There are very few things that succeed at being about nothing, and simultaneously being about everything. Stephen Sondheim's groundbreaking musical Company is one of those things. The original Broadway production ran for over 700 performances on Broadway at The Alvin Theater (now The Neil Simon). It at once fascinated and confused audiences with it's non linear story telling and seemingly contradictory themes.
The New York Phil is currently offering Company as a four performance concert one of which has already passed, so I suggest you hurry to getting your tickets, if there are even any available. This concert was absolutely superb. From start to finish, I was beaming inside and out.
For starters, it is being done as a period piece, which makes for a wonderful sight. The costumes and both set reflect the period (1970's), and inform the action of the piece. Lonny Price has expertly directed this concert adaptation. The choreography by Josh Rodes is absolutely stellar.
The cast are all quite adept at handling their roles, especially with what I'm sure has been very little rehearsal time. Neil Patrick Harris is a very aloof Bobby. It works well for him and I very much liked him in the role. His singing voice isn't quite as powerful as Bobby's past, which is a theme for the evening.
Vocally speaking most everyone was up to handling the score. Stephen Colbert and John Cryer are not among those many, though they were perfectly passable. Their acting more than made up for the speak singing of sorry grateful.
The females however, lead the charge. Patti Lupone was unstoppable as Joanne, (her Ladies who lunch was to die for). Anika Noni Rose drew great (and worthy) applause for Another Hundred People, and Katie Finneran was both human, and hysterical as Amy. Martha Plimpton and Kristina Hendricks were also superb in their roles. Martha Plimpton and Stephen Colbert have a particularly amusing dance break in the act two opener.
There is talk of this concert being taped for PBS or possible release in movie theaters. I hope for the sake of Posterity, and for all those out there who are not able to experience this that it is. It was truly fantastic.
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