Being Alive - Company OBC, 1970 - Dean Jones
871,201
Published 2008-12-17
Jones was replaced by Larry Kert, famous for originating the role of Tony in "West Side Story." Kert received a "Best Actor" nomination for "Company" and his performance of "Being Alive" was added as a bonus track to the cast album when it was reissued in 1998.
This excerpt is from the highly recommended Region 1 DVD "Company: Original Cast Album" of the 1970 recording session. See more 1970 excerpts at
www.theBestArts.com/CompanyOBC/
For videos from the 2006 revival, see
www.theBestArts.com/CompanyRevival/
Browse our website at www.theBestArts.com/ for more great dance, music and musical theatre performances.
All Comments (21)
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To all those finding Sondheim and Company because of Marriage Story - there is no shame in finding amazing music. Whenever you do is good enough. It is a good way to reintroduce Sondheim to a new generation!!
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Dean was going through a terribly painful divorce at the time which was the reason he dropped out of the show as it was too painful to sing this song every night. It is an ASTONISHING performance given the emotional state he was in. I'm sure Larry Kert was brilliant but because of the circumstances this is Dean's song. The anguish and pain he puts into the vocal moves the listener to tears. AND a Sondheim lyric at its finest. Bravo to all concerned! PERFECTION!
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I wonder how different Dean's life would have been had he continued in this role. Lovely, finding little gems like these. I've never heard him sing this. Thanks for posting it. roo
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I don’t think there’s a more important line in the whole show than the one Amy delivers here: “Blow out the candles, Robert, and make a wish. Want something! Want something!” Beth Howland’s delivery is perfection. I’ve never heard it done better, and to me it makes or breaks the show. That we have this amazing moment recorded is a minor miracle. Absolute genius through and through.
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That look on his face as he finished the song, as if he was just coming back from where ever he was transported to.
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Dean Jones is the definitive Bobby. His gorgeous masculinity, his obvious real-life depressiveness, and the genuine beauty of his voice make this one of the best musical theatre performances ever filmed or recorded. True brilliance!!!
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The fact that Dean Jones’ performance had the composer and producer’s approval certifies it.. His fellow actor’s applauded it. That’s all you need to know. RIP.
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Marriage Story brought me here, shame it took me so long
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I love watching Elaine watching her fellow castmates.
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I cried watch Adam Driver sing this in Marriage Story. I cry listening to Dean Jones. I cry every time i hear this song.
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70s musicals were really something else
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I'm probably one of the few who didn't know Dean could sing like that. This is by far the best performance of this song I have ever heard - so much emotion and passion in it that just breaks your heart. Few performers move me like this, and he's now counted among those few.
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The intensity in Dean Jones’ eyes as he sings every word goes straight to the heart and pierces it. Incredibly touching ❤
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Saved on my phone because it is always beautiful.
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When most folks think of Dean Jones they picture him with a small white Volkswagen Beetle. Glad this video exists that shows what a truly brilliant talent this man was!
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It’s so sweet to see Elaine smile when the line “Come on! You’re on to something, Bobby! You’re onto something!” I would cry if she smiled at me like that.
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Elaine Stritch’s smile is so warm it makes me want to tear up.
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Stephen Sondheim had such a high impact on me and has made me cry so many times for his genius music and story. Now I cry as he’s gone. RIP Stephen Sondheim.
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The expression on his face the instant he finishes the last note is really interesting. He went someplace else entirely! Bravo!
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Of all the versions of this, the one here is the BEST. "Maybe there's one more in me, let's find out." There sure was.
