Review - Company of Stephen Sondheim at the Gielgud Theatre

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Stephen Sondheim's musical, premiered in 1970 on Broadway, is making a comeback in London.

The cast of Company during the 'SIde by Side' issue

For this long-awaited revival, the role of Bobby, who is usually a man, is played by the fabulous Rosalie Craig. It was also necessary to convince the composer Stephen Sondheim to leave this role to a woman: he could not resist the talent of the actress. As a result, other roles have also been reversed: Amy becomes Jamie, April becomes Andy, etc. Some songs have therefore been revisited like "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" whose barbershop music style is a delight.
If the roles are reversed, the story remains unchanged and perhaps has even more impact. Social pressure is still observed today on women in their thirties who are not married and for whom the biological clock is ticking.


The story

The show centers around Bobbie, single, turning 35, and afraid to enter into a stable relationship. Bobbie reassesses her life and reviews her relationships with her married friends as well as her boyfriends. All of Bobbie's friends absolutely want to find her a husband when she has no plans to get married anytime soon. This musical offers a glimpse of different types of couples and personalities, all more insane and touching in their dysfunction.

History is transposed in our society with the use of phones and computers without abusing them. The musical fits perfectly and seems particularly relevant in our feminist age.
If the musical isn't just a comedy. It is a beautiful reflection on life, marriage and the expectations of those around it.

 

Discover part of the cast of Company and "Being Alive" performed by Rosalie Craig:

The staging is by Marianne Elliott. We can recognize her artistic touch: she makes the actors evolve on stage with the use of light cubes and by paying particular attention to the bodily possibilities of the actors.
She has already been awarded for her staging of War Horse et The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. These two pieces are also repeated in November in the English capital: War Horse returns to the National Theater and Curious Incident at the Piccadilly Theater.
We applaud the collaborative work of the creative team. Bunny Christie's scenography is very ingenious in the use of space and in perfect harmony with the lights of Neil Austin.

We do not forget the music of Stephen Sondheim which is always so intriguing. There is something very exciting when you re-discover this music and see it come to life on stage. The music takes on its full meaning through the characters and we admire Sondheim for his well thought-out work.

In the cast, we find the formidable Rosalie Craig in Bobbie, Mel Giedroyc in Sarah and the Queen of Broadway Patti LuPone in Joanne (role she has already interpreted!). We particularly applaud Jonathan Bailey's performance as Jamie, whose song “Not Getting Married Today” made the full house cry with laughter. Of course, Patti LuPone is just amazing: funny and outspoken, she gets the full attention of the audience as soon as she takes the stage.

I advise you to book your places quickly because the show is a treat! It's this way!

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