Most of the cast of the Stephen Sondheim musical, led by Raul Esparza as Bobby, is expected to make the transfer to the Great White Way. The Routh/Frankel/Viertel/Baruch Group will produce the Broadway revival; that is the same team that produced Doyle's current Broadway offering, the critically praised revival of Sweeney Todd starring Patti LuPone and Michael Cerveris.
In director Doyle's new staging, the acting company doubles as the orchestra, playing their instruments on stage and during scenes in the same style as Doyle's Sweeney Todd revival. Director Doyle said the action is set in 2006, and the characters are all dressed in very upscale, very urban black costumes.
Mary-Mitchell Campbell, the respected Manhattan music director and arranger, serves as the production's music supervisor and orchestrator.
The cast of Company also includes Barbara Walsh as Joanne; Keith Buterbaugh as Harry; Matt Castle as Peter; Robert Cunningham as Paul; Angel Desai as Marta; Kelly Jeanne Grant as Kathy; Kristin Huffman as Sarah; Amy Justman as Susan; Heather Laws as Amy; Leenya Rideout as Jenny; Fred Rose as David; Bruce Sabath as Larry; Elizabeth Stanley as April.
In addition to Doyle and Campbell, the creative team includes David Gallo (set designer), Ann Hould-Ward (costume designer) and Thomas C. Hase (lighting designer). Here's how Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park bills the show: "Company is a revolutionary, unconventional look at love and commitment in a complex modern world. The show is a remarkably honest, clever and sophisticated portrayal of five married couples as seen through the eyes of their mutual friend Bobby, a bachelor weighing the pros and cons of wedded life."
The original 1970 Broadway production was honored with the New York Drama Critics Circle Award for best musical as well as six Tony Awards, including those for music and lyrics (Stephen Sondheim's first), book, scenic design, director and best musical.
The score includes "Being Alive," "The Ladies Who Lunch," "Another Hundred People," "The Little Things You Do Together," "Someone Is Waiting," "Sorry-Grateful," "Side by Side by Side," "Barcelona," "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," "Getting Married Today," "Poor Baby," "Have I Got a Girl for You," "Company." The production employs "Marry Me a Little," which was cut from the original staging but later interpolated into some revivals. In Ohio, Bobby's 35th birthday is central to the action (in the past, he's been on the verge of 30 or 40, depending on the script and director). "Tick Tock," a dance sequence, has been cut. Sondheim has been consulted and participated in the musical choices.
For more information, visit wwwcincyplay.com.
