Franklin Shepard Inc - Raúl Esparza

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"

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.

Raul Esparza only ever puts 110% into everything he's always spectacular def the best version imo as well

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!

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!

this production should've been on Broadway so Raul could finally receive his MUCH DESERVED Tony.

he's ridiculously incredible.

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.

PURE GENIUS! I need him to do a solo album, preferably of mostly Sondheim. His voice interprets Sondheim better than anyone out there.

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.

By far the best version imo

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!

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?

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!

I literally can't stop watching this. Raúl Esparza's performance is phenomenal.

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.

I thank God for Raul Esparza everyday

Raul is the sexiest man I've ever seen.

this is 18 years old but i still want a recorded version