Sophisticated and urbane, Company ran in New York for 690 performances. It was a hit and it wasn’t. Star Dean Jones, featured on this recording, was cast as the hapless Robert. Jones was loved by the critics, but he remained in the cast for only the first few performances. The plot is non-existent. It is just a collection of scenes centring around Robert, a bachelor who cannot quite bring himself to commit to marriage. Amongst his friends are a number of married couples. Many of the numbers, which are rhythmically arresting with wonderful, memorable sardonically witty lyrics, are about relationships – mostly failed ones. All Robert’s friends are keen to introduce him to an ideal girl: the wives want to see him happily settled down but bemoan their own married state; while the husbands, jealous of his independence, want to see him shackled too ("Have I got a Girl for You"). Heard amongst the brilliant cast are the unmistakable and wittily strident tones of Elaine Stritch. (The Little Things You Do Together). This CD is warmly recommended.

Reviewer

Ian Lace

Reviewer

Ian Lace