Company - A Musical Comedy (1996 London Revival Cast) [Cast Recording] [Cast Recording]
Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
While the original version of Company is still indispensable for any self-respecting Broadway fan, this London revival directed by Sam Mendes has enough sharp edges to make it a welcome addition. The anger underlining "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is more forceful than ever (especially with loud-and-clear interjections like "son of a bitch!"), and the small orchestra plays with uncommon energy. As Robert/Bobby, Adrian Lester injects new resonance into a character usually perceived as being passive: "Barcelona" features some particularly good acting, while "Marry Me a Little is touchingly tender. This version doesn't rank as high as the original one (what could?) but it's more interesting than the 1995 Broadway revival. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Company - A Musical Comedy (1996 London Revival Cast), Music, Stephen Sondheim, Adrian Lester, Sheila Gish, Cast Recordings, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Show Tunes, Showtunes / B'way
Average customer rating:
- Better than ever....Bobby baby!
- Perfect
- AN ORIGINAL ,NOT TO BE COMPARED
- One of the Greatest Ever
- My First Sondheim
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Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Dean Jones , and Elaine Stritch
Manufacturer: Sony
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Similar Items:
- A Little Night Music (1973 Original Broadway Cast)
- Follies (Highlights from the 1971 Original Broadway Cast)
- Original Cast Album - Company
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ASIN: B00000DHSN
Release Date: 1998-11-10 |
Tracks:
- Act I: Company
- Act I: The Little Things You Do Together
- Act I: Sorry-Grateful
- Act I: You Could Drive A Person Crazy
- Act I: Have I Got A Girl For You
- Act I: Someone Is Waiting
- Act I: Another Hundred People
- Act I: Getting Married Today
- Act II: Side By Side By Side / What Would We Do Without You?
- Act II: Poor Baby
- Act II: Tick-Tock
- Act II: Barcelona
- Act II: The Ladies Who Lunch
- Act II: Being Alive
- Act II: Finale
- Being Alive - Larry Kert
Amazon.com essential recording
Stephen Sondheim's Company still sounds as modern as it did when it opened in 1970. Donna McKechnie, Susan Browning, and Pamela Myers spoof the Andrews Sisters with gusto in the tongue-twisting "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," while Browning and Dean Jones's "Barcelona" is filled with longing and heartbreak. And, of course, Elaine Stritch reigns supreme, proving once more that you don't have to be the best singer to steal a musical. An extra track features Larry Kert (Tony in the original West Side Story) singing "Being Alive." Kert had replaced Jones early in the run but wasn't on the original cast recording. It would have been nice to finally get the lyrics, though. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Customer Reviews:
Better than ever....Bobby baby!.......2007-07-13
COMPANY may have originally been introduced before its time back in the 70's but now we can see how timely and insightful and "right on" the book and lyrics really were and actually NOT ahead of there time at all.
Just gutsy enough to say it like it is/was at the time people didn't want to talk about such issues!
Of course Sondheim wrote this music so early in his career and yet it holds up so well today. Outstanding....Just "listen to the words" as one might say. An enjoyable task with the beautiful music and vocals on this outstanding CD
Perfect.......2007-06-25
This is my favorite musical of all time. I get physically homesick for New York whenever I listen to this. Somehow Sondheim captures the feeling and the air in New York that makes me miss it everytime, and think of a way to find myself back there, especially with the song "Another Hundred People". Definitely one of the most truthful, life-changing musicals there are, and by far this recording is my favorite. I love the revival version as well, but for the real "feel" for this show, I recommend this recording above all others.
AN ORIGINAL ,NOT TO BE COMPARED.......2007-02-22
with the current revival of this sondhiem/ furth show, i thought it would be great for me to review the original as it will be compared with the new revival. this version of company outranks all others. being a cast recording collector i have every english language album of this show.while i can pick specific things in all the cast recordings that i love, this one is by far my favorite. this is my very favorite sondhiem show.not as traditional as gypsy and not as complexed as pacific overtures, company's source material hits home and is told in a way very revolutionary for it's time and has not been replicated since then.the performances as amazing , even if the actors are not as in tune as we hope the actors seem so true to the characters that it doesent matter. every thing from the 1970's orchastrations to the wonderful characters make a perfect fit.this cast recording produces deifinitive versions fo some of sondhiem's best hits.elaine stritch in "the ladies who lunch", pamela myers in "another hundred people" and beth howland in "not getting married" make that list.the addition of the laerry kert version of "being alive" gives you only a taste of what the london recording sounds like.if you can find a copy it's worth a listen,although it is the same recording with replaced vocals be larry kert.
One of the Greatest Ever.......2006-12-19
Company, the groundbreaking 1970 work from Stephen Sondheim, is one of the greatest shows in musical theatre history. It's only fitting that such a great show gets a truly great Original Cast Recording. The orchestrations on this recording are so much better than either the 1995 Broadway Revival recording, or the 1996 London recording that I wonder if it will ever be equaled.
The performances on this recording are also unequaled. Not only are the songs well sung, but they're extremely well acted. This is especially true of what has become one of Sondheim's classics, "The Ladies Who Lunch", performed admirably by Elaine Stritch. Other standout tracks are Beth Howland's version (the original) of "Getting Married Today", Dean Jones' stirring interpretaion of "Someone is Waiting" and Pamela Myers' stunning rendition of "Another Hundred People."
My First Sondheim.......2006-07-25
This was the first Sondheim album I ever had, and I got hooked.
My only complaint is that the late, great Larry Kert, who took over for Dean Jones who left the show shortly after it opened (so soon in fact that Kert was nominated for the Tony), isn't on the recording. Jones is fine but Kert was even better. And of course this includes the now legendary version of The Ladies Who Lunch sung (?) by Elaine Stritch. But the star of the recording is Sondheim. It's a brilliant score!
Average customer rating:
- Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
- Top Shelf
- TERRIFIC CD'S
- Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
- Great Compilation!
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Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Manufacturer: Sony
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Similar Items:
- The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19 |
Tracks:
- Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
- Swanee- Al Jolson
- When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
- A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
- My Man- Fanny Brice
- Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
- If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
- Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
- Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
- Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
- Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
- Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
- Body And Soul- Libby Holman
- Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
- Night And Day- Fred Astaire
- Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
- Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
- You're The Top- Ethel Merman
- Summertime- Anne Brown
- September Song- Walter Huston
- My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
- It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
- Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
- Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
- Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake
Tracks:
- New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
- If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
- Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
- There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
- How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
- Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
- Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
- Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
- Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
- Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
- Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
- Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
- Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
- Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
- Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
- Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
- Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
- I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
- Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
- The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
- Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
- Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence
Tracks:
- Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
- I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
- Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
- My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
- Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
- Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
- Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
- Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
- I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
- The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
- Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
- What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
- As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
- Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
- People- Barbra Streisand
- Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
- If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
- Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
- The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
- If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
- Open a New Window- from Mame Voice
Tracks:
- Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
- Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
- I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
- The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
- Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
- I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
- I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
- We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
- Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
- Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
- Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
- One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
- All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
- Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
- Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
- Come Follow The Band
- Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
- And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
- The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia
Tracks:
- Memory- Betty Buckley
- I Am What I Am- George Hearn
- Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
- Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
- The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
- You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
- The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
- Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
- With One Look- Glenn Close
- On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
- Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
- Seasons Of Love-
- Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
- I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
- Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
- Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
- Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
- I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
- Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30
Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.
Top Shelf.......2007-01-04
This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.
TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23
THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14
This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway
Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17
If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Average customer rating:
- Great CD
- Simply the Best
- Inconsistent, but mostly excellent
- "Celebration" is not strong enough a word
- A maginificent evening, a magnificent album
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Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Betty Buckley , Paul Gemignani , Patti LuPone , Liza Minnelli , and Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
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Binding: Audio CD
Sondheim, Stephen
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Similar Items:
- Side By Side By Sondheim (1976 Original London Cast)
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ASIN: B000003FDW
Release Date: 1993-02-23 |
Tracks:
- Symphonic Sondheim: Sweeney Todd--orchestra, Jerry Hadley ("Johanna"), Eugene Perry,Herbert Perry ("Pretty Women")
- Evening Introduction--Bill Irwin
- Loveland/Getting Married Today--Ensemble, Jeanne Lehman, Mark Jacoby, Madeline Kahn
- Waiting for the Girls Upstairs--George Lee Andrews, Michael Jeter, James Naughton/Love, I Hear--Michael Jeter/Live Alone and Like It--James Naughton
- Someone Is Waiting--Richard Muenz/Symphonic Sondheim: Barcelona--orchestra
- Being Alive--Patti LuPone
- Good Thing Going--The Tonics
- Losing My Mind/You Could Drive a Person Crazy--Dorothy Loudon
- Our Time--Boys Choir of Harlem/Children Will Listen--Betty Buckley
- Anyone Can Whistle--Billy Stritch
- Water Under the Bridge--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch
- Back in Business--Liza Minnellli, Billy Stritch, Ensemble
Tracks:
- Symphonic Sondheim: Comedy Tonight--Bill Irwin, orchestra
- Sooner or Later--Karen Ziemba
- Pretty Lady--Mark Jacoby, Eugene Perry, Herbert Perry
- Green Finch and Linnet Bird--Harolyn Blackwell
- The Ballad of Booth--Patrick Cassidy, Victor Garber
- Broadway Baby--Daisy Eagan
- I Never Do Anything Twice--BETTY
- With So Little to Be Sure Of--Jerry Hadley, Carolann Page
- Not a Day Goes By--Bernadette Peters
- Remember?--Ron Baker, Peter Blanchet, Carol Meyer, Bronwyn Thomas, Blythe Walker (Quintet)/A Weekend in the Country--Kevin Anderson, George Lee Andrews, Mark Jacoby, Beverly Lambert, Maureen Moore, Susan Terry, Quintet
- Send in the Clowns--Glenn Close
- Old Friends--Liza Minnelli
- Sunday--Bernadette Peters, Broadway Chorus
Customer Reviews:
Great CD.......2006-08-06
This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.
Simply the Best.......2005-06-29
First, to the person who criticizes the recording b/c of "Broadway Baby." Daisy Egan (who sings in in this recording) sounds like she's 10 becuase she IS young. She had just appeared on Braodway in Secret Garden and won a Tony for it. It's a joke...Broadway BABY...hello, it's a joke.
In a compilation of songs like this you're always going to have tracks that you prefer over others, but the majority of the renditions in this CD are great. This is simply one of the best collections of Sondheim out there. You get interpretations that span from "classical" (Green Finch), to bordering on insane (Anything Twice). This is to demonstrate how versatile this composer really is.
In my opinion, some of the best renditions are "Not a Day Goes By," "Anyone Can Whistle", "Girls Upstairs Medley," "Losing My Mind/Drive a Person Crazy," and "Weekend inthe Country." Makes me wish I had been there to witness it first hand.
If you love Sondheim and enjoy hearing Broadway performers, get this CD. A great recording.
Inconsistent, but mostly excellent.......2004-03-21
I am sure no knowledgeable person would deny how absolutely perfect all these songs are. However, the performances on this album are extremely inconsistent. It will go from an excellent rendition (Waiting for the Girls medley, Sunday, With So Little To Be Sure Of, Sooner or Later, Green Finch, Send in the Clowns, Pretty Lady) to the weird (I never Do Anything Twice), to the bad (Broadway Baby, Our Time). I still have absolutely no idea how they managed to butcher one of the best songs ever written--Good Thing Going--and turn it into smooth jazz elevator music. Why would they give Broadway Baby to someone who sounds like she's 10? That said, Liza Minelli, Glenn Close, Karen Ziemba, Dorothy Laudon and the "Waiting for the Girls" performers are all very good. And ending with Bernadette Peters and "Sunday" ends the set on a absolutley fabulous note.
"Celebration" is not strong enough a word.......2003-04-30
This review is by Crosley.
I have been a major Sondheim fan for quite some time, and I finally obtained a copy of this album. I was blown away by the excellent cast and phenomenal selection of music. It is obvious how much work went into this production, considering that this is the live recording of a one time show, and it's flawless. The songs cover all of his shows with the exception of "Passion," which was released 3 years after this show. Also, the shows for which he wrote only lyrics are ommited, like West Side Story, Gypsy, etc. Thus, you can find material from A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Merrily we Roll Along, Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Assassins.
There are two striking things about this CD (besides the music and performers themselves). First of all, some of the songs are completely stylistically reworked. The most obvious are "Good Thing Going" and "I Never do Anything Twice." Both are traditionally very ballady with a piano accompaniment, but here they have been redone as jazzy tunes. The result is excellent. Such reworkings demonstrate that Sondheim writes music for virtually any style, and in these cases, across several styles. It's a great example of his variety. The other interesting thing is how many songs have overlapping melodies of songs from different shows. Case in point, "Our Time" and "No one is Alone" are sung seperately by the Harlem Boys Choir and Betty Buckley (the original Grizabella in Webber's atrocious "CATS," although Buckley was excellent) respectively, and then combined. Putting these two songs together offer different meanings to each, and the music is only enhanced. Another example, the trio of "Waiting for the Girls Upstairs," "Love, I Hear," and "Live Alone and Like It" are sung in that order, and then the latter two are combined. Again, the meanings of the songs change, this time in an almost narrative style, and offering different takes on love in the same montage. Lastly (at least for this review, there are more), Dorothy Laudon's (the original Ms. Hannigan in Annie) combination of "Losing my Mind" and "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is brilliant. Those who are familiar with these songs will wonder how exactly they fit, but trust me, they do. She swtiches back and forth between melodies to create a number that starts poignant and beautiful, and soon moves to become uproariously funny. Both the song reworkings and overlapping melodies of unrelated songs are all for the better.
I recommend this recording to anyone wanting to get better acquainted with some of Sondheim's best work, or those already familiar who want to hear a tour de force of phenomenal music. It has been said that Sondheim is a masterful lyricist (which he is), but lacks real talent for music. This CD is the final proof that such critics are wrong. His music may take a few listenings to get into, contrary to Webber or Wildhorn, but unlike those two, he doesn't cater to the audience. He challenges them to think outside of traditional musical theater in a glorious repertoise of shows that reach for a smarter, more sophisticated form.
A maginificent evening, a magnificent album.......2001-12-16
There's something to be said for the first concert you ever see at Carnegie Hall. I was fortunate enough to have this be my first. This entire evening was devoted to his genius and the performers did not disappoint.
This wonderful double CD shows off the best and brightest of the musical theatre composer and it is, as one person put it, "an embarassment of riches." With songs from his finest works done in amazing arrangements (listen to that harmony in "We Had a Good Thing Going"!) combined with fabulous performers this is a Sondheim lovers delight.
My favorite song is, without a doubt, Dorothy Louden and her wonderful medley of "Losing My Mind" into "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" followed very closely by the recently departed Madeline Kahn singing "Getting Married Today."
Average customer rating:
- what happend?
- Mixed Company
- It's the little things
- A True Original After All These Years
- A different side of Sondheim
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Company - A Musical Comedy (1995 Broadway Revival Cast)
Stephen Sondheim , Veanne Cox , Debra Monk , and Jane Krakowski
Manufacturer: Angel Records
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Similar Items:
- Company - A Musical Comedy (1970 Original Broadway Cast)
- Company (2006 Broadway Revival Cast)
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- Original Cast Album - Company
ASIN: B000002SM6
Release Date: 1996-02-20 |
Tracks:
- Overture
- Company
- The Little Things You Do Together
- Sorry-Grateful
- You Could Drive a Person Crazy
- Company (reprise)
- Have I Got a Girl for You
- Someone Is Waiting
- Another Hundred People
- Getting Married Today
- Bobby Baby (introduction)
- Marry Me a Little
- Bobby Baby (finale)
- Side by Side by Side / What Would We Do Without You?
- Poor Baby
- Tick Tock
- Barcelona
- Ladies Who Lunch, The
- Company (reprise II)
- Being Alive
- Bows
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Expectations ran high for this 25th anniversary revival of Company. Boyd Gaines's Robert was surrounded by a solid cast, though once again the women particularly shone: on "Barcelona" Jane Krakowski shows why she was a respected Broadway actress way before television discovered her in Ally McBeal, while Veanne Cox navigates the treacherous rapids of "Getting Married Today" with the assurance of a true New Yorker for whom singing fast is routine (does she even breathe?). Debra Monk won't make us forget Elaine Stritch on "The Ladies Who Lunch," but she's more than adequate as she roars down this ultimate showstopper. "Marry Me a Little," not in the 1970 version, is included. Of the three Company recordings that are widely available, this is the only one to include the complete lyrics. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Customer Reviews:
what happend?.......2007-02-22
with the roster of big named broadway talent ,you would think this revival,which is closer to the original than any other production,would make for a good recording. it did not.everyone seems to be not in good form. even the usually amazing la chanze cranks out a lackluster marta.
the orchastrations are nowhere as good as the original.it soft of reminds me of a community theater production of actors trying to play the characters so differently from the originals that they end up underdone. there are very few standouts.....actually only one. jane krakowski, who i believe would have been a better marta.anyways, buy this cd if you are a completist.if you need the song marry me a little buy the putting it together cast recording the voices is better and the arrangement is even better
Mixed Company.......2005-03-24
It took 25 years for a Broadway revival of COMPANY to happen. When it did it was a production by the Roundabout Theatre Company announced for a limited run and though there were rumors the show would transfer to another Broadway theatre, this was not to be. There are changes to the text and orchestration here. The orchestra is reduced to fourteen players, less than half the size of the original. Recording techniques have changed since 1970 and the singers now all use isolation booths. The result on the record is not the sound of all voices blending into an ensemble but of 11 individual voices. This is most apparent in You Could Drive a Person Crazy. Debra Monk sounds too young and lacks world-weary quality needed for Joanne and screams too much in The Ladies Who Lunch, but La Chanze makes a wonderful Marta, belting out Another Hundred People in a style all her own.
Sondheim mad a few lyric changes. "Much the simplest of crimes" becomes "much the cleanest of crimes." And the line "I could understand a person if a person was a fag" was changed to "if he happened to be gay."
Boyd Gaines had been sidelined during the run of the revival with throat problems. He shows no sign of strain in any f his tracks, and this version restored Marry Me a Little for him to sing at the end of Act One. If the others don't quite match the original cast, they at least offer an interesting alternate.
It's the little things.......2004-09-27
I'd like to get proponents of the three versions of "Company" I'm aware of - the OBC, 1996 London, and this 1996 Broadway Revival Cast - and put them in a room together to "discuss" which one is the best. And better, put a large table in the center of the room, piled high with fruits and doughnuts and the sort, and see how long it takes for the food to start flying.
I actually have all three of those recordings. An ex gave me a cassette of the 1996 Revival Cast, then she bought me the 1996 London cast CD, and after the OBC was remastered on CD, I went and bought that for myself (after we broke up). Each recording has its high points, and in a geeky song-to-song comparison, each recording has songs which are done better than on the other two. But this 1996 Revival Cast has the least. It doesn't help that the actor who plays Bobby is kind of bland, and his "Being Alive" was a disappointment - a song that when I listen through line by line, listening to what it says, usually gets me all verklempt. "Getting Married Today" is the most technically proficient performance of that song, and still amazing at that, but the singer sacrifices the desperation and frantic emotion needed to really deliver that song.
On the plus side, I don't think there should ever be a comparison to Elaine Stritch's "Ladies Who Lunch", I think our panel can agree to put down the tomatoes and kruellers and give that song to the Original Broadway Cast. Given that, the 1996 Revival version is quite well executed and hits all the emotions and nuances required of that most nuanced of songs. This version is the only one that makes me laugh *every* time she hits that last 'I'll drink to that' - you know the one. It's a little over the top, but it's so gold. I liked the version of "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" best on this recording because it has the cleanest execution and the women really hit the Andrews Sisters-esque close harmony, the precision of which makes the song work just a tiny bit better than the other versions. It's a competent recording, and an update on the OBC (there are more parallels between the two Broadway recordings than with the London), and it's obviously a better sound recording.
My favorite of the three? I know I'm gonna get pelted with jelly doughnuts, but I like the London best *throws up arms defensively*. It's the little things in that recording, like the 4 bars of swing, breaking the rhythm in one of the chase sections of "What Would We Do Without You?", that I'm always listening for now, and isn't on either of the Broadway recordings. There are a whole bunch of just little things I listen for that I like when I put on the CD - a syncopation, an inflection, a different bit of orchestration - oh, the orchestration on the Revival cast is excellent, a lot of little subtle additions. Finally, I liked Adrian Lester's Bobby on the London recording the best because he just sounds very natural, whereas the other Bobby's sound more like formal singers. It's the little things.
A True Original After All These Years.......2004-08-02
Nearly 35 years after its original Broadway premiere, Stephen Sondheim's "Company" remains one of the most unique and daring works of musical theatre ever. The true definition of a concept musical, the show enschews a traditional, linear plot in favor of vignettes that offer insight into the lives and psyches of married Manhatannites. The show is centered around Bobby, who is the only one of his friends who isn't married and trying to figure out why.
Of course, such a daring concept wouldn't matter if the show wasn't any good, but Sondheim has written a stellar score for this one. Although it initially isn't as melodic and memorable as some of Sondheim's more famous works ("Sweeney Todd," "Into the Woods"), repeat listenings reveal a depth and subtlety that is unfortunately uncommon in most theatre scores. Unassuming songs like "Sorry-Grateful" and "Someone is Waiting" may not instantly grab the listener, but if you surrender yourself to them you will find deeply moving and insightful songs about love and longing.
That's not the say that the show doesn't have its fair share of showstoppers. The title track grabbed me from the moment to first notes were sung, with its endless rounds and lines of counterpoint proving what a master of songcraft Sondheim truly is. And of course, the show ends with "Being Alive," one of Sondheim's most haunting and beautiful melodies ever.
Endless debate has been waged over the merits of this cast and the original, and the simple answer is that the original cast is slightly better. This is only natural, since Sondheim has been quoted as saying he writes for specific actors and believes that if you truly write a great part for a particular person, then anyone can succeed at it. Which this revival proves in spades, with the entire cast doing an excellent job with the difficult music.
However, for some odd reason all the best songs in this show seem to go to women. Veanne Cox does a fabulous job on "Getting Married Today," with such crisp diction and such a frenzied edge to her voice you have to wonder if she ever breathes. LaChanze belts out "Another Hundred People" with confidence, and Debra Monk expertly handles the showstopping "Ladies Who Lunch." She won't replace Elaine Stritch (no one will), but on her own merits Ms. Monk is more than capable of handling the role.
Sondheim buffs need this CD because it includes "Marry Me a Little," and song added after the show's 1970 New York premiere, as well as the full lyrics. It also sports a crack cast performing one of Sondheim's better scores. Newbees might do better to check out the original cast album first, but this revival is certainly worth a listen.
A different side of Sondheim.......2004-07-14
If you want to see a new side to sondheim then I truly suggest this CD. It is different from his touching and more profound musicals. Bobby is the only person who is single amongst a group of friends, and each of these friends are giving him advice and trying to get him married. The score includes great musical numbers from a variety of well-knowns including Jane Krakowski, Robert Westenberg, and LaChanze. Highlights on this CD as opposed to the one from the 70's version are the addition of Bobby's number Marry Me A Little. Also Getting Married Today is a hilarious number done with in a deadpan style reminiscent of Madeleine Kahn. I promise that you will not be dissappointed. The only thing that could make this CD better would be the presence of Elaine Stritch, just because she is amazing.
Average customer rating:
- Hilarious and Irreverent
- Amazing!!!!
- Amusing for non- Christians
- FUNNY AS HELL
- These guys are HYSTERICAL!
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The Bible - The Complete Word of God (abridged)
Manufacturer: Uproar Entertainment
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Comedy
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ASIN: B00008NG9M
Release Date: 2003-03-04 |
Tracks:
- Disclaimer
- In The Beginning Blues
- Greatest Story Ever Accepted As Fact
- Research Material
- Garden Of Eden
- Bagattin'
- Noah's Ark
- Tower Of Babel
- Abraham
- Story Time
- Jews In Space
- Joseph
- Top Ten Rejected Commandments
- Joshua
- The Book Of Job
- Professional Wrestling
- Psalms And Proverbs
- Book Of Ruth
- Song Of Solomon
- Elijah/Elisha
- Parables
- Wise Men
- Birth Of Jesus
- Jesus: The Teenage Years
- Dueling Jesuses
- John The Baptist
- Salome
- Letter From Jesus
- Jesus Preaches Sermons
- Jesus Teaches Through Parables
- The Miracles Of Jesus
- The Last Supper
- The World's Oldest Crucifixion Joke
- Jesus Is Resurrected
- Jesus Ascends Into Heaven
- Letters
- That's Armageddon!
Customer Reviews:
Hilarious and Irreverent.......2007-05-09
This is not the Bible as most people remember it, and it is not for those who take the Bible seriously (though the RSC do advise that you literally take the Bible from your hotel room, that's what it's there for). Full of modern satire, witty repartee, and the type of quotes that you can annoy your friends with, it is a must for everyone who enjoys true, intellectual comedy. It is both satire and slapstick, with inside jokes for those familiar with the work of the RSC, jokes at the expense of all religions, jokes at their own expense, and great musical numbers. I thoroughly recommend it, I force all my friends to listen to it. As they say on the CD "If you didn't like it, tell your clergyman; if you liked it, tell both your friends." I've already told both my friends, so here is my review.
One last thing, here is a litmus test to see if you should listen to this recording. In the section on the miracles of Jesus, the bit goes like this: "He taught Christian fundamendalists to be tolerant! Hey, that would be a miracle!" If you found that funny, this is a CD you'll thoroughly enjoy.
Amazing!!!!.......2007-01-10
These guys are amazing!!! The Reduced Shakespeare company is like an embassy of good production plus entertainment plus culture improvement.
Particularly in this Cd, which was taken from a play, we can sense how these guys have creativity "riding" on their veins.
If you purchase this cd please keep your atention at Tower of Babel, The World's Oldest Crucifixion Joke and Jesus is ressurected. I'll say no more and leave you with your curiosity... ehehhehhehe!!!!
Cheers!!!!
Amusing for non- Christians.......2005-02-13
A medium witted piece containing jokes about conservative politics and the bible. As fun as dentistry for all who share a relationship with the living Christ. Non-Christians should walk away with a few laughs and be none the wiser.
FUNNY AS HELL.......2003-07-16
This was so funny! I have the DVD of the Complete Works of Shakespeare, so when I saw this at Borders, I had to purchase it. I love the hilarious interpretations, the tongue-in-cheek humor, and the jokes that you have to know about to understand, like:
"...which most scholars agrue is the definitive point of Genisis [the book], because they still had Peter Gabriel."
This is a must-have for anybody with even the slightest sense of humor and self!
These guys are HYSTERICAL!.......2003-04-30
I got the chance to see them live and I absolutley couldn't stop laughing!
Average customer rating:
- He only thinks they're funny
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Comedy Tonight: Stephen Sondheim's Funniest Songs
Manufacturer: RCA
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Sondheim, Stephen
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ASIN: B00006LSPG
Release Date: 2002-10-22 |
Tracks:
- Comedy Tonight (from ''A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'') (Jason Alexander, Michael Kubala, Joey Mckneely, Scott Wise & Company)
- The Worst Pies In London (from ''Sweeney Todd'') (Angela Lansbury)
- The Little Things You Do Together (from ''Company'') (Cleo Laine)
- Everybody Ought To Have A Maid (from ''A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum'') (Stephen Collins, Christopher Durang, Michael Rupert)
- Agony (from ''Into The Woods'') (Robert Westenberg, Chuck Wagner)
- Getting Married Today (from ''Company'') (Madeline Kahn, Mark Jacoby, Jeanne Lehman, Ensemble)
- I Never Do Anything Twice (from ''The Seven Percent Solution'') (Millicent Martin)
- The Story Of Lucy And Jessie (from ''Follies'') (Lee Remick & Company)
- Chrysanthemum Tea (from ''Pacific Overtures'') (Alvin Ing, Mako, Mark Hsu Syers, Timm Fujii, Gedde Watanabe, Patrick Kinser-Lau, Conrad Yama, Jae Woo Lee, Ernest Harada, Freda Foh Shen)
- You Must Meet My Wife (from ''A Little Night Music'') (David Kernan & Millicent Martin)
- It's Hot Up Here (from ''Sunday In The Park With George'') (Bernadette Peters)
- The Boy From . . . (from ''The Mad Show'') (Millicent Martin)
- A Little Priest (from ''Sweeney Todd'') (Angela Lansbury & Len Cariou)
- Agony (Reprise) (from ''Into The Woods'') (Robert Westenberg, Chuck Wagner)
- Can That Boy Foxtrot! (from ''Follies'') (Millicent Martin, Julia Mckenzie
- You Gotta Have A Gimmick (from ''Gypsy'') (Debbie Shapiro, Faith Prince, Susann Fletcher)
Customer Reviews:
He only thinks they're funny.......2007-01-10
Some of the songs on here are good and some are just not funny at all. I prefer some of his others works to this one, but it is still worth listening to.
Average customer rating:
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Radio Show, Vol. 1
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Manufacturer: Uproar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
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ASIN: B00022FWIQ
Release Date: 2004-05-18 |
Tracks:
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Musical Selections From The Ridiculous Theatrical Company: The 25th Anniversary (Original Cast Anthology)
Various Artists - Soundtracks
Manufacturer: Drg
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ASIN: B000000PGA
Release Date: 1993-01-14 |
Tracks:
- Reverse Psychology
- Hetrosexual Heidi
- The Conqueror
- Sophisticated Love
- Humanity
- Thank God He Made Me A Drag Queen
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- Eddie's Swing
- An Illusionary Thing Called Love
- You've Changed
- Dutch Elm Tree Disease
- Strange Way Song
- Valkyrie Dance And Song
- Yah, Yah The Music Has Me So Confused
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Radio Show, Vol. 2
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Manufacturer: Uproar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
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General
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ASIN: B00022FWO0
Release Date: 2004-05-18 |
Tracks:
- The Histories
- The Tragedies
Average customer rating:
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Radio Show, Vol. 3
Reduced Shakespeare Company
Manufacturer: Uproar
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
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ASIN: B00022FWPY
Release Date: 2004-05-18 |
Tracks:
- The Comedies
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