. Raul is fabulous, and in top form. But they are just so different. Sweeney is more like an opera, and this I felt was more like a play with music. I loved it. And the entire cast was phenominal. *sighs* I've missed Raul, and Broadway seems much brighter now that he's back. Bravo Raul, bravo. No one deserves it more.

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 11:20am

I'm glad you liked it, Chrys!

Have these been posted?
Broadway.com Photo Op

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 11:54am

The pumpkin picture is the cutest thing!!

See main board thread for extensive thoughts, but Raul was brilliant last night. He again moved me to tears, and I'm really proud of him. I don't even know what to say. He's sexy and sweet and absolutely heartbreaking. Perfect in all possible ways.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 12:26pm

Oh. My. God.

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 12:29pm

Umm...yea. This is pretty.

http://www.companyonbroadway.com/vogue.html

Updated On: 11/1/06 at 12:29 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 12:34pm

Heee, I wanna post the picture in the thread.



HOLY SH*T.

[Pippin]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 12:35pm

I will admit, I didn't want to like him when I saw company. I just thought for some reason that he was overrated ( a stupid thought) and I came prepared not to like him.


he won me over at once. he was amazing, the voice, the look, and the emotion all made the show for me.

I love him.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 12:36pm

Aw, I'm really glad to hear that!

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 1:09pm

Wow. Sexy does not even begin to describe that. Yay for Raul, and look out world.

[ElphieDefiesGravity]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 1:11pm

Is that his new headshot?!

*FAINTS*



And that Vogue picture! *cracks up*

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 11/1/06 at 1:31pm

Yes it is! :)