I first saw revival of Company during their initial run of previews in 2020. I was able to catch it again at the start of this week.
This production was already stellar and it has only become better. Though, one thing still bothered me.
This is what revivals should be like. They brought this show back with a purpose and with storytelling and ideas at the front. I wanna see more of this on Broadway.
The performances are stellar. This entire cast is on fire. Shoutouts to Simard, Fitzgerald, Doyle, Conte, and of course LuPone for really owning everything they do on that stage. I predict Tony nominations for Simard, Doyle, and a win for LuPone.
Pre-pandemic I hated Katrina Lenk in the show and was shocked. Upon reopening I can’t say “hated.” Her acting has improved immensely and I think it’s because she’s no longer scared of the songs. In 2020 all acting went out the door when she sang and she just looked uncomfortable. She’s now giving a performance that is incredibly deep and moving. I just wish her vocals matched the journey she is going on. She sounds lovely on “Someone is Waiting” and her “Marry Me a Little” is … fine. However, “Being Alive” is so disappointing. Her voice just sounds weak and doesn’t service the story-telling and emotional climax of that number. It was noticeable in the audience how tepid the applause was compared to the rest of the night. It’s a brilliant show and it ends on such a weak note. I can’t help but wish it was in a lower key that her unique and smokey voice would thrive in. She does act the song very well, but it doesn’t save the number.
The real star of the show is Elliot’s directing. Just brilliant. The staging for “Not Getting Married” and “Another Hundred People” really stand out. All of it is just so smart and so well done. The added rain at the end of act one is a nice touch, but I can’t help but think that it was to distract from Lenk’s weak final note of the song…
Design elements are all superb. There is a clear concept and it’s all executed at top notch. I’m considering this the front runner for Best Revival and frankly can’t wait to see it again. However, I’d ultimately re-cast Lenk
"In here, life is beautiful"