Raul Esparza?

[Lorelai]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 10:41am

I think I read somewhere that Raul Esparza is going to do a show soon? I want to say at the Public Theater but I'm not sure.
I've heard a story or two about him being difficult, especially from Taboo. But I did love him in Chess.

Just wondering...how is he with meeting fans?

[Crazy4MattMorrison52]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 11:40am

on the taboo closing he stayed around for a good 30 min and tok pictures, signed everything and anything. overall he was really nice.

[CherylA928]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 11:42am

There's an article on Playbill.com or Broadway.com about his problem with Rosie. It happened and then it was over.

We had an opportunity to speak with Mr. Esparza on a few occasions after seeing Taboo. Besides being a talented and fascinating performer, I found him a kind and intelligent person to speak with. He was gracious with the crowds, signing hundreds of playbills and taking dozens of pictures with fans. I was pretty impressed!


THE NORMAL HEART
By LARRY KRAMER
Directed by JEFF COHEN
A Worth Street Theater Co. Production
The Worth Street Theater Company will present the first major revival of Larry Kramer's landmark AIDS drama. When it premiered at The Public Theater in 1985, THE NORMAL HEART demanded action in the face of the AIDS epidemic and was a plea for dignity, compassion and respect toward the gay community. Members will receive a special discount.

http://www.publictheater.org/

Raul Esparza to Play Lead in Worth Street Revival of Normal Heart

[Phantom2]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 11:52am

Cheryl- Max, Raul, Max, Raul? Pick at stud and stick with it!! HAHA

[lostwallflower]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 12:26pm

I met him after Broadway Under The Stars last year and he was a sweetie.

[Becky]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 1:38pm

You can also visit his website to keep up with what he's up to. We work hard to keep it updated - so the information is usually pretty current.....


Raul Esparza's Official Site

[krolockskid]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 2:25pm

I met him after Taboo once and he was really nice, signing all the playbills and posters and taking pics with the fans.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 2:27pm

THE NORMAL HEART is an absolutely brilliant play and I wish I lived in NYC to see Mr. Esparza in it. I'm sure he'll be wonderful. Did anyone see him in COMEDIANS?

[Lorelai]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 2:55pm

Thanks everyone for responding....I did hear about that Rosie thing but he wasn't sitting far from where I was during the Chess rehearsal and he seemed like a nice guy.

Yet another example of how you shouldn't listen to rumors...

[Becky]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 3:08pm

"Did anyone see him in COMEDIANS?"

I thought he was absolutely brilliant in Comedians. The dialogue scene between Raul and Jim Dale near the end of the play was the highpoint for me. I'd have to say his comedy routine was also intriguing......I was glad Entertainment Weekly listed it as one of the top 10 theater moments of the year - it was nice to see the play (and Raul) receive that recognition.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 4:47pm

Just seeing or hearing that man's name sends shivers down my spine! What a man!

[robyn525600]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 5:18pm

I have seen him in everything he has done (since he did Che in the tour of EVITA) and he has never ceased to amaze me (and I am a tough person to please, theater-wise).

[musicaltheatreman]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 5:34pm

i wonder if he is regretting not doing asasians?? i know he really wanted to do that show. i wonder why he is not going to be in it?? anyone know?? thanks :)

[IssaMe]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 5:35pm

Did anybody else see his one-man reading at Joe's Pub one afternoon about two years ago? Can't remember the name of the play (it was part of a series the Public was doing of new plays at the time)...he played a young gay guy in NYC dealing with all the problems of the time post-911, AIDS, etc. - he played all the parts and he was simply amazing.

[CherylA928]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 5:42pm

Becky ~

It’s a wonderful website. You should be very proud of yourselves. It takes a lot of time and effort to keep it looking so nice and up-to-date. He’s lucky to have you taking such good care of it.


Raul Esparza Official Website

[johny0828]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 8:27pm

he's a really nice guy. i've meet him oustside tick tick boom, cabaret and taboo. he's really nice to everyone and signs anything and takes pictures.

[JO125]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 9:35pm

IssaMe:
Yes, I was at that reading, Joe's Pub, 11/02. The play was called "All We Can Handle", by Andrew Dainoff. Raul was fantastic. He did another reading of it this past summer at the Belt Theater.

There is actually a picture from that reading and a blurb about it if you go to Theatermania Photo File from that time.


Theatermania Photo File Updated On: 3/14/04 at 09:35 PM

[Rentaholic]

Posted: 3/14/04 at 9:56pm

He's an awesome performer and my favorite actor but, I haven't had the chance to meet him. When I saw Taboo he never came out of the stage door.

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 8:33pm

Wow, that's a bummer that he didn't come out. If it makes you feel any better, he's my favorite actor of all time and Cabaret is my favorite show of all time and I didn't get to see him in the role-boo hoo! But I am going to opening night of The Normal Heart, and I'm afraid I won't get to meet him-keeping my hopes up though.

[musicaltheatreman]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 9:01pm

why is he not going to do assasians?? i know that he was in taboo, but i thought he was going to leave the show early to go into assasians??? thanks :)i know he really wanted to do this show i wonder what happen??

[Chrysanthemum62001]

Posted: 3/15/04 at 10:07pm

All I know is, back when I saw Taboo I asked him if he was going to still get to do Assassins. At the time, they hadn't even re-casted the role yet. He said no and that he was bummed (my word, not his)about it because it is such a great show blah blah blah. Technically he was still contracted to Taboo. Shortly after, Roundabout re-casted the role. In hindsite, if they would have waited a little longer, his contract wouldn't have bound him to Taboo.

[Ruffian]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 11:05am

Raul is just an AWESOME performer. When I saw him in "ROCKY HORROR" I was just blown away. Have seen him in everything else he has done on the Boards, & he never ceases to amaze. What talent & intensity & OMG what a Voice. He was UNBELIEVABLE in "COMEDIANS." I saw "Taboo" multiple multiple times & all I can say is if he got ticked off at Rosie, no doubt she pushed him, as he is a genuine nice guy.

Can't wait for "Normal Heart" ... it is an excellent play & no doubt Esparza will be great in it.

The guy is a Treasure on the Boards

[Sunfish]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 11:39am

I have to agree with all the positive comments about Raul, both in his outstanding talent and his kindness with his fans. I saw Taboo several times, and when he didn't come out the stage door he was struggling with his health and trying to protect his voice. If it was earlier in the run, perhaps he was just tired or had someplace he had to go to quickly. He was extraordinarily gracious during the final days of Taboo.

I so wish I could see him in "The Normal Heart", I know he will be beyond mere words like "amazing". :)

[Ruffian]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 11:41am

Sunfish I hope you can somehow get a chance to see "NORMAL HEART"

I am one of the TABOO Freaks (14 times) & every time Raul sang "PETRIFIED" I could not even breathe....he is simply unbelievable....he does not simply sing...he sings, acts, bleeds all over every performance.....he is Priceless

[cabarethed]

Posted: 3/16/04 at 11:44am

Raul is nothing but gracious and sweet to his fans. If he doesn't leave via the stage door, it's most likely b/c he's sick or has another commitment. I've never seen or heard of him being mean to anyone. He's the most versatile performer I've ever seen, and I just adore him. His audience banter and adlibs are also priceless, but he always knows when to reel it in. I'm hoping for some sort of awards/nominations for Taboo. I can't wait for The Normal Heart!