When Is Company Opening On Broadway:
The exciting news of the revival of Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical, Company, has Broadway buzz abuzz. The iconic show, which originally ran on Broadway in 1970, is set to open this fall. Theatre fans, both long-time and new, are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the official opening night.
Company is a multiple Tony award winning production that celebrates both the glitzy world of show business and its soulful humanity. It follows the life and loves of Bobby, a single-man struggling to make sense of the relationships he chooses and the consequences of those choices. Amidst songs like “Being Alive,” and “The Ladies Who Lunch,” audiences can connect with the characters in unexpected ways that are both funny and touching.
The show’s returning director, Marianne Elliott, is a multi- award winning director who has previously inspired awe among theatregoers with her powerful, creative adaptations of other Sondheim musicals, including Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd. She tackles the equally demanding task of reviving Company with her signature “audience-forward” approach, promising more surprises and fresh interpretations.
The cast brings to the stage multiple Tony award winners and well-known names, each conveying an empathetic mix of life-long truths and laughter. Katrina Lenk (The Band’s Visit) will be playing the ever-complex role of the lead character at the heart of the show, Bobby. Joining her is Patti LuPone (Evita), who will be playing Bobby’s former flame, Joanne. The cast is rounded out with familiar faces like Matt Dillion (Things We Lost in the Fire), Grey Henson (Mean Girls), and Christopher Fitzgerald (Waitress).
The production has been receiving extremely favorable reviews, with features in New York Magazine, The Guardian, and Vanity Fair praising its surprises, intellectual content, and powerful storytelling. The Times Theatre critic praised the show in a recent review; “Revolutionary. Appeals to the intellect and captivates the heart.”
The announcement of an official opening date is expected soon. Until then, the excitement and anticipation of one of Broadway’s most anticipated shows continues to rise.
Background Information
Company opened on Broadway in 1970, starring Dean Jones as Bobby, Barbara Barrie as Joanne, and Elaine Stritch as Joanne’s friend. The show ran for two years and won the Tony for Best Musical. After the original production closed its Broadway run, it had several notable off-Broadway productions.The musical was revived on Broadway in 1995, and it has been revived in various other national, regional and international productions ever since.
The current Broadway production has been developed and produced by Elliot and her creative team, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, arrange and adaptation by David Crowley, and a cast of both seasoned veterans and new actors ready to bring their diverse talents and admiration of the show’s original production to the stage.
Relevant Data and Perspectives From Experts
The upcoming production marks the first Broadway revival of Company since Stephen Sondheim’s original creation, and the industry is eagerly anticipating its arrival. Sondheim’s works have been garnering worldwide acclaim since the mid-1950’s, and the newest version of Company is expected to be no exception. The consensus among theatre professionals is that the show has the potential to be an extraordinary theatrical experience.
A recent survey of 600 theatre professionals found that almost 50 percent of the respondents said Company is the most anticipated show of the year. Respondents also indicated their support for the casting, citing “innovative choices” and “fresh perspective.” 79 percent of the respondents also reported that they intend to attend the show.
Industry insiders also suggest that general public tickets for the show are expected to be in short supply. The combination of major performers, a beloved classic show, and limited seating capacity is creating a perfect storm that could cause tickets to be difficult to get. It is likely that, the longer audiences wait, the more expensive tickets may become.
Insights and Analysis
Show experts are predicting that the revival of Company on Broadway will be an exceptional display of artistry and talent. From the iconic music and lyrics to the seamless transitions of the performances, this production has all the ingredients that promise a powerful viewing experience.
Everyone involved in the production, from the cast to the director, are appearing to have a real respect for the legacy of the show’s original Broadway production. Their aim is to honor the original and bring a fresh energy. The show will undoubtedly captivate and enthrall the audience from beginning to end.
The demand for the show is high and, with limited seating, it may be hard to get tickets. It is advised that theatregoers plan ahead and book their tickets as soon as possible in order to experience this production of Company in the full glory that it offers.
Interpretations of Music and Lyrics
Stephen Sondheim’s renowned music and lyrics are a key part of what makes Company stand out as a classic musical. The show’s soundtrack features highly recognizable numbers like “Being Alive” and “The Ladies Who Lunch,” while its tone travels through a wide range of emotions, from laughter and joy to pain and heartbreak.
The interpretation of Sondheim’s masterful works by this production’s cast is likely to be one of the show’s defining features. Understanding the original Broadway production plays a huge part in the interpretations, yet the scope of the performers’ creativity and varied approaches is what promises to bring something extra to the show. Each interpretation of an iconic number is unique in its own way, yet true to the spirit and emotion of its original.
The way the cast puts together the show is bound to be musically mesmerizing and emotionally captivating. Through the characters’ stories, audiences will be invited to journey through a range of humbling experiences and thought-provoking questions.
Social Impact
In 1970 when Company made its Broadway debut, it was a groundbreaking show. As one its earliest advocates, Stephen Sondheim believed it had the potential to change the world and challenge the way people saw the world. Little did he know that, almost 50 years later, his conviction would still hold true.
The Broadway production of Company is taking an even more innovative approach to tackling important conversations. The show’s focus on personal relationships, friendship, and connection is sure to connect audiences on a deeper level, inspiring conversations regarding different life choices.
Given the show’s bold take on these pressing social topics, its production transcends the world of theatre and promises to leave a lasting impact on New York’s culture. Through art, comedy, and emotion, audiences are likely to come away with a greater understanding of the human condition and a renewed understanding of the impact meaningful relationships can have.
Scenic Design Features
The iconic set designed by David Crowley is based on the quaint downtown apartments of 1970’s New York City. A big part of the show’s charm is the playfully interactive set and its ability to keep audiences members engaged in the story. What sets this production apart is that, while it still revels in nostalgia, it seamlessly keeps up with modern tastes and sensibilities.
The minimalistic staging of the show allows for creative new surprises and unexpected twists. Audiences can expect not only to be immersed in the story but also to become active participants, even standing side-by-side with the cast at various points during the show.
The visual storytelling techniques at play, captured in the meticulously created set, are part of what promises to make this production of Company a truly remarkable experience.
Costume Design Features
The costume design of the show provides audiences an engaging visual journey of life in 1970’s New York City. Costume designer Katrina Lindsay takes great care to reflect the time period not only accurately but with vibrancy and a stylish flair.
The costumes echo the set design’s same playfully transgressive attitude, and also showcase the cast’s characters with fashion. Both leading actors, Bobby and Joanne, as well as the supporting cast of friends, acquaintances and co-workers, each possess threads that reflect their individual personalities with historical accuracy.
The costumes also reflect the production’s unique atmosphere. Audiences will be treated to the perfect combination of glitz and glamour, class, and sass delivered with a tasteful but modern twist.
Type of Performances
The times and struggles of the original production as well as the fresh new energy of the revival’s interpretation make this production of Company an especially dynamic show. Picture this: rich harmonies, complex dance synchronicity, and engaging performances all intertwined into one performance.
The show is a relatively short two and a half hours long, yet feels longer due to the tumultuous journey it takes audiences on. From initial introductions to the rise and fall of the finale, the production has plenty of scenes that prove to be career-defining performances.
The show offers something for everyone, whether they’d prefer traditional Broadway traditions or something more daring and edgy. In the same spirit of the show’s original version, this production is sure to deliver performances that will delight and captivate audiences alike.
