Company - Musical Review
On Friday 11th October I revisited London’s West End to see two musicals. I began with a matinee performance of Stephen Sondheim’s concept musical Company at Gielgud Theatre and followed with an evening performance of Heather’s The Musical at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Both musicals I saw for the first time and were equally as unforgettable as many of the musicals I have seen before.
I will shortly be posting my review of Heathers The Musical but first here is my review of Company. This revived gender swap production was under the skilled direction of Marinne Elliot (National Theatre- War Horse, Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Angels in America). It had notable changes, which included a same sex couple relationships and script alterations to coincide with the gender reversed production by the shows composers and lyricist. These factors contributed to the authenticity with the character of Bobby changed to Bobbie, along with other characters approval by Stephen Sondheim. The production began previews on 26 September and is set to open on Monday 17th October. The previews have been so positive that the production has announced an extension March 2019.
Stephen Sondhiem’s masterpiece features a catalogue of classic musical theatre numbers that include ‘Ladies Who Lunch’, “Side by Side”, “Marry Me A Little” and “Being Alive”.
The principle cast featured a number of notable West End personalities; Rosalie Craig, Richard Fleeshman, Alex Gaumond, Ben Lewis, Jonathan Bailey, Ashley Campbell, Jennifer Saayeng and Daisy Maywood. Also featuring television personality Mel Giedroyc and Tony Award winning actress Patti Lupone.
The synchronised transitions and moving set pieces that appeared from the trap door utilised the space effectively. The setting is clearly identified with the clinical white boxes boxes that made up different parts of a new York apartment worked affectively. Scenic design was created by Bunny Christie (RSC, Young Vic, Donmar Warehouse, Old Vic, Royal Court, Birmingham Rep, Manchester Royal Exchange, Bristol Old Vic and The Royal Albert Hall). Choreography by Liam Steel was cleverly incorporated into the numbers “Another Hundred People” and “Side By Side”.
Actress Rosalie Craig plays the leading protagonist Bobbie, a single woman dealing with the challenges of dating and marriage. Her performance brought unique qualities to the role, adapting and changing with each character interaction and scenario with ease. Sustaining character throughout and delivering strong vocal performances in iconic numbers such as “Being Alive”, “Marry Me A Little”.
The audiences were in the presence of Broadway royalty in the form of two time Tony Award winner Patti Lupone, reprising her role as the cynical Joanne. I eagerly awaited her presence on stage and thoroughly enjoyed the show stopping number “Ladies Who Lunch” in act two which caused the entire house to their feet. Overall she delivered a magnificent performance.
British comedy television presenter Mel Giedroyc, best known for her partnership with Sue Perkins from the BBC’s Great British Bake Off, portrayed Sarah the wife of Harry, which was played by Gavin Spoke. The pair’s physicality caused audience uproar of hysterical laughter.
Jonathan Bailey’s had the task of recreating the fast paced number “Getting Married”, which caused my jaw to drop for the entirety of the scene. I noticed how each word and syllable was punctuated. His chemistry with on stage partner Harry, played by Alex Gaumond, was captivating. A strong competitor for the Best Supporting Actor category in next years Olivier Awards.
As Bobbie’s love interests, Richard Fleeshaman and Matthew Seadon-Young, performed the comical up-tempo number “You Can Drive a Person Crazy”. They displayed a light routine, which perfectly complemented the music style of jazz.
Richard Fleeshaman’s stand out performance as quirky slow whited character of Andy (originally April) was heart-warming to observe. His performance was captivating, as was his chemistry with Rosalie Craig in the duet “Barcelona”.
Honourable mentions must be awarded to Matthew Seadon-Young, George Blagden who played the other love interest roles to Bobbie. Ashley Campbell played (Peter), Daisy Maywood (Susan), Richard Henders (David), Jennifer Saayeng (Jenny) and Ben Lewis (Larry) an outstanding supporting cast.
From the applause following each rendition to the standing ovation at the finale, which was immensely deserved, it was clear the audience enjoyed the performance. It was great to see the passion and sheer love that the cast have for this production. I look forward to returning in the new year to see this thought provoking spectacle.
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