Dear Uploader, 8 years ago, when I was only 10 years old, I randomly bumped into that video. Something in Raul’s performance has lit fire in me, and I have decided to Google the name of that show. I have entered the rabbit hole of Stephen Sondheim, which has changed my life for good. Rolling along 8 years later, I am learning the art of musical theatre book and lyrics writing and my own ‘Greatest composer any lyricist has ever had’ and I have finished writing my first original musical. Thanks to that video, I have met my mentor and teacher, Stephen Sondheim, whom I’ve never met but who taught me everything I know.
Jesse Dalton it’s a vocal decathlon. Can we give props to the reactive skills of the interviewer, though? I had sympathy pee running down my leg just watching her. “ Jesus Christ’ Hee hee hee...
A flat-out show stopper of a performance by an actor who years later has finally gotten his due as one of the best leading men in musical theater. This was the first time I saw Raul Esparza or Merrily We Roll Along. It was a brilliant performance, and I couldn't believe the flat review that followed by the (now former) Washington Post theater critic.
I was there. This happened. And it was thrilling. One of the best performances I've ever seen on stage and one of the best experiences I've ever had as an audience member. Thanks Raul Esparza!
Someone give this man a Tony already! Give him all the awards. Lord knows he deserves them. I can't imagine anyone giving a finer reading of this role, this song, etc. How I wish they would have done a proper recording with this cast. I'm relishing every second of it. Thank you for posting!
He did this all sitting down. Incredible. I was in the audience that day in May 2007, and I can say it was spectacular. (and kudos to the woman playing the interviewer; perfect comic timing). Having just watched Halston and a documentary about the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, I felt new levels to this song! i.e.: The brilliant artist who gets too close to the sun and falls in love with the money and fame at the expense of everything.
This song is so easy to spiral out of control. It’s so fast and the anger can get out of control but he keeps it so composed but still you can tell he’s livid!
This is a great version. But if somewhere, anywhere you can find a video of Mandy Patinkin doing it live, it is legendary. I've never been able to track down a clip.
I was fortunate enough to see this way back in 2002. I've seen other productions of Merrily since then, including the comparatively weak 2007 production by the same director and choreographer, and the highly acclaimed 2013 London West End production. Every time I see this show, I rush back to TH-cam to try to relive what was the definitive production of this difficult and brilliant show, and the superlative performance of Raul Esparza. It still leaves me speechless. Thank you for posting it.
quakerwildcat Have you, If I may ask, by any chance seen the 2012 Encores production with Lin Manuel Miranda playing Charlie? If you have, what did you think of that version?
Yeah, I saw Merrily once, and their Charlie stole the show as well. But he played it the same way any actor would take it and interpret it and treat it. Raul, on the other hand, always finds that new way to play and be a character and does it to the max, shaming everyone else who even tries to call themselves an "actor." He is amazing.
This is true, Rauls Charlie seems much more neurotic and awkward than many others, which makes him come off as especially very smart and fragile and it just makes this number a complete joy
I was lucky enough to see all six main shows that were part of the Sondheim Celebration at Kennedy Center. I saw a lot of fantastic performances, but this number was the most memorable. I was blown away by Esparza as Charlie and especially his "Franklin Shepard, Inc." and I still talk often about his performance of this song. (In contrary, he sleepwalked through his performance as George in Sunday in the Park with George.)
I wish this show could be revived on Broadway. How can such a financial/critical disaster the first time around become so highly lauded as a musical/compositional masterpiece and not get a revival for so long?
Because the critics can’t accept that the show has been revised into something great. They killed this wonderful musical in 1981 and they will never revive it. They took great pleasure in hurting Sondheim, George Furth and Harold Prince.
@@markschildberg1667 I don’t get your comment… you were responding to a very old comment, but yours is much newer and didn’t reflect the current situation. You could have looked it up and seen that there had already been numerous revivals. I myself saw the Guthrie Lab’s production in about 2001 and adored it.
After being obsessed with this performance for years I finally got to see him sing this in person!!! It was AMAZING! Seriously, I died. Even with just a stool and a piano, he kicked ass!!!!!!
I don't love "very sneaky how it happens. every day you're on the brink", but from "First the prizes then the interviews..." all the way to the end is fucking brilliant. It's what this number should be. Especially the "Inc" at the end: perfect.
Watched this again, & I want to take back what I wrote about Mr. Hayden. I think I was mostly wrong, now that I really watched him, especially at the beginning. This scene is so well done here. I think once the song really gets going, it's a real challenge for the Frank. Such an interesting piece.
astounding performance, but the real performance is from his fellow actors on stage doing their best to keep a straight face and not burst into singing along.
Fantastic. My school does the show next week and I'll be sure to bring this up. I'm Frank and it gave me some inspiration as to how to deal with the uncontrolable Charley!
Idk, there are videos of the original cast with Lonny Price doing this, and while he's different from Raul in many ways he still knocks this number OUT OF THE PARK
At the same time he was playing George in Sunday in the park, what an amazing range. Do you think Lonnie Price could have played both roles, I doubt it. This is a performance that had I not seen it, I would not believe it from a describtion. He is wide open with the emotions spilling out from inside, but he is not all over the stage, until the very end. When he does physically explode it is overwelming. This is a very difficult song, and he makes it work as a piece. All I can say is WOW!!
does anyone know where i can find a copy of the original Moss Hart play this was based upon? i found one on ebay for $3, but i lost the bidding, thinking it'd be sold again, but i found a wholesale value of $300. no joke.
Anyone who saw this production, how was Michael Hayden as Frank? It's very hard to judge just from this (other than judging that both Raul & SJS are brilliant), but he seems so 'bluh' here; I don't get a sense of what Frank is thinking or feeling, or of any character at all. Did his portrayal work in the show, in person? I'm not saying that he should be 'doing,' or 'acting' a lot here, but he seems unfocused & just kind of casual. Was that part of his characterization, & did it work if so? Or?
@Splurge24 Sorry if this is a duplicate, it's my first time posting. Anyway, I posted my 1988 Franklin Shepard, Inc which, actually, proves Mr. Esparza's restraint! It's at /watch?v=aoE5XejSeUY
@ihavetofinishthehat. I was at the Cincinnati premiere yesterday and I have to tell you that I was very disappointed. John Doyle's concept eliminated parts of the book that provided flesh out that characters and, although the instrumentation was very good and the performers superb musicians, having them holding and trading off instruments inhibited their physicality. Franklin Shephard Inc had none of the manic energy Esparza offers here and neither did the rest of the show.
I saw the original twice..the first and last preview. They made such a mistake by replacing the leading man. The show had the ugliest production values and had no purpose being told in reverse but what a talented cast, especially Ann Morrison.
Good here. But "Company" is another story. Esparza's much lauded performance is so over-the-top that he seems completely unlikeable. It might have been better in a less obtuse production, but for me it really was puzzlingly distancing.
i think the best part of this entire thing is when he covers his phone hand with his other hand just to say "That's his Lawyer, Jerome"
TheFactsofLARP that was a nice touch.
Dear Uploader,
8 years ago, when I was only 10 years old, I randomly bumped into that video. Something in Raul’s performance has lit fire in me, and I have decided to Google the name of that show. I have entered the rabbit hole of Stephen Sondheim, which has changed my life for good. Rolling along 8 years later, I am learning the art of musical theatre book and lyrics writing and my own ‘Greatest composer any lyricist has ever had’ and I have finished writing my first original musical. Thanks to that video, I have met my mentor and teacher, Stephen Sondheim, whom I’ve never met but who taught me everything I know.
This is the best story ever.
Raul Esparza only ever puts 110% into everything he's always spectacular def the best version imo as well
This was definitely my favorite version until I saw Daniel Radcliffe do it last week.
He really does great smoldering rage. “And he is! Why would he lie?”
HE ROCKED IT! This is SUCH a hard song to sing, and Raul made it look easy!
Jesse Dalton it’s a vocal decathlon.
Can we give props to the reactive skills of the interviewer, though? I had sympathy pee running down my leg just watching her.
“ Jesus Christ’ Hee hee hee...
Also, 30+ seconds of applause.
A flat-out show stopper of a performance by an actor who years later has finally gotten his due as one of the best leading men in musical theater. This was the first time I saw Raul Esparza or Merrily We Roll Along. It was a brilliant performance, and I couldn't believe the flat review that followed by the (now former) Washington Post theater critic.
this production should've been on Broadway so Raul could finally receive his MUCH DESERVED Tony.
I was there. This happened. And it was thrilling. One of the best performances I've ever seen on stage and one of the best experiences I've ever had as an audience member. Thanks Raul Esparza!
Same and he brought the house down when I saw it
Same...he was incredible.
Someone give this man a Tony already! Give him all the awards. Lord knows he deserves them. I can't imagine anyone giving a finer reading of this role, this song, etc. How I wish they would have done a proper recording with this cast. I'm relishing every second of it. Thank you for posting!
He did this all sitting down. Incredible. I was in the audience that day in May 2007, and I can say it was spectacular. (and kudos to the woman playing the interviewer; perfect comic timing). Having just watched Halston and a documentary about the legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin, I felt new levels to this song! i.e.: The brilliant artist who gets too close to the sun and falls in love with the money and fame at the expense of everything.
I literally can't stop watching this. Raúl Esparza's performance is phenomenal.
I thank God for Raul Esparza everyday
he's ridiculously incredible.
yup yup... somebody's lucky to have him as difficult as he might be, it'd be worth it
PURE GENIUS!
I need him to do a solo album, preferably of mostly Sondheim. His voice interprets Sondheim better than anyone out there.
this is 18 years old but i still want a recorded version
This song is so easy to spiral out of control. It’s so fast and the anger can get out of control but he keeps it so composed but still you can tell he’s livid!
All I can say is that this is why Raul is my favorite actor!
This is one of his best performances!!!
Raul is the sexiest man I've ever seen.
....... this was my first experience hearing Raul Esparza ------ WOW!!
every day i wake up and feel happy to know that this man is still performing and giving everything 110%.
By far the best version imo
This is a great version. But if somewhere, anywhere you can find a video of Mandy Patinkin doing it live, it is legendary. I've never been able to track down a clip.
@Richard Goldberg now I want to go on a massive hunt to find that Mandy Patinkin clip!
Now Radcliffe owns the best one. This one is still way up there tho
I was fortunate enough to see this way back in 2002. I've seen other productions of Merrily since then, including the comparatively weak 2007 production by the same director and choreographer, and the highly acclaimed 2013 London West End production. Every time I see this show, I rush back to TH-cam to try to relive what was the definitive production of this difficult and brilliant show, and the superlative performance of Raul Esparza. It still leaves me speechless. Thank you for posting it.
quakerwildcat Have you, If I may ask, by any chance seen the 2012 Encores production with Lin Manuel Miranda playing Charlie?
If you have, what did you think of that version?
Raul is just awesome in his singing and acting I love the guy he's so sweet he will always be close to my heart
"im suprised at how much i like this"
Oh. My. God. Wow, just wow. This is fantastic!!!
Yeah, I saw Merrily once, and their Charlie stole the show as well. But he played it the same way any actor would take it and interpret it and treat it.
Raul, on the other hand, always finds that new way to play and be a character and does it to the max, shaming everyone else who even tries to call themselves an "actor." He is amazing.
This is true, Rauls Charlie seems much more neurotic and awkward than many others, which makes him come off as especially very smart and fragile and it just makes this number a complete joy
I've noticed with Raul, he uses the music to guide his performance, like with certain musical cues, he makes certain gestures to match
Raul is brilliant
This version is crazy good. The physical comedy is unmatchable!
Yes I got goosebumps during his breakdown at the end. Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Phenomenal performance by Raul! Thanks for uploading.
I was lucky enough to see all six main shows that were part of the Sondheim Celebration at Kennedy Center. I saw a lot of fantastic performances, but this number was the most memorable. I was blown away by Esparza as Charlie and especially his "Franklin Shepard, Inc." and I still talk often about his performance of this song. (In contrary, he sleepwalked through his performance as George in Sunday in the Park with George.)
oh my god. i'm so jealous that you got to see him. what was he like in person on stage. did you meet him???
I don't think he was sleepwalking. It's a bizarre part. I saw it on Broadway with Mandy Patinkin and much preferred Raul's version.
I wish this show could be revived on Broadway. How can such a financial/critical disaster the first time around become so highly lauded as a musical/compositional masterpiece and not get a revival for so long?
Because the critics can’t accept that the show has been revised into something great. They killed this wonderful musical in 1981 and they will never revive it. They took great pleasure in hurting Sondheim, George Furth and Harold Prince.
It's being done off broadway this year! Daniel Radcliffe as Charlie, New York Theater Workshop.
@@markschildberg1667 I don’t get your comment… you were responding to a very old comment, but yours is much newer and didn’t reflect the current situation. You could have looked it up and seen that there had already been numerous revivals. I myself saw the Guthrie Lab’s production in about 2001 and adored it.
@@margaretlayding1021 This just opened and getting great reviews. It will probably head to Broadway after this.
@@jlasf And now it's heading to Broadway. We do have to wait until late next year for that, though.
I love him so freakin much right now.
this is by far the best performance of this song i've seen
I have seen many excellent productions of this musical, but Esparza's rendition of Charlie has topped them all. BRIAN
My school just did this musical as a production and this was such a standout for me.
Raul Esperza is phenomenal at what he does. I love this song and he does it best.
"There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
After being obsessed with this performance for years I finally got to see him sing this in person!!! It was AMAZING! Seriously, I died. Even with just a stool and a piano, he kicked ass!!!!!!
oh my god. I want to see him before I die.
This is the best performance I've ever seen in my life.
god this performance is electric
I don't love "very sneaky how it happens. every day you're on the brink", but from "First the prizes then the interviews..." all the way to the end is fucking brilliant. It's what this number should be. Especially the "Inc" at the end: perfect.
holy hell Raul is INCREDIBLE i just keep finding these gems of his and am always blown away over and over by his brilliant performances
Watched this again, & I want to take back what I wrote about Mr. Hayden. I think I was mostly wrong, now that I really watched him, especially at the beginning. This scene is so well done here. I think once the song really gets going, it's a real challenge for the Frank. Such an interesting piece.
Raul can act and sing anything.
Absolutely amazing.
aww i saw Fraklin Shepard Inc. the other day in this play called Sondheim on Sondheim OMG it was awesome
astounding performance, but the real performance is from his fellow actors on stage doing their best to keep a straight face and not burst into singing along.
I love Raul Esparza. Marvelous!
yes. he's beautiful and brilliant. I wish could take him home.
I saw this production live at the Kennedy Center. It was an excellent version of a very difficult show to pull off. Esparza was wonderful!
definitive version
Wow. Just saw this show in Boston.
That was one hell of a performance from Raul.
Raul is brilliant!
I think this is one of the best if not THE best performance of this song.
Fantastic. My school does the show next week and I'll be sure to bring this up. I'm Frank and it gave me some inspiration as to how to deal with the uncontrolable Charley!
7:53 That moment when you are saying you hate interviews and realize you are in one!
This puts a grin on my face every time.
Could anyone else do this as awesomely as Raul did... I submit that they could NOT!!
Idk, there are videos of the original cast with Lonny Price doing this, and while he's different from Raul in many ways he still knocks this number OUT OF THE PARK
He's a damn marvel!
At the same time he was playing George in Sunday in the park, what an amazing range. Do you think Lonnie Price could have played both roles, I doubt it. This is a performance that had I not seen it, I would not believe it from a describtion. He is wide open with the emotions spilling out from inside, but he is not all over the stage, until the very end. When he does physically explode it is overwelming. This is a very difficult song, and he makes it work as a piece. All I can say is WOW!!
wonderfull performance,wish there was more
That was AWESOME!
Thank you for the info, Cannibal Teddy. Much appreciated.
thank you!!
wow that was like 15 seconds of applause after
This is brilliant
wow just wow, how this man so talented :o
I can't stop watching this...ugh...so good.
For some reason, he used to always remind me of Jon Stewart in this video.
AlwaysGonnaSing It's the hair.
@@bondfool Yeah, and also the general neuroticism.
Raúl GENIOOOOO!!!!
I saw that same show also. I found it very well conceived. I guess I just preferred that version to all the others.
A revival put on by Roundabout Theatre Company has been announced. It's supposed to hit Broadway in the 09/10 season.
Couldn't agree more!
Does Raúl Esparza know he's one of the greatest theatre performers ever?
I never noticed that, but your totally right. I get wanting to include a build-up but he kind of goes manic, eh?
If you guys are in DC, go check out Merrily at Signature. It's amazing.
i have fallen in love
Glad to register the 1000th "like" on this video. 👍
does anyone know where i can find a copy of the original Moss Hart play this was based upon? i found one on ebay for $3, but i lost the bidding, thinking it'd be sold again, but i found a wholesale value of $300. no joke.
this song is so genius
@TheStefanSittig
Who played Franklin?
Does anyone know what Raul says after the first time he says “Franklin Shepard Inc”?
"I'm surprised at how much I like this."
How did it go?
what does he say at 4: 48
Katia “I’m surprised at how much I like this.”
whos the actor for franklin in here?
Michael Hayden
is it official? i thought that was still in talks?
@phantom4087 Michael Hayden.
Anyone who saw this production, how was Michael Hayden as Frank? It's very hard to judge just from this (other than judging that both Raul & SJS are brilliant), but he seems so 'bluh' here; I don't get a sense of what Frank is thinking or feeling, or of any character at all. Did his portrayal work in the show, in person? I'm not saying that he should be 'doing,' or 'acting' a lot here, but he seems unfocused & just kind of casual. Was that part of his characterization, & did it work if so? Or?
AvalonMorley I think Frank is supposed to be very wooden here.
As though he's stopped being a person and is now just Franklin Shepherd Inc.
Raul Esparza is a totally new name to a Brit like me but I am knocked out by him.
he's something else right?
Nice production values for a college production.
Kennedy Center.
and now LMM is playing him...
@Splurge24
Sorry if this is a duplicate, it's my first time posting. Anyway, I posted my 1988 Franklin Shepard, Inc which, actually, proves Mr. Esparza's restraint! It's at /watch?v=aoE5XejSeUY
@ihavetofinishthehat. I was at the Cincinnati premiere yesterday and I have to tell you that I was very disappointed. John Doyle's concept eliminated parts of the book that provided flesh out that characters and, although the instrumentation was very good and the performers superb musicians, having them holding and trading off instruments inhibited their physicality. Franklin Shephard Inc had none of the manic energy Esparza offers here and neither did the rest of the show.
I saw the original twice..the first and last preview. They made such a mistake by replacing the leading man. The show had the ugliest production values and had no purpose being told in reverse but what a talented cast, especially Ann Morrison.
You're being sarcastic, right?
jajjajajaaaaaaaa
LMAO such a drama queen !!
Theater geeks hate irony because they don't get it. Literal-minded bunch, right?
Good here. But "Company" is another story. Esparza's much lauded performance is so over-the-top that he seems completely unlikeable. It might have been better in a less obtuse production, but for me it really was puzzlingly distancing.