Customer Reviews
Rich multi-layered performances win out 
2008-07-03
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.
theater in a theater 
2008-07-02
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
Landmark Performance 
2008-06-23
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!
Like being in the front row 2008-06-20
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
One of the best video presentations of theater I've ever seen 2008-06-18
This video is incredible, making me feel like I actually saw the Broadway production, not just a video of it. The camerawork is unobtrusive but intimate, and the performances are subtle enough to be enhanced by the cameras, not washed out like taped performances often are. This excellent Sondheim musical has finally been captured for the ages. Any fan of Sondheim or musical theater needs to see this, or own it.
Great fun 2008-06-18
"Winner of the 2007 Tony Award!Sweeping all the major theater awards for Best Revival of a Musical, a beloved era-defining classic is stunningly reinvented in this powerful Broadway production, featuring an explosive starring performance by Raul Esparza. Set in modern upper-crust Manhattan, Company is a funny, sophisticated exploration of love and commitment as seen through the eyes of a charming perpetual bachelor questioning his single state and his enthusiastically married, slightly envious friends. With a wise and witty Stephen Sondheim score including ""Another Hundred People,"" ""Side by Side by Side,"" ""The Ladies Who Lunch"" and ""Being Alive,"" Company offers musical comedy at its finest."
Here's to Raúl Esparza... 2008-05-27
The perfect way to spend an evening.
Though Sondheim's work is always poignant and magnificent, John Doyle's staging of "Company" raises the bar for Sondheim revivals. The DVD has beautiful sound, and the cameras get up close and personal with the cast to make the viewer feel he is on stage with Esparza (who, by the way, is perfectly cast in this role).
Five stars!
A MUST HAVE FOR ALL SONDHEIM FANS! 2008-05-27
This production was A-Plus especially when shown on a Hi-Def 42" TV.
I am a huge Larry Kert fan, and always regretted not seeing the original back then, but Raul Esparza is exceptional. I can't imagine anyone else in this role. I love the intelligence of Sondheim's scores, and the staging very clever. I was totally entertained and I'm ready to see it again. The only drawback for me was the song "Getting Married Today", Ive seen Beth Howland and Madeline Kahn do it and it was difficult to understand, and it is a witty and humorous song. I could not get half of what was being sung by the actress that played Amy. Besides that It was perfect!
In good "Company." 2008-05-25
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.
Non-captioned 
2008-05-25
As a deaf person, I will not be able to hear this film, but will give it to my son. I'm very sad because I missed the original and the revival on Broadway. Forgive me for giving what may be a wonderful film (how can I know) one star, because it is inaccessible to all deaf and hard of hearing people. We will gladly pay a few bucks more to support Closed Captioning.
