Will Company return when broadway returns?

I am on board with this notion. I think it checks all the boxes. If my projection of 6 shows opening fall/winter is on point, why not?

Chris Harper from this Dateline article: " We were really fortunate with Company. The show had been rehearsed, we had teched the show and, more importantly, we knew audiences were having the most amazing time. The business of the show was literally smash-hit business. It was the kind of journey a producer dreams about. And the set is still sitting there, gathering dust, waiting in the wings.

We will be back. I can say with that with absolute certainty. We were getting standing ovations during the show. But it will certainly take months, not weeks, to get back up. You need time to rebuild ticket sales, to market the show and get the whole machine working again. Broadway is an expensive business."



https://deadline.com/2020/12/broadway-2021-coronavirus-shutdown-reopening-plans-1234660092/

Marianne Elliot, in a chat with John Doyle for his CSC pandemic chat series, said they absolutely will be back.

Get this: because *two* of their productions in the West End have had a roof collapse on them, her co-producer is so incredibly paranoid about insurance and he had pandemic insurance!!

John Doyle looked shocked and said, You're kidding. Elliot replied, Nope, he did!

So, funding isn't an issue with them. She said the plan would be to begin rehearsal from Day One, when they are able.

Now, if there will have to be recasting due to the pandemic, that's a good question.

DramaTeach said: "Someone mentioned the cast looking different. Having seen the show, the only cast member I’d like to switch is Katrina Lenk. The entire production was top notch and vibrant, but her Bobbi was not good (and I say this as someone who has adored her in other things). The voice wasn’t what it needed to be for her big realization and I’ve heard some people say they wanted more of an actress than a singer, but I didn’t find the emotion that great in the song either. And she seems too mature for the part. Just my two cents."

That is the sole criticism of this production. Katrina was a full ten years older than the character when this started, which is a lot. More importantly, people have discussed she just doesn't have the vocal range for the part. I loved her in The Band's Visit and in The Marvelous Mrs.Maisel, such an incredible talent. But, is she a box office draw? Because if she is too mature for the part and doesn't have the range, wouldn't someone else be better? I don't think people bought tickets for this because of her. I could be wrong, but I assume this version of the show is the star.

I would like to see Laura Benanti or Patina Miller if we are talking potential replacements. However, I still do wonder can we really conclude that Katrina is DOA after 9 performances? I find that performances can and do evolve (e.g. Marin Mazzie in next to normal), plus people can always have vocal issues or health issues across odd weeks (e.g. Rosalie Craig herself in the London Company, or Bernadette Peters in every show she does).

I wonder if they might try bring back Jonathan Bailey as Jamie, who has become a little more known since Company on the West End, because of Bridgerton.

Maybe they might even bring back the idea of Anne Hathaway as Bobbie, to try and drum up more sales post COVID?

NameGreg said: "Worth noting, Katrina Lenk has now had months to try to iron out any vocal issues. She could be far better by this point.

Personally I’m pretty sure she’ll be back, and I’m assuming most of the cast will return. Especially LuPone, as I’m sure they’re doing everything to make sure they keep her."

Good points. :)

Also,Katrina Lenk doesn't look her age. Her vocals did need some work,but she wasn't THAT bad. When I heard her in the virtual opening number in June (it's on YouTube),I thought she sounded pretty decent. I thought she also sounded good singing "Johanna" in the virtual Sondheim tribute concert in April.

Matt Doyle has been completely committed to playing Jamie and he is a lot less busy than Jonathan.

Lauren Ambrose is a classically trained opera singer. She was flawless as Eliza on the cast recording and in person. Her issues had nothing to do with her gorgeous voice.

If you are in starring role in a musical, you need to be able to sing the songs. Period.