Posted: 8/27/23 at 7:01am
Still haven’t seen the whole show yet and was wondering which is the best to watch for the first time?
i heard 2021 revival with Katrina Lenk is amazing.
Posted: 8/27/23 at 7:40am
If you are able to see the upcoming tour then that will be a fine version to see for your first time.
But if somewhere near you a theatre group is performing the original version I wouldn't pass it up.
The original Broadway cast album is fantastic.
Updated On: 8/27/23 at 07:40 AM
Posted: 8/27/23 at 12:15pm
I had quibbles with the revival but liked it a lot overall. The original production, though, and that cast, are still the gold standard for me. And yes, that cast album is up there with the greats, IMO.
Posted: 8/27/23 at 4:42pm
My favorite one is the 2006 John Doyle revival, the minimalism puts the focus on the performances and on multiple rewatches I think is the best all around, although I've always thought all broadway productions have had great casts (pending the 1995 one).
The 2006 has a peculiar way to be in their version of the characters that I like a lot: Sarah's more passive-agressive yet subtle and calm demeanor, Susan's accent (lol), a more strong focus on the power dynamics of David over Jenny, Amy's full on neuroticism and Paul's always big almost mocking smile, and Bobby's playful and charming mannerisms as a kind of defensive mechanism (love the bullet-fast way Raúl delivers some of his lines).
Posted: 8/27/23 at 5:26pm
Every revival I have seen, plus a couple of excellent regional productions, do not come up to the original production. Second favorite was the recent Broadway revival.
Special about the original:
— Best overall cast (whether Jones or Kert)
— Best (absolutely great) set by Ming Cho Lee
— Great Harold Prince direction
— It was the first time hearing That incredible score.
Finally, IMO there was no perfect version, because George Furth’s book is not great.
Posted: 8/27/23 at 7:11pm
I totally agree with you, Jarethan, and you as well, Pethian, but I do believe the original brilliant set was by Boris Aronson.
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Posted: 8/27/23 at 9:41pm
I’m also partial to the 2006 cast (though I listen to the OBC more). The really cold, arch, brittle tone feels like a precursor to what we think of as the default premium TV dramedy tone today; Raul and the gang have big Succession vibes.
Posted: 8/28/23 at 12:18am
lapinitsa said: "I totally agree with you, Jarethan, and you as well, Pethian, but I do believe the original brilliant set was by Boris Aronson.
Absolutely. How could I have gotten that wrong!?! Now I am going to rack my brain trying to remember which Ming Cho Lee set was so amazing (and presumably modern) that I associated him with Company.
Posted: 9/2/23 at 2:41am
I saw the Katrina Lenk revival and it was amazing! It's the only version I have ever seen live, but I thought it was absolutely incredible - 15/10. If you have the chance to see the tour, I hope you get to go! I'm going out of my way to make sure I see the tour when it comes near (four hours away) me next year.
