Company of Company Gathers to Watch Company on PBS
It was a celebration of Company on Wednesday, February 20th, as cast members along with theatre lovers gathered at the intimate Laurie Beechman Theater to watch the first broadcast of the revival of this Sondheim classic on PBS.
Broadway Undercover was present when the company of Company took the stage prior to the screening to discuss many show related tidbits. Among those in attendance were Kristin Huffman (Sarah); Leenya Rideout (Jenny); Elizabeth Stanley (April) and covers Renee Bang Allen, Brandon Ellis, Jason Ostrowski and Jane Pfitsch. Robert Cunningham (Paul) came later as did some EXTRA special guests (read on!) Here’s some of what we heard:
Early on during the Cincinnati days of the show the cast anxiously awaited the arrival of both Stephen Sondheim and George Furth. The anticipation escalated when both their planes were delayed but it had a happy ending since they both loved the show.
It was unknown whether this group of actors would make it to New York. But, as Kristin (Sarah) explained, it seemed more likely when six different producing groups came to bid on the show while in Cincinnati.
Everyone knows that not all members of the original cast always get to go on to Broadway. But John Doyle, the director of Company, insisted that the whole cast go on to Broadway or no one goes. This included a very pregnant Heather Laws (Amy). That’s an expression of true loyalty and confidence, n’est pas!!
Ever wonder who these characters were based on? Well, here’s the scoop: Sarah a/k/a Sally Kellerman, Jenny and David….Jennifer Jones and David Selznick, Joanne…who else but Elaine Stritch..and Bobby…..the once perennial bachelor Warren Beatty.
Elizabeth (April) said she didn’t have too much oboe time during the show because she’s “just not that good at it”. Other cast members on the panel disagreed with her assessment.
Characters played specific instruments for a reason. For instance, David, played by Fred Rose, plays the cello, which symbolizes a barrier between him and the relationship he’s having with Jenny.
Heather Laws did previews while nine months pregnant…a show biz baby having a show biz baby.
An interesting phenomenon….the cast members used the term “unibrain”. They were so closely connected that they were aware of what eachother was thinking by just looking across the stage. The unibrain may no longer exist but it’s clear the comaraderie remains.
BU was privy to the champagne toast prior to showtime and the fun the cast had watching this terrific production. Seeing it as an audience member instead of being perched on a plexiglass cube made for quite a different experience. Lennya (Jenny) said she plans to watch it several more times!
It was hard to suppress the desire to get up and cheer at broadcast’s end…not an easy task but BU held fast.
Kudos to Lonny Price, the director of the PBS event, for a tremendous job. Fortunately, he was in the audience to accept accolades galore along with Mary Mitchell Campell, the show’s musical director.
What a treat when Raul Esparza, direct from his performance in The Homecoming, was introduced. As told to BU, “I wouldn’t miss seeing the show with the cast.” When BU quieried as to whether he thought he was really great after watching his performance he responded, “I am very happy with it.”
And Raul, BU wholeheartedly agrees!!!
February 21st, 2008 at 6:39 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this unique insider’s perspective on the Broadway scene. I only hope that one day, I , too, can go to Broadway under cover and live some of the glamour.