Company: A Musical Comedy
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Movie Reviews of Company: A Musical Comedy
Movie Review: Brilliant performance of brilliant, sophisticated musical theater
Summary: 5 Stars
"Company" is musical theater for a sophisticated audience - filled with the bitingly clever lyrics and musical complexity that typify the best of Sondheim. "Company" consists of a series of vignettes exploring the nature of relationships seen through the eyes of 35 year old, single Bobby - and the truthfulness expressed will certainly resonate with people of a similar age.
The production is striking with director John Doyle employing his trademark schtick of the performers singing, acting, AND performing the music (for another example of this you should listen to the excellent Sweeney Todd (2005 Broadway Revival Cast)). Raul Esparza as Bobby leads an incredibly talented cast.
The extras are excellent and consist of:
- A lengthy interview with Sondheim
- A revealing interview with Raul Esparza
- Interview with Director John Doyle
Movie Review: Wonderful!
Summary: 5 Stars
I am writing this review before the DVD release date as I was able to see this program broadcast on PBS a couple of weeks ago. I really loved it! I grew up listening to the original Company cast recording so I was very familiar with the music but have never actually seen this show on stage. I was so sorry to miss this revival on Broadway and was thrilled to find out it was scheduled to be released on DVD.
The staging of this show is so clever; simplistic but extremely effective! The cast are not only acting their parts but playing their own instruments. Raul Esparza is a pleasure to watch as Bobby, the single man trying to figure out his own life by observing his crazy married friends. If you love Broadway, musicals and/or Sondheim you will probably love this production. I am planning on buying this as soon as it is released!
Movie Review: Landmark Performance
Summary: 5 Stars
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!Movie Review: AMAZING!
Summary: 5 Stars
Unfortunately, I was not able to see the live production in New York, but I can only imagine how amazing it must have been just watching the recording. Raul Esparza (yes, the one deserving the Tony) has the amazing gift of being able to stand absolutely still, and still draw you in sheerly by the emotion and power in his voice. The entire cast performed extraordinarily; when you're not marveling at their singing performances, you're marveling at how in the world someone can walk around, play an instrument (or in some cases, several instruments) and still manage to sing at the same time. Although this format (having actors playing instruments with minimal staging/set) probably won't work for many musicals, I found it very well done/used in this production. Altogether, thoroughly awesome :)Movie Review: In good "Company."
Summary: 5 Stars
I saw the original on Broadway way back in 1970, and the memory of that wonderful production was still on my mind as I saw this latest version on PBS earier this year. I was astounded. It was as fresh and wonderful as the original, but in a totally original way. Mr. Esparza is the best Bobby of the bunch and the rest of the cast is simply wonderful. Nobody does it better than Sondheim, that's for sure; this score sounds as original today as it did in 1970. The only drawback, and this is just for those of us who remember the original Joanne (that perfect freak of talent, Elaine Stritch) will never be equaled. That aside, this DVD is a must for those who love theatre, musicals and Sondheim. They've finally figured out how to film a live show without ruining the theatrical experience.