That was an AMAZING performance by Raul Esparza and the rest of the cast. Raul is such an amazing performer. He keeps good timing and .I cringe everytime I see Bobby stand on that piano. I really hope that it is not a real Steinway because I would NEVER EVER have the guts to stand on such a treasured item. What I would do to own a Steinway. But the finale left me awestruck. "Being Alive" is truly a highlight of the show.
In this production, all the actors play instruments on stage. It's so amazing how they are able to play, sing, and speak at the same time. I don't understand how they can juggle so many things at once; many actors play three instruments. On stage, with everything else going on, they need to remember lines, the music and the blocking.
Character-wise, throughout the show, Bobby seems elevated or removed from most of the action and songs. He is often standing on the piano, the cubes, or the pillar and watches the action. As well, there is not much physical contact between characters. For example, in the fighting scene, Harry and Sarah are standing on opposite sides of the stage and combating in the air. I guess that what defines "Company" as a concept musical.
I really enjoyed "Company". PBS did a great job with the filming and editing to make the show flow. This would have been a great production to see live. It has already ended, but at least there's this recording to watch over and over again.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Transformers on America's Ballroom Challenge
I'm sitting here wating for Company to begin and my friend and I are watching America's Ballroom Challenge. This pair, Ilya and Nadia, did an amazing Transformers routine. Their costume was very unconventional as was their choreography. They seemed like they were robots, mechanical, but also like ballroom dancers, graceful and supple. The side-by-side movements were also very synchronized as well. They received third for this performance.
WOW! They received first overall as the 2007 International Latin Show Dance Champions. I think. I don't get the prize awarding since I watch occasionally, but nonetheless it's entertaining.
5 more minutes until Company airs!
WOW! They received first overall as the 2007 International Latin Show Dance Champions. I think. I don't get the prize awarding since I watch occasionally, but nonetheless it's entertaining.
5 more minutes until Company airs!
Bobby, come on over for dinner!
Company is airing tonight on PBS' Great Performances series at 9pm. My friends and I are having a Company party in celebration. I'm really excited to see Raul Esparza as Bobby and John Doyle's unique staging, which has all the actors playing instruments on stage in character. Bobby plays the piano only at the end for his "Being Alive" finale.
Background
For those of you not familiar with Company, here's a little background. This show has a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem. The original production of Company opened on April 26, 1970 at the Alvin Theater where it ran for 7 previews and 705 performances. Dean Jones played the main character Bobby. Larry Kurt, who originated the role of Tony in West Side Story, replaced him shortly after opening night. The show garnered a record-breaking 14 Tony nominations (the most until The Producers in 2001).
This production of Company airing on PBS began at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in spring 2006. Later it opened on November 29, 2006 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater where it played 34 previews and 247 performances. As previously stated, John Doyle directed and choreographed. The entire show was re-orchestrated by Mary-Mitchell Campbell to bring it out of the seventies and into the modern day. Raul Esparza plays the troubled bachelor Bobby.
Synopsis
Company is about Bobby, a singe man with trouble committing to a relationship, accompanied by five couples of his best friends along with three of his girlfriends. A combination of vignettes of each couple, the show is tied together by his 35th birthday celebration.
Background
For those of you not familiar with Company, here's a little background. This show has a book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondhiem. The original production of Company opened on April 26, 1970 at the Alvin Theater where it ran for 7 previews and 705 performances. Dean Jones played the main character Bobby. Larry Kurt, who originated the role of Tony in West Side Story, replaced him shortly after opening night. The show garnered a record-breaking 14 Tony nominations (the most until The Producers in 2001).
This production of Company airing on PBS began at the Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in spring 2006. Later it opened on November 29, 2006 at the Ethel Barrymore Theater where it played 34 previews and 247 performances. As previously stated, John Doyle directed and choreographed. The entire show was re-orchestrated by Mary-Mitchell Campbell to bring it out of the seventies and into the modern day. Raul Esparza plays the troubled bachelor Bobby.
Synopsis
Company is about Bobby, a singe man with trouble committing to a relationship, accompanied by five couples of his best friends along with three of his girlfriends. A combination of vignettes of each couple, the show is tied together by his 35th birthday celebration.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
The First One
Recently, I have been religiously tuning into Andrew's Blog (among others) and have been inspired to update my own blog regularly. Nothing too serious, but just the random things that happen in life. I don't know how many people will read this, but it will be my place to blog about news and events that are exciting to me (and unusual to others).
To start off, some exciting events coming up in the next week or so: the Broadway revival of Company with the amazing Raul Esparza is airing on PBS next Wednesday (Feb. 2oth). I didn't have the chance to see it during its run, but this will just as exciting. For the past couple days, I've been listening to the cast recording to learn the lyrics so I can sing along (in my head) while I watch. And to celebrate, my friends and I are having a Company party.
One last thing, UrInTown's official store will open tomorrow! From what Andrew said in his post, Andrew's Blog and The Battery's Down merchandise will be on sale. Some items include leg warmers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and possibly a tote bag that says "Totes". :) Can't wait! If I see anyone wearing Andrew's Blog or TBD merch, I will seriously go up and hug them. Maybe not...cause I might seem a little crazy.
-andrew
To start off, some exciting events coming up in the next week or so: the Broadway revival of Company with the amazing Raul Esparza is airing on PBS next Wednesday (Feb. 2oth). I didn't have the chance to see it during its run, but this will just as exciting. For the past couple days, I've been listening to the cast recording to learn the lyrics so I can sing along (in my head) while I watch. And to celebrate, my friends and I are having a Company party.
One last thing, UrInTown's official store will open tomorrow! From what Andrew said in his post, Andrew's Blog and The Battery's Down merchandise will be on sale. Some items include leg warmers, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and possibly a tote bag that says "Totes". :) Can't wait! If I see anyone wearing Andrew's Blog or TBD merch, I will seriously go up and hug them. Maybe not...cause I might seem a little crazy.
-andrew
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