A theory on the supposed robbery of Raul — Page 5

And nobody's saying you aren't entitled to that. But, just because you don't see something doesn't mean it isn't there. It simply means that you don't see it -- simplest matters of taste -- so likewise, it's unfair to try to prove the people who do see it in him "wrong." Maybe you aren't posting with the intention of doing so, but sometimes it sure feels that way.

I'll risk that this may mean absolutely nothing coming from me, but people aren't so passionate about his work because they think he's attractive.

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Updated On: 6/14/07 at 10:10 AM

This has become one of those pointless discussions where people are trying to prove why their opinion is objectively correct, and it won't ever work.

I can dissect the facts of Raul's technique to understand that criticism, but that's not going to change that my visceral reaction to the performance was totally tuned into the performance and not the technique.

When that theory was posed in pre-Tony speculation, I had the same problem, Smaxie. People said the voters would want to reward Ebb, or the show itself, and I kept saying, "well, then why not honor the MATERIAL?" Who knows how they actually thought, though?

But, it is what it is.

I can dissect the facts of Raul's technique to understand that criticism, but that's not going to change that my visceral reaction to the performance was totally tuned into the performance and not the technique.

Well said. I agree.

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It always comes down to sex and/or money.

The producers of Curtains paid out more in bribes.

David Hyde Pierce slept with more voters than Raul Esparza did, and David did it better plus David said, "Thank you".

Jeez.

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I don't know if this has been SAID in this thread yet, but Mr. Esparza hasn't even had voice lessons (at least for singing); it's all raw vocal talent. So picking apart his technique, from my perspective, is pretty bizarre when you consider that he's probably learned whatever his technique from his own trial and error, and it seems pretty obvious to me that his vocal placement, etc, is not in the same place as classically trained vocalists place their voices. The fact that people like Audra McDonald are coming up in comparison seems ridiculous to me, because they are such wildly different performers and vocalists.

That being said, I still don't see him having difficultly with the song. I see him not pretending like he's strolling in the park, and if he is having difficulty (I'm sure..it's a tough song), I see him channeling that into a release of what the character's feeling, but I'm still missing what this whole thing is about. Faces he makes?

Updated On: 6/14/07 at 10:41 AM

I dont understand this argument thats oscillating between his vocal technique and his stage presence/performance. Obviously the two are complimentary in a theatrical performance, but are you saying that his vocals are actually distracting from what he's trying to achieve dramatically?

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Right. Well, as a supporter I would agree with that argument. Its the same reason that I love Adam Pascal's voice, even though others I know refer to him as the guy "whose voice should have blown out years ago." I think it adds to his characterizations. With Raul though, he doesn't do that in his other roles, in my opinion, so I would argue that he doesnt really need to do that, but rather its a conscious choice and effort.

But if that's you're opinion of Raul, you're entitled to it. I do think its unfortunate that his Tony performance couldn't reach more people, but I think there are a number of reasons for that which have already been discussed here at length.

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Updated On: 6/14/07 at 11:09 AM

That's quite possibly one of the silliest things I have ever read on this board. You don't have to like his voice. You're welcome to criticize his technique. But really, why would someone with that much trouble, who needs so much effort to find the right NOTE for God's sake ever land leads on Broadway? The man can sing. His style just isn't everyone's cup of tea. Why the need to make it way more complicated than it needs to be? This over-analysis in order to make a simple matter of taste seem like it has stronger backing than it does is absurd.

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Updated On: 6/14/07 at 11:17 AM

"That the fact that it looks like he's struggling to hit the notes takes away from the performance"

He was struggling, if you think that word is kinder, with EVERY note the night I saw him. I guess it's time to blame the producers for hiring him, especially since he hasn't helped the ticket sales much

In fact, some of the most technically proficient singers I have seen are the first to lose character through their technique. Sometimes the focus to make it effortless completely renders them pleasant and dead eyed.

Cecelia Bartoli

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And isn't that what's grand about America? Freedom of choice!

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You're all making me tired.

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