So...are people still COMPLAINING about Esparza losing?

Seriously, I can't believe the amount of energy Bww's have put into this loss. They've even gone so far to insult Pierce for losing, as if he had anything to do with the decision.

What bothers me is that most of the Esparza heads who wanted him to win haven't even seen Pierce's enchanting performance. And why would they, there aren't any hunks in the cast or tween idols.

I just can't suppoort a performance that seemed to mock my favorite musical of all time, gave th emost over-the-top Tony performance in recent memory, and seemed to mock th ematerial he was working with...as in: "This is a Company for those who hate Company.". Ugh.

Raul Esparza is a regular Zoe Caldwell you know!

actually I heard they were mad since Mz Peters lost with Gypsy all those years ago...

And Ragtime closing....

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And, dare we mention that time when Tonya Pinkins lost to that green woman?

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We are?

I haven't seen (or made!) posts about it in months. Why this rant now? Months later, it's kind of coming out of nowhere. And honestly, if people haven't been "complaining" -- or really takling much -- about it for quite some time, why the need to attack an entire set of people's opinions months after the fact? Nobody's still complaining. You made a huge (false) general accusation of people for harping on it, yet you seem to be the only one interested in bringing it up.

(And of course, since you went and started this thread, now, conveniently, people are talking about it -- so now you can say that look, people are in fact complaining. How about that? As it happens, though, being that there's only re-voicing of opinion because you've provoked it, people are really only talking about it again. Not "still.")

To be honest, it surprises (and saddens) me to see this from you.

For the record, I adore David Hyde Pierce, and while I will probably always vehemently disagree with the voting outcome, I think the people who were insulting HIM were way out of line -- he didn't make the decision. He didn't go in and choose to take the Tony. People voted to award it to him. (Also, I saw all five of the nominees. BEFORE the Tonys.)

Also, I think it's a shame that people are so quick to up and assume that one isolated performance, completely out of context and completely altered from what it was on stage, is at all indicative of what you would've seen at the Barrymore. Really, I've seen this assumption from so many people who I thought were smarter than that. Why does that one performance mean that that all the rest of them were just exactly that way?

I loved that revival more than I have ever loved any piece of theater before. And I believed in it unfalteringly. It was anything BUT a "Company for people who hate Company." It was a Company for people who were willing to take a chance on something a little bit different, and not put their heads in the sand, pretending we were still in 1970. Maybe it was a Company for people who were discovering it for the first time, but even still, that hardly made it a mockery.

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Updated On: 11/13/07 at 09:53 PM

Of course, Bernadette was struggling with the envelope, not making a reaction to the outcome. But you knew that.

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I'm not cause DHP deserved it.

I, too, have seen both... and I agree with what ashley said 100%.

I like to joke with my theater friends about how David Hyde Pierce is too busy stealing awards to do much TV work these days, but here's the dirty little secret: I don't actually believe that.

My opinion: the whole issue is, for me, just not worth it anymore. I watch Raul's performance of "Marry Me a Little" and get very, VERY angry again, and then I remember Pierce's amazing award speech and feel guilty about being angry, and then I'm guilty that I'm not angry anymore, and...

It's just too much, you see. My personal therapy: watching Raul on the American Theater Wing Performance video, or on YouTube, and being so grateful that he's actually around. And, of course, being secure that, for now, Raul is the frontrunner for next year's Best Featured Actor in a Play award.

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BobbyBubby -- or should I just call you Rip Van Winkle? Because you seem to have suddenly woken from a 5 month stupor.

Or mabye you got caught in a time warp and you’re suddenly reading posts from June. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY! has been discussing this anywhere on BWW for nearly 5 months!

What earthly, sane reason could you possibly have for digging up such ancient history now??

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Here's my theory:

Raul Esparza is a seasoned Broadway performer with many successful shows (and non-successful) under his belt. He will go on in the future to many greater shows and greater performances. His future in this industry is still bright and he'll have his day. He still has many chances to win a Tony for Best Actor in a Musical.

David Hyde Pierce though...do you really see him going as many places in the future? He is a very talented man, but not a seasoned Broadway performer. Yes, he has been in the original cast of two great shows, but he is not known as solely a Broadway performer. He won't have many chances in the future to win a Tony. Therefore, he was awarded this year...while his career is still hot.

It's the same reason Kate Winslet has yet to win an Oscar...or Johnny Depp.

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I swear, I just put Company in before I came across this thread!

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I would love to be able to agree, but how can you tell enough to say that? Most of the plays haven't even opened yet. How can you possibly be secure of that on any legitimate basis -- anywhere but in your own personal fantasy because you want it to be true? A fantasy you certainly share with a great many people, but ultimately one based on very little.

Very true, luvtheEmcee. Here is my reasoning (aside from the personal fantasy):

1) The role Raul is playing won the Tony in its' original production.

2) The role is certainly flashy, something Raul is known for.

3) This one actually concerns the Academy Awards, but I think it applies: Judi Dench winning Best Supporting Actress for SHAKESPEARE IN LOVE in a role that lasted all of eight minutes - but she was well-loved, you see. And she hadn't won the year before for her role in MRS. BROWN.

I certainly hope this reason doesn't apply, that Raul's performance is good enough to justify the award, but, sadly it could happen.

4) Did you notice the "for now" I put in my prediction? Of course things might change - but he's the frontrunner FOR NOW.

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