Sunday, May 5, 2024

Company @ Playhouse Square


Through May 19, 2024

www.playhousesquare.org

(216) 241-6000

 

Roy Berko

The “new” gender-bender, reconceptualized COMPANY, nicely displays how a script can grow and become relevant, once again, in the hands of the right writing and production crew.  It makes for a feeling of “Being Alive” while you are “Side by Side by Side” with other joyous theater-goers.

To see a full review of this show, read Roy Berko's blog here.

Howard Gollop

Does one of Stephen Sondheim's most celebrated musicals, which helped launch a new generation of shows to Broadway in 1970, really need to be reinvented more than a half-century later? True, even the late Sondheim himself gave his blessing to this new incarnation to "Company," continuing at the Connor Palace on Playhouse Square. Perhaps Sondheim, who died before the revival's Broadway opening, gave his stamp of approval prematurely.

Although the new touring production of the multi-Tony-Award-winning revival radiates in a brilliant, deceptively streamlined doll-house production design  by Bunny Christie (incisively lit by Neil Austin), low-key but inventive choreography by Liam Steel, resonating orchestrations by David Cullen and workmanlike direction by Marianne Elliott (with just enough tricks up her sleeve), the intended generational reinvention comes across as more confused than inspiring -- or even reviving.

To see a full review of this show, read Howard Gollop's review here.

Sheri Gross
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Sheri Gross' review here.

Mark Horning

For fans of Stephan Sondheim you will love the modernization of this over 50 year old classic. It is fresh and relevant for these modern times. Even those who are not a fan of the man will be quite entertained by the show.

To see a full review of this show, read Mark Horning's Review here.

Chris Howey
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Chris Howey's Review here.

Laura Kennelly

Company, recently awarded a Tony as Best Musical Revival (2022), deserves its award and then some.

Now at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace Theatre, this splendid, re-conceived production directed by Marianne Elliott, shows focus on more than simply changing the lead from Bobby (male) to Bobbie (female). While Company’s gender identities have been rearranged to match the fluid vibe now popular, this Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and George Furth (book) classic retains its original witty charm.

To see a full review of this show go here, read Laura's posts at Cool Cleveland.

Kate Klotzbach
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Kate's posts here.

Dr. Yuko Kurahashi
No review yet.
To see a full review of this show, read Yuko's posts here.

Joey Morona

Fun but perhaps not the most famous work by the Broadway legend who also composed songs for “West Side Story,” “Into the Woods” and “Sweeney Todd.” Still, Coleman says, “Company” is an excellent representation of Sondheim’s career as a whole.

To see a full review of this show, read Joey's posts here.