Leap Of Faith Previews

[egghumor]

The first time I saw Raul Esparza was in Tick, Tick... Boom! and I thought he was terrific. I still like the sound of his singing voice, but every time I've seen him on stage since, I found him to be (as previously stated by others) incredibly self-indulgent in his acting. I had my fingers crossed that he would not win the Tony for Company -- for the same reasons stated by others. I certainly wouldn't buy a ticket to a show just because he was one of the leading/starring actors. I'll gladly listen to him on CD, but I'll pass on seeing him perform unless I've gone to a show he's in for other reasons.

[JoanBennett]

WOW... just read though the whole thread and I guess I saw a different show than some of you all did last night... I had a great time. LOVED the sets. Raul is Tony nomination bound, and deservedly so. Kecia Lewis-Evans opens her mouth and it's heavenly. The choreography was GOOD, which was refreshing. And I guess I heard a different score, because there are three songs I can NOT get out of my head! The audience around me was going crazy-good for it... (well, except for the woman next to me who would NOT sit still) They loved the show and love Raul. Like HIM or not, and I do (I guess I'm a "hag" as you delightfully call those of us who like musicals), anyway, like him or not, he does what few can do and is in this role... pun intended, miraculous.

[egghumor]

newintown, I'm still laughing about your description of the multi-racial production of Streetcar. Priceless.

[newintown]

Eskimo Stanley was really very good, egg, but when he took his shirt off, the smell of blubber was overpowering.

[egghumor]

Instead of breaking a bottle, did Blanche whip out a harpoon?

[newintown]

It was a walrus tusk. Beautifully carved, and also hollowed out, so that she could play it like a tuba. Which she did. The tune was "Shakin' the Blues Away," as I recall.

[madbrian]

I like Esparza, but you can add my name to the list of those who thought DHP fully deserved the Tony for Curtains. Not sure if I'll get to see Leap of Faith, so while I can't comment on this performance, I think it's a huge assumption to say that he's a lock for a nomination this year, with so many solid performances to choose from. I think Steve Kazee and Danny Burstein are locks, and Jeremy Jordan is very likely. After that, who knows?

[egghumor]

Stop it! I can't handle any more accounts of this groundbreaking production.

[wonkit]

Hey, egg - nobody is making you read this thread.

I do have to say that there is a lot of talent on the stage, whether you go to see Esparza or not. Leslie Odom, Jr. is so delightful, as are Kecia Lewis-Evans and Krystal Joy Brown. Whether you think Jessica has made the right acting choices or not, she can certainly sing the role, which is critical (sorry, Brooke).

For those who say there is "too much" singing, and "not enough" book, the LA production had that balance about 50/50 and the show ran close to three hours. It's a musical, so I would prefer there be as much music as possible. I haven't seen a strong musical book since MY FAIR LADY and even that was song-heavy.

[egghumor]

wonkit, I was referring to newintown's Tony Award-winning wit.

[theaterfan862]

I went to the first preview of Leap Of Faith and I had a fabulous time! I really loved the show! It is in really good shape for a first preview and only small plot and technical changes should be made. The cast was fantastic and full of energy. Raul was perfection as always!!! He is such a brilliant performer and extremely sexy!!! Alan Menken was sitting a few seats away from me and I was freaking out a lot!!! He is so humble and sweet. We talked for a bit about the show and how he said that he is very proud of the show but it needs some work. I really loved the show and hope they don't change much. It was a great night of theatre!

[newintown]

Nothing is more exciting than exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jane2]

"Count me in as an Esparza Loather - I find him gross, homely, uncharismatic. Worst of all, he narcissistically overacts to the hilt, as though there were a mirror in front of him, and he's madly in love with what he sees. Even Norbert Leo Butz is better, and I think he's just awful, too."

Wow, when you hate, you HATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You're so good at it.

[JoanBennett]

True, madbrian, it's an amazing season for male performers... but I'll bet you on Raul getting a nomination :)

[Jane2]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/therealjaney/6899191060/

sorry for the link, but I guess I forgot how to do this. I placed the url in "optional image" but it doesn't show up that way.

[Insider2]

Call me crazy, but I'm not believing the two shilly positive posts by the two people who joined a few days ago.

[bookofmel]

Going back to the Raul/Company discussion... I have never been a fan of Company in general because Bobby is such an unlikeable character who never redeems himself imho. Jonas in Leap should be supremely unlikeable (he does some pretty unforgiveable things), but I found myself loving him. Raul finally has a juicy, fleshed out role, and the nuances in his performance were especially beautiful to watch. The man has learned how to pull back when it is necessary, be sensitive, and give to the actors around him. But when he needs to be big, he puts on a fricking show. Give him his (finally) well-deserved Tony!

And I have never found myself attracted to Raul before this show, but that certainly changed after last night. I think I actually blushed and giggled multiple times. I am officially converted to the Raul love train.

[Insider2]

Said the person who joined on Maarch 20th.

[jv92]

About the 2007 Tony for Actor in a Musical--

David Hyde Pierce was deft, charming and funny.

Raul Esparza was overblown, overbearing and over...everything? Sondheim praised his performance? That's nice. But being the gent that he is, do you think he's actually going to say, "He sucked?" I mean, we're talking about Steve here, not Arthur.

That being said, I've liked Raul in other things (LOVED him in the Encores! Anyone Can Whistle), so I'm still looking forward to this. And being a Menken fan, I'm sure I'll get something out of this.

[devonian.t]

DHP gave a star turn, made the audience adore him, and held the entire show together. That has to be worthy of a Tony.

[Bettyboy72]

I don't care for Raul either. I actually thought he ruined COMPANY for me, as I LOVED the rest of the cast. He reads like a Mandy Patinkin to me-very intense-often too much, scenery chewing, and overblown.

His goat vibrato is divisive as well. Some love it. I am in the camp that abhors it. His is the worse version of Being Alive if you ask me.

[Mister Matt]

I like Esparza, but you can add my name to the list of those who thought DHP fully deserved the Tony for Curtains.

Ditto that. I like Esparza in some shows, but not in Company. I enjoyed Curtains, but largely due to DHP. He carried that show and made it work.

[bookofmel]

I also think that Andrew Keenan-Bolger should win Best Featured Actor for Newsies, so maybe I'm just a shill for gay men in Alan Menken musicals.

And now I know why I'm single!

[roadmixer]

Is it me or is the OP's subject here the LOF previews and not Raul?

Start another thread if you want to Raul-bash or compare 2007 to 2012 but this is supposed to be about what is happening NOW at the St. James right?

[wonkit]

Thank you, roadmixer.

[newintown]

Perhaps you could start a new thread specifying when one should start new threads.