What is Company about?

On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor, Robert, contemplates his unmarried state. Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends – "those good and crazy people [his] married friends" – explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.

In a series of comedic vignettes, Bobby interacts with his (or her, depending on the production) married friends — some of whom have happy marriages, others on the brink of divorce. And through it all, the character wonders, "What do you get?" 

Diep Tan with the New York Theater Guide wrote: “At the time it was written, in 1970, Company was revolutionary in exploring dating and relationships in the modern age, when phones and the fast-paced world of New York City have made it seemingly impossible to find a real connection. As Sondheim wrote in his book Finishing the Hat, Company is about "the challenge of maintaining relationships in a society becoming increasingly depersonalized." And a real connection, as the musical points out, is the key to "being alive." Talk about a musical that's only grown more relevant with time!”

So what is a Linear Musical? A Concept Musical?

A linear musical play is one where the story progresses in a single, continuous chronological order from beginning to end, much like a traditional narrative or a completed recording. It follows a clear plot structure with a defined starting point, middle, and ending, without significant interruptions, digressions, or interactive elements that would change the order of events.

A concept musical is a Broadway show that emphasizes a central theme, idea, or message over a traditional, linear plot, often using vignettes or a series of scenes to explore different facets of the concept. Pioneered by directors like Harold Prince and composers like Stephen Sondheim, these musicals, such as A Chorus Line, Company, and Chicago, blend form and content to explore a singular vision, creating a tapestry-like theme rather than a conventional story. 

When did Company premiere?

Company actually began in the late '60s as a series of short plays about marriage written by the playwright George Furth. Stephen Sondheim read the plays and asked famed Broadway director Harold Prince for his thoughts. Prince had the idea to turn the plays into a musical, and he would go on to direct the original production of Company. Sondheim then realized that in all of the plays, there was one outsider character looking in on the action. For the musical, the outsider characters were merged into one character named Bobby. Company had its pre-Broadway tryout in Boston at the Shubert Theatre beginning March 24, 1970. Despite mixed reviews, Company opened on Broadway at the Alvin Theatre just a month later, on April 26, 1970, and was a success.

What notable songs are in Company?

The musical includes the showstoppers "Being Alive" and "The Ladies Who Lunch," the speedy tongue-twister "Getting Married Today," and the slower and more pensive "Marry Me a Little." 

What awards has Company won?

Company is a crowd-pleaser and a critical hit. Here is a partial list of the honors that Company has won.  Including these awards, Company has won awards from Drama Desk, Drama League and Outer Critics Circle Awards.

• 1970 Broadway production: It won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics, Best Direction of a Musical, and Best Scenic Design. 
• 1995 London revival: It won three Olivier Awards, including Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical, Best Performance in a Supporting Role in a Musical, and Best Director. 
• 2006 Broadway revival: It won one Tony Award: Outstanding Revival of a Musical.
• 2018 West End revival: It won four Olivier Awards, including Best Musical Revival, Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical, and Best Set Design.
• 2022 Broadway revival: Company won five Tony Awards — the most out of any musical. Company wins included: Best Revival of a Musical, Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a Musical (Matt Doyle), Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical (Patti LuPone), Best Direction of a Musical (Marianne Elliott), and Best Scenic Design of a Musical (for Bunny Christie).

What Celebrities have performed in Company?

Company is catnip for celebrities. Many big names have starred in the show, either in fully staged productions or in concert productions, attracted to the witty wordplay and the showstopping songs. Here are some notable people who've starred in Company. Celebrities include: Neil Patrick Harris, Patti LuPone, Elaine Stritch, Stephen Colbert, and Christina Hendricks.

Company definitely fits the criteria of award-winning shows for OCT’s Golden Anniversary Season. Company has a Broadway Pedigree that all shows aspire to.  It has numerous awards.  Get your tickets today you do not want to miss this special attraction.  Sondheim comes to OCT’s historic theatre.