At least Raul was nominated again.... — Page 2

One of the key factors, of course, has to do with role itself. A brilliant portrayal in a mediocre role--or even a fine, but non standout role--just isn't going to have the same impact. I think Raul was as great in Charlie Fox as the role allowed. But an actor's chance of winning an award is also hobbled by the range of the role. So, I have no doubt that in terms of sheer acting skill and committment Raul deserves the award as much as any of his fellow nomimees, but the role itself gave him less to work with and had less of that 'wow' factor.

While I would love to see Raul win for what seemed like an electrifying performance, judging from the raves Rush is getting it seems like he deserves it. But I am not in the least bit worried about Raul. The thing about Esparza is that he is so versatile and he has such a diverse range. That is why he has been nominated four times and in every category. That is why he has been on broadway for three consecutive years with a tony nominations for all of those performances ( the only other person who has done that is Martha Plimpton who also coincidently got two noms. for a play and one nom. for musical.). The thing is because of his range Raul could easily appear on broadway again next year or sometime soon. He will have many nominations many more stunning performances and I do think many wins.

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He might have a shot at winning if the Alan Menken musical he's supposed to star in ever makes it to Broadway.

I believe its called LEAP OF FAITH, and its been delayed for a little while now. Apparently, its ready to go though...

Without going into the poltical logistics involved, one point seems to have eluded some of the posters: Raul gave a brilliant performance, equal to, if not surpassing, his competitors and the nominators were totally justified in according him that recognition.

If I in ANY way implied that I didn't think he deserved this nomination, I need to correct that implication. I absolutely think he gave a great performance in STP, and that he deserved this nomination.

I want to reiterate that I was simply saying two things: one, that I don't think this performance (or his work in The Homecoming, for that matter) deserved an award AS MUCH as he did for Company. This is not at all to say he isn't constantly doing incredible work, or that his subsequent work has been anything short of wonderful. I am constantly in awe him, role after role. But I also have extremely strong feelings about the Doyle production of Company -- and that's a personal thing. And two, that these awards aren't just about "deserving" it point-blank; if they were, we wouldn't have nominations, we would just have awards -- it's about who deserves it MOST relative to the season's competition. That's a point I brought up because I get sort of annoyed by the blind, "he's going to win because he's Raul!!" sentiment. I absolutely did not suggest that I don't think he deserved this nomination. I think he did, 100%, I'm glad to see he was nominated, especially since this is a landmark nomination, and I am very, very proud of him.

Not to be overly defensive, I just don't want anyone to think that's what I meant, because it couldn't be farther from the truth.

Leap of Faith is still on the table, but when it will happen is up in the air. Of course, that means whether it even WILL is consequently up in the air, but at this point, there are still plans to bring it in.

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Updated On: 5/6/09 at 10:44 PM