Original Company

I just got into Company and I know that the revival was a John Doyle production
Was the original the same with the instruments and such or was it different?

It's pretty different. The original was in 1970.
It's fabulous though, so definitely check out the cast recording!

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I was just wondering if it was a "normal show"

Thanks

Seriously. Company is not normal.

John Doyle developed the actors-as-musicians approach out of economic necessity in regional English productions, and he subsequently used it to good effect in a number of productions since then. But can we please get past the continuing over-simplification that this approach is his only "trademark"? He has successfully directed a number of things without it, including operas in both LA and the MET in NY. He is helming Sondheim's ROAD SHOW at the Public this fall without relying on it.

The original COMPANY was a standard production with respect to actors and orchestra but was considered not "normal" for its time. It did not have a linear plot line but used a concept approach - relationships/commitment/freedom/etc. I missed the original but loved the revival. I still believe that a "normal" revival, if staged true to the tone and approach of the original, would have risked seeming terribly dated.

Updated On: 9/6/08 at 10:39 PM

I would HIGHLY suggest getting your hands on the "Original Cast Recording DVD" its so great. Elaine Stritch completly breaks down during her number.

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Was there much dancing/choreographing in the original show? I saw a professional production last year with a fair amount of it going on (okay it wasn't exactly to the levels of say a Jerome Robbins show but it was alot more then I expect in your average Sondheim show). I just ask was there much in the original production or just the version I saw flavour it up with a couple of high kicks et cetera?

Yup. Michael Bennett provided the little bit of choreography and musical staging seen in the original 1970 Broadway production of COMPANY.

During the bedroom scene between Susan and Bobby, Donna McKechnie (who played Kathy) dances "Tick Tock" which interprets their sexual encounter. "Side by Side"/"What Would We Do Without You?" features quite a bit of dancing with the entire cast. There is also a go-go dancer (danced by a swing) in a cage during the Bobby/Joanne bar scene where "The Ladies Who Lunch" takes place.

Okay that brings me to anyother question

In The Broadway Revival
There were times where there would be music playing when no one on stage would be playing those instruments ie: drums, and a few others
Were there additional players off stage somewhere? or pre-recorded

Thank you for answering my questions LePetiteFromage and BrodyFosse!