The Raúl E. Esparza "Spread the Love" Thread, Part Four — Page 45

Really? 'Cause the search feature generally doesn't lie:

The Raúl E. Esparza 'Spread The Love' Thread, Part Four - keen on kean Aug 26, 04:34 PM
So Jeremy and Raul both got started in Chicago - the new cradle of civilization.... [more]

(I meant Chicago the city, not the musical.)

How is suggesting that actors making their Broadway debuts aren't good enough to handle the material "not suggesting [they] aren't going to do well"? So it's two thirds of a cast making their Broadway debuts as opposed to handful in a fourteen person musical company. Unintended. But really, if you're implying that performers who have never done Broadway before shouldn't be trusted with the work of a master like Mamet (which I'm sure you'll tell me you're not)... well, what's Sondheim? Chopped liver? Why should it be okay for Company but not for Speed-the-Plow? If it's truly about the proportion, then I see your point, but I still have to disagree. Just because this is the Broadway debut for both of them doesn't mean they can't handle it. I just think it's kind of an insult -- you're basically saying that if it's a handful of people in a bigger show, it's okay, because they can ride on other people's backs and hide behind those who will carry their inadequate performances. But in a smaller show where they're more exposed and can't hide behind an ensemble, it's a problem because having not done Broadway before, they aren't good enough for it.

What I don't understand about your argument is that... you seem to be saying if they've never done Broadway before, they aren't good enough for it. But how would they ever be ready, by that logic? It's like you're saying that if you've never been on Broadway, you obviously can't do it. Everyone who's ever been on Broadway was once at a point where they hadn't been. So how is it remotely logical to insinuate that just because they have never been on Broadway, they shouldn't be in this show? How would we ever get new blood if actors yet who hadn't done Broadway were dismissed because of that fact? Celebrity aside here, I think that's an incredibly narrow viewpoint. These are two well-regarded actors with pretty strong followings. Not having done Broadway before changes the type of experience they have. It doesn't mean they aren't experienced enough.

I have a lot of optimism about this one. Mamet isn't even my personal cup of tea, but I think it's going to be great. Mamet founded the Atlantic, and Neil Pepe is the artistic director, so I trust the play is in good hands there, and I'm confident in the cast. I don't say that a lot about television and film actors. But this casting seems like it was done with the right ideas in mind.

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Updated On: 9/12/08 at 08:28 PM

Hi! No, it seems I've missed a memo. I'll PM you.

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Broadway.tv feature of the press gang-bang at the first day of rehearsals of STP.

"I like the language, I like the kick-ass nature of Mamet’s writing….getting to do something where you get to throw your balls up against the wall….I like that."

LOL Raul!!



Speed-The-Plow starts rehearsals

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Updated On: 9/15/08 at 11:50 AM

Speed-the-Plow marquee is up at the theatre - looks great.

He's got a little Robin Williams thing going on in that photo.

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Holy toledo! Raúl is opening (sort of) for Barbra Streisand!
Hollywood buzzing over Obama fundraiser

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Can anyone see the eaten posts?

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Apparently Raúl sang "America The Beautiful" at the Obama fundraiser in Beverly Hills last night.
Barbra Streisand sings support for Obama

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Additional note - Raul didn't just sing "America The Beautiful", apparently he sang it acapella.

Do you know how hard that is??

*dies*

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And at the Westport Theatre benefit Monday night, Raúl sang "Guido's Song" from "Nine".

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It's without instrumental accompaniment.

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Acapella as in him solo unaccompanied. Just Raul, a bare stage, a microphone, and a spotlight. And then...his voice.

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