Spring or Company- Page 2

[Jellylorum]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 11:58am

Company. Spring Awakening was good, but not as great as I had expected it to be.

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 11:58 AM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 12:19pm

I can't speak for the emotions in Spring Awakening, but I'm kind of surprised anyone finds its music to be anything extraordinary.

[JustABroadwaybaby2]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 12:25pm

I have not seen SA, but COMPANY is amazing, so, go! If you like the music you will love how it is performed there!

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 12:38pm

Most teenagers and young adults would probably find it difficult to understand and relate to Company while I'm sure Spring Awakening is right up their alley as it's aimed at teenagers.

It saddens me that this seems to be the current trend. I think it's an assumption more than anything, because I really don't think that Company is hard to understand or relate to (for teenagers and young adults). It's ironic because the themes prevalent in Company are ones that, for the most part, people witness on a day-to-day basis. Marriage, relationships (and the struggle to maintain them): things that can easily be seen simply by looking at your parents. It's not as if the themes are completely foreign just because teenagers and young adults have not themselves experienced them. People keep using the "it's hard for younger people to relate to Company" excuse, but I really don't buy it.

I also think it's quite unfortunate that the fact that the cast of Company is comprised of people in their 30s, as opposed to teenagers, is affecting people and causing reluctance to go see the show. Teenagers have a fascination with seeing people their age on stage; that's a fact. Clearly, Company is not going to draw the same type of rabid fan base that Spring Awakening seems to be developing.

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 12:38 PM

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 12:51pm

Add me to the list of people who felt nothing from Spring Awakening. The music is great and the staging is fun to look at, but the characters -- all of them -- seemed so inorganic and underdeveloped that it was hard to feel any emotional connection with them and to mourn their misfortunes. Consequently, I'm always a little surprised to find that some people find the show incredibly moving -- glad for them, but surprised that I, who am undoubtedly in the age range of people one would expect to most relate to the show, found it emotionally alienating.

[BDrischBDemented]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:24pm

I'm actually deciding this myself for Spring Break, and I was wondering two things:

1) I listened to the Spring Awakening CD and was pretty ambivalent about it. I thought the lyrics were kinda okay and the music began to all sound the same after a while. Would I possibly be more enchanted by it if I actually saw the show?

2) Which is more likely to last 'til summer? Because if Spring Awakening is doing well and if Company will suffer the fate of all Sondheim shows and close too quickly, I'd rather see Company now and possibly wait until summer for Spring Awakening.

[snl89]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:26pm

I also think it's quite unfortunate that the fact that the cast of Company is comprised of people in their 30s, as opposed to teenagers, is affecting people and causing reluctance to go see the show. Teenagers have a fascination with seeing people their age on stage; that's a fact. Clearly, Company is not going to draw the same type of rabid fan base that Spring Awakening seems to be developing.

I agree, but I think thats kind of a natural thing :) for me, I'm just amazed that such young people could be so incredibly polished in their performances! I dont think I would have NOT liked the show if the cast was older, not at all, I just think it was really cool to see that. But I mean, I was addicted to Wedding Singer too, and that cast is in their 30s and everything! So the age really doesn't have all too much to do with it accept that I think its really cool.

I'm sure company is incredible, and again, I really really DO want to go see it! and not JUST for raul either. It seems like a fantastic show over all- and I think its REALLY cool that they play their own instruments- as a *very bad* musician, I am in awe of people who can do that and perform at the same time. That takes serious skill

But yeah, I think its also just a different in the type of show they are. Spring Awakening is really addictng- I mean, even people who ARE left cold by it probably would go another time for the music and stuff. It stays in your head forever. Company seems like one of those shows thats an AMAZING theater experience, but maybe isnt quite as addicting as SA.


edit: BDrischBDemented, I personally got a LOT more out of SA after I actually saw it :) I think the main problem with the recording is that its really hard to follow the story. Its great music, but when you dont get what you're listening to at all it kind of makes it... more boring. The show's easy to follow, its just there's a lot of dialague and in-betweem scenes that you need to know about in order to get it. I found that, before I saw the show, I loved the upbeat songs but the slower songs I wasn't so crazy about- especially the ones toward the end. Now, although there are still a couple songs that I skip from time to time, I've really become very attached to the slower songs. Especially Whispering and Those You've Known- I've always thought they were pretty, but now they're some of the ones I listen to the most! So yeah, seeing the show def helps

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 01:26 PM

[Fantabulous428]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:34pm

Company seems like one of those shows thats an AMAZING theater experience, but maybe isnt quite as addicting as SA.

I'm not sure how you can make that statement at all if you haven't even seen the show. Anyway, it's all subjective.

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 01:34 PM

[Heading4NYC]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:41pm

I saw Company last week and it was incredible. It was one of the best performances, especially in Esparza's case, that I have ever seen. However, after the performance I was talking with Raul and he told me that I should go see Spring Awakening. He said it is one of the best shows he has seen in a long time and that it really needs support. So while I loved Company, it might be good to listen to the star of a show telling people to go see another show.

[snl89]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:48pm

Company seems like one of those shows thats an AMAZING theater experience, but maybe isnt quite as addicting as SA.

I'm not sure how you make that statement at all if you haven't even seen the show. Anyway, it's all subjective.

well I was kinda going just based on music and stuff :) for example, Bitch of Living I can never get out of my head. Being Alive is INCREDIBLE and I love it, but its not really one of those songs I find myself singing to myself all the time. I could be totally wrong though! Like I said, it just seems that way- I wouldn't really be able to judge completely till I actually see it

and I LOVE that raul loves spring awakening!

[sweetestsiren]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 1:57pm

Well, I have a feeling if you asked Raul whether you should see Company or Spring Awakening, and you could only see one...

[snl89]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 2:12pm

hahaha, well yes,of course, but still, it just makes me happy that he likes it

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 02:12 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 2:14pm

That's what I was going to say, sweetest. He said that knowing the person he was talking to had seen Company.

[Heading4NYC]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 2:48pm

I had talked with him before and after the show. My drama class was on a trip to New York and so he asked me what shows we were seeing and when I didn't say Spring Awakening he told us to find the time to go see it. He specified that the show needs the help because it's not getting ticket sales but the cast is doing a dynamic job and they deserve to keep running. Raul is one of the nicest actors I have ever met and his performance as Bobby is amazing. Being Alive just takes your breath away. But Company is getting a lot of money whereas Spring Awakening needs help. But try to go to the Company stage door once just to meet Raul and, if you see Spring Awakening, tell him you did because he said to.

[bigbigbill]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 3:00pm

Without a doubt, Spring Awakening.

They're both good, but Spring Awakening is better.

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 3:02pm

Are the seats as a whole pretty good at "Spring Awakening?"

[kyle.]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 6:44pm

COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY COMPANY

Best thing on Broadway right now.

[Becoz_i_knew_you21]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 7:13pm

Has the poster even made a decision yet?

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 9:54pm

Ooh, I missed a lot. I share a lot of the ideas already presented, but I'll weigh in as well.

Because a lot of the debate here contests relatability, this thread brings up a lot of things that I've been rolling over in my head about Spring Awakening. Theatrically speaking, it is very good, and I enjoyed seeing it. It has so many wonderful attributes, some of which even helped me to overlook the very obvious flaws (most notably within the lyrics); conceptually, I think it's mostly a success in nailing what it sets out to do, the music is quite good, it's beautifully lit, etc.

Yet my main frustration with the show is one that started at the time I saw it and has only grown in the time following. I felt nothing. I was not moved. The only moment in which I felt any hint of emotional pull was during Spinella's performance at Moritz's funeral. The show is charged with so many issues that should have elicited an emotional response. It was frustrating at the time because I wanted to care about these characters and I wanted the show to move me, but it didn't. It's frustrating in retrospect when I read all of these posts about how deeply moved people were. In some ways, I feel like I missed the boat. In others, my reaction is one of "... and what show did you see?" Again, that's not to say I didn't like it.

I've thought about this a lot, and had many late-night conversations with friends (some of whom have already posted here) about it. I've spent quite a bit of time wrestling my own stance on the idea of just how relatable Spring Awakening is, because I see so many people raving about how they found it to be something they could relate to and connect with in a very deep way. I find myself just sort of going "... huh?" One of said conversations yielded the idea we're not still at the age being dealt with in Spring Awakening, but not far enough from it to look back on it with much distance just yet. People at that age are locking into it for obvious reasons, and people a bit more past that age maybe so because they look at it as a glorifcation of something long in the past. But for us, it's something of a time that may have left a bad taste in our mouths. So... we look at Spring Awakening and we see lines that make us go "my God, kids don't talk like that!" and so forth. I'm not sure, but I think that sort of in-limbo age is a factor -- for me, at least -- in why I don't find it relatable in the least. For my own sake, I wish I had a better answer, because the whole thing is very frustrating for me. I just don't see its relatable qualities. I must say, though, I'm glad I'm not alone. I feel like less of a weirdo for not being touched in the least by that show.

That all said, I contest the notion that young people -- i.e. those at the appropriate age to relate to Spring Awakening -- can't relate to Company because it's about marriage and relationships. I cried like I have never before shed tears in a theater the first time I saw the show after it transferred. It moves me so much every time I see it. Not only do I find it so moving, but since we're comparing, I find it a much more fulfilling theatrical experience than Spring Awakening. I certainly love my rock musicals, but I have never been so in love with any show as I am with that revival. I'm 20 years old and I've never been in a legitimate serious relationship. I know nothing about marriage. But I've nailed down the theory that I'm so moved by this production because if you look past the obvious, at its core, it's about defining who you are through your relationships with others. That is not an idea limited to marriage, nor is it limited to middle-age. In fact, as I come close to finishing college, I find that "who the hell am I?" concept very valid to young people and those closer to the ages of Company's characters alike. I agree with what Fantabulous said - it saddens me that people are only looking at Company's surface, shying away from it because it doesn't seem like it'll move you and jumping to Spring Awakening because it's about teenagers.

Additionally, snl, I appreciate your love and enthusiasm for Spring Awakening, but claiming that it's more "addicting" when you haven't even seen Company? Seriously, are you kidding me? If you have only seen one, how can you qualify it as more "addiciting" than the other? I'm sorry, but that's absurd and vaguely impossible. You have no business making a statement like that without having seen it, because you can't accurately compare whatever we're supposed to take "addictiveness" to mean. Obviously it's all subjective, and for you that statement may hold true after seeing both, but generally when making a comparison like that, you've seen both shows. Of course, whether you see any more to be gotten out of Company than how utterly gorgeous Raúl Esparza is does remain to be seen.

Oh, and speaking of him? What sweetestsiren said.

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 09:54 PM

[snl89]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 10:13pm

I aplogize, I definitely understand what you mean Emcee. I didn't mean to make a big deal out of it, and I definitely didn't mean to infer that by "addicting" I mean "better" :) Again, I am dying to see company, and from the little I've seen I DO think it seems like a great production (as a whole, not just because of Raul, and especially not just because of his looks- if anything, its his talent I'm more drawn to. But even that said, I wouldn't go see a show I didn't think I would like just because one person I love is in it).

I guess.. I'm not really sure how to pinpoint what I meant by "addicting".. I think I just mean, Spring Awakening, for me at least, was the type of show where the second I left the theater I wanted to go back and see it all again. (obviously if you didn't connect with it, you prob wouldn't feel that way) I really CANT comment on Company, but I guess my initial impression was just that its more the type of show where you see it, love it, and walk out of the theater satisfied- where you dont necasserily feel the need to go back and see it again right away. Again, I do take that back because I really dont know enough about it. But I just wanted to apologize and make clear that I was in no way saying it seemed like a worse or less interesting show :)

and yeah... it still baffles me too as to why there's such a range in how people connect with SA... I'm really interested to try and figure it out. Your insight is very interesting though!

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 10:13 PM

[BroadwayGirl107]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 10:16pm

Wow, that is one of the most insightful and intelligent posts I've seen on this board in a looong time, Emcee.

I like that entire paragraph where you were talking about the relatability (is that a word?) of Company. That's what I was trying to get at, but didn't have the words to say. I'm 18, but I found Company to be one of the most moving theatre experiences I've had both times I saw it (Yeah, lol...I went again). I wasn't trying to imply in my initial post that it wasn't something all young people couldn't relate to; I just think that, for some, it could take more work to see how it's so human even to a younger generation. That's a given with Spring Awakening--it's geared toward young people; it's about young people, it deals with situations that many of them can relate to, and for many people that means it's so much easier to get into.

All the more reason to recommend Company, if you ask me.
Updated On: 1/7/07 at 10:16 PM

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 1/7/07 at 10:32pm

Thank you, BroadwayGirl! I think it's a word... heh.

Well, snl, I assumed you meant that it just gave you that "oh, I HAVE to see this again" feeling. While I'm shaky on how valid a "measure" that is, it is an idea that I find kind of interesting. It goes without saying that I feel it very much for Company. The material probably doesn't seem like it would be that type of thing. I suppose I can see that as a first impression because of what it is -- and perhaps since it seems there's a much bigger presence of people who feel a burning desire to return to Spring Awakening again and again. But Doyle's work, both here and in Sweeney Todd, was not the type that -- if you were able -- you would see once and just put behind you. Every single time is a different experience with his pieces. That's true of live theater almost by definition, but in his work, it's exponentially true. There is always something new to be caught. Every time I walk out of that theater, I want to turn around and go right back in. When I left Spring Awakening, I wanted to go out and buy the CD. Big, big difference. Obviously which shows make someone feel that way is a matter of personal opinion, but I guess it's worth throwing out there that there are people who can make a case for Company's possession of that quality. And as far as that goes, I think I can return to it again and again because catharsis is too intensely personal to ever become a bore. For me, there's something about that intensity that just makes me think "wow, I really want to do that again." (This is a bit of a sidebar, but once after Sweeney, I said to someone "I want to do it again!" I caught myself, and realized that I hadn't said "I want to see it again." I said I wanted to do it again. As I see it, that kind of distinction between passive watching and emotional experience has a lot to do with it too.)

Updated On: 1/7/07 at 10:32 PM

[katiafooshia]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 8:31pm

I saw both Spring Awakening and Company this weekend. I am a Musical Theatre college student, and like many others, I had been widely anticipating Spring Awakening. I went into the show knowing much about it, being familiar with the music, and having watched the preview over and over. To say the least, I was sorely disappointed. Like others, I felt emotionally detatched from the show, but judging from the reactions of most of the audience, I must have been pretty alone. I had a big problem with the microphone usage overall; right when a song was about to begin and I was just kind of getting into it, the odd fumble to find the hand mic would make me want to laugh and I would just ask myself "WHAT!?" Also, the transitions were some of the worst I have EVER seen. While I do believe SA has a great chance at swiping Best Score at the Tonys this year, the music had almost nothing to do with the play, and certainly none of the songs had direct context with the dialogue. I didn't connect with the characters like some of you are saying, but for me I really think the problem was all the technicalities of the show that I had issues with (i.e. hand mics, transitions, dialogue I could not understand, random chorus people sitting with the audience and sitting in street clothes that I was confused about, etc. etc.) Also, the passage of time for me just didn't work. I don't know. I appreciated the score and talent of some of the younger kids, but at the end of the show, my jaw dropped at the audience's overall reactions and I knew there was SOMETHING I was missing.

Company was one of the most pleasant surprises of my life. I student rushed and got 2nd row center, the entire cast was there. I can honestly say it was the most flawless stage production I have ever seen in my entire life. I would be AGHAST if it does not take best revival. I sat in that show and forgot I was in a broadway theatre...there wasn't a technical issue, and at the end of that show the applause just went on and on and on, and I saw FAR more teary eyes than at SA. I think that whether you are young or old, what makes Company so incredible is how uncomfortably close the message of the show is to most of us, and how fascinating it is to see ourselves manifested onstage. I walked out of Company and wanted to go right back and see the night show, which, instead, I saw SA and wanted to return my shirt that I had bought before the show started. Ha.

It's really up to you, but I think that Company is being far overlooked, while SA is being far overglorified for what it is. If you won't choose Company OVER SA, at least try desperately to find a way to see both.

[kyle.]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 9:25pm

I student rushed for Company this past Saturday and felt the same way. The most perfect thing I have seen in my life. Amazing. Words cannot describe the experience I had. The best thing I have ever seen. That stage was electric.

I have heard SUCH mixed things about the show, and even know people who discourage others from seeing it, but I can not see why. Maybe over the past few months it has gotten better? Maybe I just happened to see a VERY VERY VERY "on" performance. But my god what I saw was nothing short of brilliant. I have never felt more connected to a group of actors before in my life. And it is not because I was in the front row. I have seen many shows front row and nothing like this has ever happened to me before.
Updated On: 1/8/07 at 09:25 PM

[Ariella]

Posted: 1/8/07 at 9:44pm

Thanks so much for the perception of your posts, Emcee. You always articulate very well. I'm finding your insights incredibly helpful as I try to sort out my tickets for March.

I've only listened to the SA cast recording and seen the posted videos, and initially I was quite captivated. However, the more I listen I'm falling out with it a bit. The music well sung, but the emotions that the story attempts to convey seem largely untapped to me. As in - there could be a potential for a more meaningful/moving score with more work, but in the case of the lyrics especially, I don't think the music is quite there yet. While the entirety of the experience comes from actually watching the show of course, I'm left feeling ambivalent by the end of the recording. While I am ready to remain fully open minded about the live show and will try to fit it in if possible, I think Company's my priority.