Company (2008)

"Winner of the 2007 Tony Award!Sweeping all the major theater awards for Best Revival of a Musical, this beloved Stephen Sondheim-George Furth classic is more relevant today than ever before. Far ahead of its time with its unconventional look at love and commitment in modern Manhattan, Company is an honest, funny and sophisticated portrayal of the pros and cons of marriage as seen through a 35-year-old confirmed bachelor and his enthusiastically married, slightly envious friends. With a wise and witty score including ""Another Hundred People,"" ""Side by Side by Side,"" ""The Ladies Who Lunch"" and ""Being Alive,"" this Broadway production of Company offers musical comedy at its finest." Product Description

COMPANY

The genius of Sondheim perfectly executed by the most extra-ordinary cast.
Raul Esparza is dynamite in this leading role. Superbly staged and directed. A must have for lovers of Musical Theatre. July 9, 2008

Rich multi-layered performances win out

The expressions on Raul Esparza's face detail the rumblings beneath the surface that Stephen Sondheim finds fascinating.

This 2006 Tony-winning revival received a mixed response from audiences and critics alike. But then, COMPANY is a show that is always divisive. For starters, the show has no "plot" in a conventional sense. That bothers some viewers. It also uses songs to express attitudes rather than advance the story (again, what story?) But those subtle lingering looks, the unexpected responses, the sighs, the pauses...they communicate so much about these characters, and that is beautifully captured in this video.

No, it is not the COMPANY that was seen on Broadway in 1970. Given the advances it presaged, I expect that to see an archival reconstruction of the original might now look horribly dated. Jonathan Doyle has given the show a fresh perspective by having the company of actors double as musicians. It's a stunt he tried before with SWEENEY TODD to much acclaim. Unfortunately, coming after SWEENEY critics tended to be very blaze about the whole thing. Yeah, What else can you do?

But the concept actually works better with Company and is far less distracting. You do not miss the full orchestra as much here as with the more operatic SWEENEY. It makes the story more intimate and personal. The concept has a few drawbacks. Several times numbers end by segueing back into dialogue, frustrating an audience that wants to applaud but keeping the rhythm steady.

The rock steady performance of Raul Esparza anchors the entire show. It's performance that earned him high praise - and a Tony nomination - and years from now people will talk about. But unlike Dean Jones in the original they'll be able to do more than talk about it: they can see it thanks to this DVD.
July 3, 2008

theater in a theater

It is not easy for everybody to attend a Broadway show. This video, recorded at a theater -sometimes you can even see the audience- is a unique experience. I loved it because I felt as if I was in the theater. And the actors - singers - musicians are simply terrific! Don't miss it if you love musical theater July 2, 2008

Landmark Performance

A taping of the Broadway production, I had my misgivings when I sat down to watch this. Although it had been hailed as a landmark production, the idea of watching a musical in which the actors were the orchestra when they weren't in character was a concept that I just couldn't wrap my mind around. But I watched it, and what a revelation! Not only were the musical instruments not distracting, they were extensions of the characters. A clever interpretation of a landmark musical!! And what performances...Each and every character comes alive. But Raul Esparza's Bobby is a marvel. I finished this thinking that I had witnessed greatness. Esparza's acting is filled with subtle nuance. It is amazing! Company is incredible, and we are indeed fortunate that this performance was captured for posterity! June 23, 2008

Like being in the front row

I love Company and always have. Great muic. Great story. I generally am not crazy about filmed theatrical pieces but this is perfect. You feel like you are onstage with the cast and the voices and acting are top rate. Big thumbs up June 20, 2008

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