This was the last show I was in. I played Bobby and I loved the role. This was one of the MOST difficult songs to sing. The rang is huge and very demanding. I LOVE this song and relive being on stage ever night singing it every time I hear it.
Of the three ive seen sing this song, each has its own efect on me. John is just a handsome man that can calm people with this song, NPH makes it seem inspriational, While Esparza gives it this feeling of sorrow that makes you look back on better days.
I respect both versions; raul portrays it in a more aggresive way yet equally as emotional and JB does it in a more delicate way. Both are pleasing and true to the character. I personally prefer Raul's more but JB's is equally done well. JB has clear control over his voice over Raul, it can be good but I prefer the struggle in Raul's voice. Great Musical
@ttb3090 I'm SO glad there is video of this performance. I have the entire concert on CD (bootleg recording, obviously), and the performers are great. Are there more videos from this presentation???
I'm liking Barrowman's interpretation better than Esparza's at this point. Does anyone know where I could see the whole of Barrowman's production? And if anyone has ANY clips from NPH's run (other than the bit on the Tony's) PLEASE let me know! So intrigued by what I saw of him on Sunday, I want to see the rest of that production!
I found Mr. Esparza's verson moving, too. This is brilliant, though. Thank you so much for posting. By chance, do you have Alice Ripley's "Not Getting Married Today" from this production, which is the best I've ever seen of that song? For those asking about the costumes, I think the costumer was designing for the 70s, when this was written. The John Doyle version just put everyone in basic New York black, which I think helps convey the universality of the emotions.
I think that NPH had the best acting in terms of committing to the emotions, Raul had the most emotional intensity/complexity in his performance, but John has the best voice. His vowels and vibrato are just absolutely perfect, its unbelievable. His acting is not the best but my god his voice is killer. I love all 3 though, they all bring something great to this song, which is already amazing on its own. Thank you Sondheim,
I donno. Although I like Raul's version -- the staging is pretty fab and all -- John's just got one hell of a voice. Just beautiful timbre and no tremolo (which can be distracting; no hatin' on me, mkay?) But like others have said, there's no one right way to judge these performances. Both guys gut it, in my opinion.
this is a different interpretation of the song than Esparza's, if you wanna see bobby happy during about what he's realized then watch this, if you wanna see bobby go through a cathartic moment disrupting his lifestyle and realizing its a good thing after, watch esparza's. i love both for different reasons
This one gave me a huge respect for Barrowman. I really dislike his interpretation of "Marry me a Little", but this puts him right up there on the same level as Dean Jones, Raul Esparza and Neil Patrick Harris. Also, as a straight man, I could say I'd go gay for a man with his looks :D
I also think JB's is more emotional in the face and Raul's is emotional internally. Both create a different yet equally frustrating and tear jerking feeling!
You're right, maybe it's not only about bringing yourself to tears, but I wouldn't say that Esparza's performance has the need and passion that this one does. He's present, but not very active, which is what I both like and dislike about him, but ,ore credit should go to the concept for his performance.However, Barrowman is much more actively seeking what he wants as Bobby, and it reads even without a closeup camera.
I enjoy the interpretation of the character in John Barrowman's version, but I prefer the song sung by a baritone, or at least someone with a thicker voice- Raúl just conveys so much emotion in his gorgeous voice...
Why does it have to be about better or worse? They're two very different interpretations. If you prefer one, it doesn't necessarily make it better than the other.
This is one of three versions I've seen of this song and yet it's very similar to the Neil Patrick Harris performance in how it's very lighthearted yet unlike Raul Esparza's emotional take on the song and it makes me wonder if Raul is the only person who has performed it in this style
what a wonderful performance! i wouldn't say his acting stinks, it's just a bit big. i think john barrowman is a great actor. i do agree with firewalkwithbob that he doesn't exactly sell the performance like raul esparza, but i think that he played bobby really well.
a pretty voice, a pretty actor. he missed the boat. raul esparza brought the house down quite literally with this song, as it should be. this guy is pretty but his acting....well... lol. The song isn't just about bringing yourself to tears. IT's about the long awaited realization of a man disconnected to emotions discovering the true meaning of life and being alive.
I feel like he's a bit too youthful for this song.. I'm feeling it because I ADORE his voice, but this character is a seasoned player, knows the game and is done with the bullshit of playing, I hear someone just singing 'I want!' with Barrowman. Fair enough, but I just wouldn't have casted him in such a role.
I see your point. Some songs take on another meaning as a standalone. Great songs have depth, right? But I'm not sure the show could be retold as a gay story. There was a version that wanted to make one of the couples lesbians (the pot smokers, I think), but that request was denied. The show takes place in an entirely heterosexual milieu. Bobby is attracted to some aspect of each of the women in the couples, but is ambivalent about them, too, and about commitment. That's universal, no?
I'm not seeing overacting. I'm seeing a different interpretation. I actually felt that Esparza fit completely with the concept he was working with, but I found him too angsty and not truly coming to the realization to change that the song is intended to be. Barrowman conveyed that to me.
mostly agree, but i dont think he intends to sing that way. i think he sounds exhausted and cant really blame him, its a hell of a song. already after the first of the two longest lines ("alooooone") i almost hear R's need to breathe. however it kind of forces out the desperate emotions i miss in JB
Sondheim has made some weird judgements about singers though. He's said that Patti LuPone was a Diva with no talent among many other strange comments about very good singers.
I will agree with you on some of that point, but listen to other things from Raul career and that's not his style at all. I believe he took a differnt approach to this show, sining wise that is. Raul is a great tenor who compensated to be a baritone. I just think that Raul fits the part of Bobby because of his age, maturity to the part. John B is just too young and too pretty to play this role. I do believe John is a great singer just not a Bobby in my mind.
I'm probably going to get spammed and non-stop harassed for saying this, but I don't think I've ever seen such a poor performance of this song. All I see is "look at me, I'm John Barrowman, I'm really good-looking and my voice is nice so that makes up for my lack of acting capabilities!"
@trytofly Too much self-pity in this rendition of the song. Raul version gives the self-awareness of the character, the moment of discovery of the self and the victory over his own limitations and fears. It great acting as well as great singing.
Too much self-pity in this interpretation. Raul interpretation is give a self-realization and passion that goes very well with the situation self discovery of the character.
While I enjoy Barrowman in Torchwood and such, this performance is laughable! In musical theater one does not simply sing the song, one performs the song. Though his voice is adequate, his performance lacks any subtlety. As usual, low-key isn't in his repertoire. He hams it up; his egotism shines through screaming 'look at me look at me'; the proverbial 'chewing up the scenery' so to speak. Partial blame must fall to the director for not addressing it. This is so inappropriate for this piece.
![BEING ALIVE - John Barrowman COMPANY [Kennedy C 2002]](/img/n.gif)
This was the last show I was in. I played Bobby and I loved the role. This was one of the MOST difficult songs to sing. The rang is huge and very demanding. I LOVE this song and relive being on stage ever night singing it every time I hear it.
Clean, open singing. Ahhhhh.. love it.
John's voice is sooo beautiful. Those vocals were perfect
First of all, I LOOOOOVEEEE this show!
Secondly, John Barrowman...He is just such an amazing performer...I love this sooo much!
he brings such a young and refreshing air to bobby. i loveee
This John is so fabulous in ever roll her does. I'm a big fan.
This was such a magnificent production! JB was beautiful throughout. And for an extra special treat, Lynn Redgrave as JoAnne!!
Love the well timed cough after STOP! Also Soundheim is a genius
how can someone that talented and handsome exist?
Of the three ive seen sing this song, each has its own efect on me. John is just a handsome man that can calm people with this song, NPH makes it seem inspriational, While Esparza gives it this feeling of sorrow that makes you look back on better days.
fantastic john !
Oh wow! I saw this show in Salt Lake City in 2002! I had no idea that was John Barrowman!
Damn, I love his voice, and this song is beautiful regardless of the version.
2002 Sondheim festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. It was great!!
Hi This is the first time I've seen this I love John. Thank you for sharing. :)
I love this man.
made me cry. fantastic.
I would love to hear Dean Jones sing this again. He was the top of the tops. Amen!!
LOVE IT!
I've always loved Company!
If you think about it, it's the perfect song for Captain Jack Harkness...
@lifeisart37 in the original arrangement, the song is a minor third lower with "Be" on an F. Both John Barrowman and Raul Esparza took it up.
BEAUTIFUL tone man
I like that he's crying versus being angry.
So young! -) I like it. really like.
This follows a bed scene. Afterward he put his suit back on. I saw this in 2002--blew me away.
One of the many lives of Captain Jack Harkness!
i love this.
I agree. I really like both of them.
I respect both versions; raul portrays it in a more aggresive way yet equally as emotional and JB does it in a more delicate way. Both are pleasing and true to the character. I personally prefer Raul's more but JB's is equally done well. JB has clear control over his voice over Raul, it can be good but I prefer the struggle in Raul's voice.
Great Musical
@ttb3090
I'm SO glad there is video of this performance. I have the entire concert on CD (bootleg recording, obviously), and the performers are great. Are there more videos from this presentation???
I saw it in person and was absolutely devastated. I think he does a fine job, though Mr. Esparza does, too.
I'm liking Barrowman's interpretation better than Esparza's at this point. Does anyone know where I could see the whole of Barrowman's production?
And if anyone has ANY clips from NPH's run (other than the bit on the Tony's) PLEASE let me know! So intrigued by what I saw of him on Sunday, I want to see the rest of that production!
I found Mr. Esparza's verson moving, too. This is brilliant, though. Thank you so much for posting. By chance, do you have Alice Ripley's "Not Getting Married Today" from this production, which is the best I've ever seen of that song?
For those asking about the costumes, I think the costumer was designing for the 70s, when this was written. The John Doyle version just put everyone in basic New York black, which I think helps convey the universality of the emotions.
I think that NPH had the best acting in terms of committing to the emotions, Raul had the most emotional intensity/complexity in his performance, but John has the best voice. His vowels and vibrato are just absolutely perfect, its unbelievable. His acting is not the best but my god his voice is killer. I love all 3 though, they all bring something great to this song, which is already amazing on its own. Thank you Sondheim,
I donno. Although I like Raul's version -- the staging is pretty fab and all -- John's just got one hell of a voice. Just beautiful timbre and no tremolo (which can be distracting; no hatin' on me, mkay?) But like others have said, there's no one right way to judge these performances. Both guys gut it, in my opinion.
this is a different interpretation of the song than Esparza's, if you wanna see bobby happy during about what he's realized then watch this, if you wanna see bobby go through a cathartic moment disrupting his lifestyle and realizing its a good thing after, watch esparza's. i love both for different reasons
@Exayevie Do you know it's showing in movie theaters tonight, Sunday and Monday?
@carolcjh1 Yes. I don't live near any of the theaters showing it though.
This one gave me a huge respect for Barrowman. I really dislike his interpretation of "Marry me a Little", but this puts him right up there on the same level as Dean Jones, Raul Esparza and Neil Patrick Harris.
Also, as a straight man, I could say I'd go gay for a man with his looks :D
@Exayevie You know it's showing in movie theaters?
Thank You, I agree.
i'm in love with John Barrowman!!
it's a shame such a gorgeous man won't have children =(
I also think JB's is more emotional in the face and Raul's is emotional internally. Both create a different yet equally frustrating and tear jerking feeling!
my favorite parts are the coughing fits, but awesome.
Barrowman sings a lot better than either of the other two.
Check the round version from "Putting it Together" a Sondheim's musical review. Pretty good, I think.
wheres this from? love jb xx
You're right, maybe it's not only about bringing yourself to tears, but I wouldn't say that Esparza's performance has the need and passion that this one does. He's present, but not very active, which is what I both like and dislike about him, but ,ore credit should go to the concept for his performance.However, Barrowman is much more actively seeking what he wants as Bobby, and it reads even without a closeup camera.
And it is possible to like both Julian Ovenden's version and John Barrowman's - it isn't a case of either or!
I enjoy the interpretation of the character in John Barrowman's version, but I prefer the song sung by a baritone, or at least someone with a thicker voice- Raúl just conveys so much emotion in his gorgeous voice...
Esparza sang it in the original key. Barrowman sang it down a half step.
there is something to be said about Raul's subtlety.
Why does it have to be about better or worse? They're two very different interpretations. If you prefer one, it doesn't necessarily make it better than the other.
What year is this from? And does anyone have other clips?
@TheChesxxx 2002 at the Kennedy centre
well, do not know about voice but I know about interpretation and passion and the kids gives plenty. thanks.
he is 41 on the 11th March
check out Neil Patrick Harris too in the recent NY Philharmonic concert (2011).... fabulous!
This is one of three versions I've seen of this song and yet it's very similar to the Neil Patrick Harris performance in how it's very lighthearted yet unlike Raul Esparza's emotional take on the song and it makes me wonder if Raul is the only person who has performed it in this style
Look up Patti LuPone's version of it, very similar to Raul's intensity...she slays it to death, so good!
She sang this?
Watch Dean Jones. His is the original, and still the best, imo. But Julian Ovenden does a lively, youngish version that is also entertaining.
what a wonderful performance! i wouldn't say his acting stinks, it's just a bit big. i think john barrowman is a great actor. i do agree with firewalkwithbob that he doesn't exactly sell the performance like raul esparza, but i think that he played bobby really well.
@sondheimisGAWD it's actually a vest, you can see at 5:04, which I think is even worse :P
a pretty voice, a pretty actor. he missed the boat. raul esparza brought the house down quite literally with this song, as it should be. this guy is pretty but his acting....well... lol. The song isn't just about bringing yourself to tears. IT's about the long awaited realization of a man disconnected to emotions discovering the true meaning of life and being alive.
@lolaRazzYeah Oh Cool Thankyou :)
when was this?...he looks alot younger...
Nice to see this song actually sung well. By geez there are a lot of crappy versions out there (vocally i mean)
I feel like he's a bit too youthful for this song.. I'm feeling it because I ADORE his voice, but this character is a seasoned player, knows the game and is done with the bullshit of playing, I hear someone just singing 'I want!' with Barrowman. Fair enough, but I just wouldn't have casted him in such a role.
i'm sorry, but ALL i can think of is "JACK. JACK, GET OFF THE STAGE. THERE ARE ALIENS TO BE KILLED, TIME AND PLACE, JACK."
Better than I thought he would be! But I still prefer Raul Esparza singing.
@bsatterwhite92 THANK YOU! this guy doesn't understand where Bobby comes from
I see your point. Some songs take on another meaning as a standalone. Great songs have depth, right? But I'm not sure the show could be retold as a gay story. There was a version that wanted to make one of the couples lesbians (the pot smokers, I think), but that request was denied. The show takes place in an entirely heterosexual milieu. Bobby is attracted to some aspect of each of the women in the couples, but is ambivalent about them, too, and about commitment. That's universal, no?
1 billion times better than Raul Esparza will ever be!
I'm not seeing overacting. I'm seeing a different interpretation. I actually felt that Esparza fit completely with the concept he was working with, but I found him too angsty and not truly coming to the realization to change that the song is intended to be. Barrowman conveyed that to me.
@doctorwhofangirl22 Amen.
mostly agree, but i dont think he intends to sing that way. i think he sounds exhausted and cant really blame him, its a hell of a song. already after the first of the two longest lines ("alooooone") i almost hear R's need to breathe. however it kind of forces out the desperate emotions i miss in JB
Sondheim has made some weird judgements about singers though. He's said that Patti LuPone was a Diva with no talent among many other strange comments about very good singers.
totally agree lifeisart37! I cheat and sing this song a tone down :P
excellent....on par with Julian Ovenden which is the best.
I prefer Michael Ball's version of this song. It's amazing...
not true i've seen high school students out perform him its a straight foward flat emotion when the song REVOLVES around internal conflict
he's 40 now, and he still looks pretty young and hot. btw, he's gay, FOR SURE. i think he got engaged to a guy architect
...wait...forty? WHAT.?
soooo hot
and he's taller than Tom Cruise :) hehe
Company
wish there's more clones of him.... or more gay like him, don't hate me girls for saying this
Why is he wearing that shirt with a jacket?
I will agree with you on some of that point, but listen to other things from Raul career and that's not his style at all. I believe he took a differnt approach to this show, sining wise that is. Raul is a great tenor who compensated to be a baritone. I just think that Raul fits the part of Bobby because of his age, maturity to the part. John B is just too young and too pretty to play this role. I do believe John is a great singer just not a Bobby in my mind.
Could someone please get me Raul Esparaza. This is definitely much weaker than the PBS version
I'm probably going to get spammed and non-stop harassed for saying this, but I don't think I've ever seen such a poor performance of this song. All I see is "look at me, I'm John Barrowman, I'm really good-looking and my voice is nice so that makes up for my lack of acting capabilities!"
he's so cute, is he gay? i think he still looks good in 40 though
@trytofly
Too much self-pity in this rendition of the song. Raul version gives the self-awareness of the character, the moment of discovery of the self and the victory over his own limitations and fears. It great acting as well as great singing.
i love JB but he just killed the final high notes!!! to plain, unlike raul, he almost went operatic on that song
ok, well maybe not God, Maybe...
......atleast he's pretty.
These TH-cam videos...who posts one should
consider the horrid cracking and popping anf
coughing included before posting the clip. So
annoying!
The acting is high-school calibre. Weak, slightly self-indulgent, boring.
But the singing is great.
Raul Esparza is GOD ok? Barrowman should stick to BBC and ease up on the eye makeup.
Too much self-pity in this interpretation. Raul interpretation is give a self-realization and passion that goes very well with the situation self discovery of the character.
can't act to safe his life, sounds nice tho.
While I enjoy Barrowman in Torchwood and such, this performance is laughable! In musical theater one does not simply sing the song, one performs the song. Though his voice is adequate, his performance lacks any subtlety. As usual, low-key isn't in his repertoire. He hams it up; his egotism shines through screaming 'look at me look at me'; the proverbial 'chewing up the scenery' so to speak. Partial blame must fall to the director for not addressing it. This is so inappropriate for this piece.
Check out Jonesin44 doing the same song.. but soo much better.