The Raúl E. Esparza "Spread the Love" Thread, Part Four — Page 53

More PBJ’s – er, birthday gifts from the theatre critics:

“Mr. Esparza runs full speed ahead with his ambition-stoked character, tapping the full kinetic force he artfully kept under wraps in recent revivals of “Company” and “The Homecoming.” But while Charlie may be an animal in perpetual fight-or-flight mode, Mr. Esparza finds many shades and textures — of pride, humiliation, anger and resentment — within that primal instinct.”
Ben Brantley, New York Times

“And Raúl Esparza, the brooding leading man of Broadway's recent remounting of "Company," makes a smashing impact in the role of a twitchy studio functionary who's waited too long for his big score.”
Washington Post

“…while the always amazing Esparza is the pushy underdog, all rapid-fire action and virtuosic language.”
Clive Barnes, New York Post

“Esparza ("The Homecoming," "Company"), a Broadway star who slips effortlessly between musicals and plays, gives a supercharged performance. As he prowls the stage, dragging on cigarettes and staring out at something - the pot of gold? - he nails the essence of a twitchy man so close to success he'll explode if he misses his shot.”
New York Daily News

“Fox eventually goes berserk as his dreams for the traditional prison buddy picture - and the millions he will make from it - seemingly go up in smoke. Esparza does berserk well, and his scene is hilarious.”
LoHud.com

And my favorite picture of all the press photos released so far:

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Raúl, you need something stronger than cake for your birthday:



HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

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I haven't seen it again yet since the dress rehearsal, but I heard it was taken out.

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That headstand is hot

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http://www.broadway.com/Piven-Esparza-and-Moss-Bring-Tinseltown-to-Broadway-at-Speed-the-Plow/broadway_photos/5013821

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Gareth Saxe is a total sweetheart.

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I'm getting tired of "kinetic," too, which I noticed popped up in a few passages about Raul.

Kinetic is to Speed-the-Plow as cipher was to Company. It's like these critics all write their reviews using the character analysis on Sparks Notes.

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Updated On: 10/24/08 at 07:22 PM

Some more curtain call pictures:
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/cdvP3Fr-7Zo/Speed+Plow+Broadway+Opening+Night+Arrivals

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does he have heavy vibrato when he talks

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Here's a nice bit of video from Broadway.tv on the opening night curtain calls and party:

http://www.broadway.tv/blog/broadway-magazine/jon-hamm-exclusive-video-mad-men-mamet-broadway-opening/

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Okay, I can't be the only one who thinks this picture is hilarious:

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Great Wonkit! I'd be interested in your analysis of what they might have changed. (Other than the handstand!)