Company Previews Thread- Page 35

[Kad]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 10:07am

I don't think Company- a 50 year old show about a very narrow, heteronormative definition of what it means to be in a committed relationship- is the vehicle for an exploration of modern queer relationships in NYC. You would need a wholesale rewrite of most of the book just to bring it up to the level of "believable." The show's themes may be universal, but the specifics of it absolutely are not.

Updated On: 12/15/21 at 10:07 AM

[ashley0139]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 10:18am

I’m one of the biggest proponents of the show, and while I enjoyed the GMA performance knowing the context, I’m not sure it did the show any favors to an audience that is not familiar with it. 

[joevitus]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 10:33am

MemorableUserName said: "I don't know about Archie, but Ben Lewis, who played the role in London, is exactly 30 years younger than Patti. The character is definitely intended to be a younger trophy husband.

As the stans say to the slightest criticism of the show (or performances of it on TV), it's Marianne's VISION! Her VIIIIIISSSSSIIIIIIIOOOOONNNNN!!!!!!!!"

I get that fans (or "stans," if we want to be hip/condescending) may be touchy about any and all criticism, but  from everything I've seen, it makes perfect sense in terms of this production's concept for Joanne to have a trophy husband, and for those who like the production to defend the choice makes sense.

In case, you think I'm just another "stan," I'm not impressed by what of the show is available online (or what I've heard from the London cast recording). For instance, saw "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" and thought it was awful. The altered backup vocals are bad, though I'm not sure how you create a vocal equivalent for men in a song that is meant to reproduce the style of an Andrews Sisters-like trio. There weren't any male equivalents to the Andrews Sisters. Actually, even forgetting the gender swap, as long as productions insist on setting Company in the present day, the idea of using 40's pastiche as a way of expressing a contemporary group of characters' feelings becomes odder and more tenuous. Genre issues aside, the concept doesn't work because men and women don't react to relationship issues identically, and the helpless/hopeful/frustrated tone of the song doesn't jibe with how most men would act if they were being strung along like that. The set up for the song really doesn't make much sense for a lot of contemporary women, for that matter (it really belongs to the pre-Women's Lib era), but it's more possible because our society still fairly often tells women to put up with lousy treatment and hope for the best, whereas most men are taught not to put up with any crap. If it's going to be three men, there really needs to be a new, different kind of song there.

So, not a big fan of this production, but think snarking on a defense of Joanne having a trophy husband is off.

[everythingtaboo]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 10:54am

I mean, it was fine. It gave a bit on an idea of the show, and showed off a big group number. I mean, it's the opening number of the show, it's basically exposition?

Unless it's a Disney owned-show, they're not going to go crazy publicizing it, that's up to the show's marketing. 

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 11:22am

It’s also selling very well and performance have been sold out, but I can appreciate that they’re promoting it on daytime and late night television. They also have a commercial running on the local NYC channels. 

[ashley0139]

Posted: 12/15/21 at 11:45am

ljay889 said: "It’s also selling very well and performance have been sold out, but I can appreciate that they’re promoting it on daytime and late night television. They also have a commercial running on the local NYC channels."

I got tickets to go back in mid-January and there were pretty much only single seats available. Happy that they are selling well. 

[adotburr]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 8:30pm

I know this was talked about but I can’t find it. How are the partial view seats on the side orchestra? Im looking at grabbing one in January to save a little money. I normally go side orchestra for every show I see anyway and the pics on A View From My Seat seem ok. But any comments from those who’ve sat on the sides are welcome. 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 8:34pm

adotburr said: "I know this was talked about but I can’t find it. How are the partial view seats on the side orchestra? Im looking at grabbing one in January to save a little money. I normally go side orchestra for every show I see anyway and the pics on A View From My Seat seem ok. But any comments from those who’ve sat on the sides are welcome."

I believe it’s been said that if you’re going to do that you want to sit in house right because that’s the direction Patti faces during Ladies Who Lunch.   

 

[adotburr]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 8:36pm

Miles2Go2 said: "adotburr said: "I know this was talked about but I can’t find it. How are the partial view seats on the side orchestra? Im looking at grabbing one in January to save a little money. I normally go side orchestra for every show I see anyway and the pics on A View From My Seat seem ok. But any comments from those who’ve sat on the sides are welcome."

I believe it’s been said that if you’re going to do that you want to sit in house right because that’s the direction Patti faces during Ladies Who Lunch.

"

Noted- thanks!! I remember reading that but can’t find where in this thread it was discussed! 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 10:10pm

adotburr said: "I know this was talked about but I can’t find it. How are the partial view seats on the side orchestra? Im looking at grabbing one in January to save a little money. I normally go side orchestra for every show I see anyway and the pics on A View From My Seat seem ok. But any comments from those who’ve sat on the sides are welcome."

It’s a fantastic seat for a fantastic price, especially house right. If it’s your first time seeing it, however, be aware that you will miss moments of the impressive staging. I saw this production in London first and was okay with sacrificing a bit for the great price and to be that close to the actors. If this is your only chance to see the show, I’d honestly recommend splurging and going for a center orchestra seat. I think this production will be legendary one day. If you’re at peace with missing bits of the staging and ensemble numbers then go for it. You’ll have a fantastic time no matter what.

[dan94]

Posted: 12/17/21 at 10:31pm

I was at the first reopening preview and went back later for one of the partial view front row seats. There was maybe some less than optimal viewing but I honestly completely missed maybe 90 secs. 

House right is most definitely preferable. The most partial view thing is that actors sometimes stand in front of other actors for a second or two. God was it thrilling to be that close though. Patti looked right at me and bobbed her head "hi" in the middle of Little Things You Do Together.

If you're seeing the show once maybe splurge a little and get something more central. But if you've seen it and want to go again - these seats are the best deal on Broadway imo

Updated On: 12/17/21 at 10:31 PM

[binau]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 6:04am

According to ATC Company stopped and cancelled the show 8 minutes in! Crazy! Apparently not COVID-related but of course I wonder would they have more options if it weren't for COVID right now (as according to twitter some in the Company do indeed have COVID but they aren't public about it). 

[BJR]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 7:23am

Yeah perhaps swings and understudies are already on. Or it was too last second of a decision?

And I don't understand the idea they should publicly disclose an employee who is home sick and quarantining. That isn't expected of any other business and would naturally only confuse people and dampen business. No restaurant or Duane Reade is telling you who isn't there today because they're sick.

[GiantsInTheSky2]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 7:34am

But there’s a difference there, and you know that. A Broadway show being cancelled after it’s already started, with several other shows cancelling left and right due to Covid cases, is more questionable and alarming than there being one less person at the Duane Reade register this morning. Those employees wear (or are expected to) masks all day, on stage they are not. People are paying hundreds of dollars for the show, no one is paying for an experience with a sales associate. You’re being intentionally obtuse. 

[windowwaving]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 9:06am

BJR said: "Yeah perhaps swings and understudies are already on. Or it was too last second of a decision?

And I don't understand the idea they should publicly disclose an employee who is home sick and quarantining. That isn't expected of any other business and would naturally only confuse people and dampen business. No restaurant or Duane Reade is telling you who isn't there today because they're sick."

You've already said this in a different thread and everyone has proven you wrong already. 

[yyys]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 9:53am

This is being sold as partial view.  Is this a steal at $79?

Right Orchestra
Row I, Seat 22

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/18/21 at 10:06am

yyys said: "This is being sold as partial view. Is this a steal at $79?

Right Orchestra
Row I, Seat 22"

During the week it is $59.  There are closer rows for the same price.

[adotburr]

Posted: 12/19/21 at 6:11pm

I went with a row A partial view seat, orchestra house right ! I hope that’s a good spot. It’s close!! So we’ll see in May! 

[ArtMan]

Posted: 12/19/21 at 7:34pm

adotburr said: "I went with a row A partial view seat, orchestra house right ! I hope that’s a good spot. It’s close!! So we’ll see in May!"

I hope it is for you.  When I saw Company, at intermission, I asked if there was a seat to be relocated due to the extreme little leg room.  (In the top three of painful leg room) They wanted to put me in the first box, house right, first seat.  I looked at it and couldn't believe they were really selling that seat. It looked like I would be seeing just the edge of the stage. The Manager stated "It's full view!".  I went back to my original seat and at least suffered with what I knew was a full view.

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/19/21 at 8:07pm

The row A partial view seats are wonderful. 

[sm33]

Posted: 12/19/21 at 11:54pm

This may be a dumb question, but better seats have become available at the same price level for the performance I am attending this week (provided that it happens, of course). Is there a way to switch the seats via Telecharge, or can I refund them and buy new ones? 

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 12:01am

sm33 said: "This may be a dumb question, but better seats have become available at the same price levelfor the performance I am attending this week (provided that it happens, of course). Is there a way to switch the seats via Telecharge, or can I refund them and buy new ones?"

it depends on the show/theatre. I was able to do it for The Band’s Visit no problem. I tried to do it for Hadestown and   after saying it I could. They called me back & said the theater refused. Call and see. 

 

[TaffyDavenport]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 12:02am

sm33 said: "This may be a dumb question, but better seats have become available at the same price levelfor the performance I am attending this week (provided that it happens, of course). Is there a way to switch the seats via Telecharge, or can I refund them and buy new ones?"

Yes. Go into "My Account" on Telecharge, and select the "Past Orders" tab. Find your order, and click on the order number. It should show the option to exchange or refund. Whichever option you choose, you'll be buying the new seats, and the old ones will be refunded, so they're basically the same thing.

If you don't have a Telecharge account, go to the bottom of the Telecharge home page, and click on "Order Status." You can manually enter the order information there, and the same exchange/refund options should be available.

Updated On: 12/20/21 at 12:02 AM

[Miles2Go2]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 12:03am

Also it’s my understanding that most shows have a Covid-policy of allowing for refunds right now. So that might be in your favor.   

[sm33]

Posted: 12/20/21 at 11:05am

TaffyDavenport said:

Yes. Go into "My Account" on Telecharge, and select the "Past Orders" tab. Find your order, and click on the order number. It should show the option to exchange or refund. Whichever option you choose, you'll be buying the new seats, and the old ones will be refunded, so they're basically the same thing.

If you don't have a Telecharge account, go to the bottom of the Telecharge home page, and click on "Order Status." You can manually enter the order information there, and the same exchange/refund options should be available."

Thank you so much! I saw the refund button, but didn't know if using it would prevent me from buying other tickets, assuming I cancelled bc of COVID. I appreciate the replies!!