'Being Alive' – Company

18 year old Ben Levi Ross performs "Being Alive" at the Music Center Spotlight Awards masterclass 2016.

[MrTheatreworks]

He is not performing at a Masterclass. Ben is GIVING a Masterclass in performance.

For someone so young to have this much authenticity and TRUTH, can only mean he’s reaching deep into his own feelings and soul to find them. And add to that a brilliant voice. I’ve taught and directed for years, and this is my first exposure to Ben… and this young man is a STAR in the making. Stay authentic. Stay truthful. Only wish (sorry to say this) the pianist had been more feeling the “moment” and going with him… he/she was dragging Ben back a bit and a few times inaccurately… but never mind… This video was a JOY to watch. Bravo.

[bottledducky]

never thought a vibrato this flawless could exist

[Bee-ryil]

I've recently garnered an obsession with this song, and have only found Raul Esparzas singing to satisfy to emotional nuance that this song requires. At least that was until this video, where you can master that exact nuance while keeping originality. Your ability for voice control, breath control, and slow buildup of meaning is incredible. And best of all, you maintained a passionate and soul wrenching rendition without risking your voice. Definitely will add this to one of my favorite renditions!

[alexanderzamora]

I am just halfway through his performance but this guy will be a star. Acting and singing of the song is so good.

[ReganToriello]

IVE WATCHED THIS AN INSANE AMOUNT OF TIMES

[KimEspinosa]

Have never seen this song performed this way. So incredibly nuanced and emotional.. You truly turned it into a musical representation of the human desire for connection. Your authenticity is palpable and I find this is one of the hardest things to come across in music, for it cannot be intended and as performers we have to intend a lot of things in order to use the mechanism of the voice in a well-coordinated way. But you were able to let go of all of that and express something and that's what it's all about. Thanks for posting this!

[maryclark]

sobbing because of how insanely beautiful this is

[elisej]

this is my all time favorite performance of what is arguably the best sondheim song ever written. ben, thank you for putting so much emotion into this beautiful song, and may stephen sondheim's memory be a blessing.

[stephenacs]

Astonishingly raw and effective rendition.

[jacobknight]

Oo I’m glad I found this. I just recently got super into this song (thanks Marriage Story) and have been searching for a version that could rival Dean Jones. I love the more classic feel on this song rather than contemporary. This is a good refresh without making it too contemporary (for my personal taste)

[nikkidancergirl]

the emotion put into this performance made me feel the connection plus I love this song anyways but dayum this was good holy moly

[DrEricRobins]

Ben, we are so happy to have you playing the role of Evan Hansen on the national tour. Congrats and mazel tov. See you at Segerstrom. Godspeed !

[kateoconnor]

Oh boy that was gorgeous I have the tears. Oof his emotion was just so real, my jaw is on the floor!

[koalasarah]

His voice is right up there with Ben Platt's.

[alexanderzamora]

Just learned he will be the Evan Hansen for the touring cast... I can’t wait to see the show in Toronto! 😍

[MelodicBlueberry]

I’m actually crying watching this is so perfect

[ScottUSA.]

Wow!!! What a powerful and phenomenal performance!!
I've always loved this song. Your performance has got to be one best!! 🥂

[pianoboyo]

Stunning performance there. Both consumers vocally and intelligent and 'deal's emotionally... Agree with others. Up there with the best interpreters of this role, and obviously a huge talent. You should reprise the role when you actually are Bobby's age.... Give us a heads up. I want front row seats on Broadway please.

[CaitlinAlvarez]

this was so so so good, i got chills!

[sasha.aveurts]

very emotional. i'm so obsessed of your singing