another hundred people - company

[queenie2]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:37pm

Can anyone tell me more about the musical Company from stephan sondheim, and especially of the song another hundred people. What is it about, who is singing the song, and why she sings it. Thanks.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:40pm

Marta sings it. It is a comment on the city, and how cold and empty it can get.

Company surrounds the single Bobby and his married friends. There isn't a plot per say, but a series of scenes and songs that comment on marriage, love, and life.

Updated On: 11/13/05 at 02:40 PM

[queenie2]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:42pm

thanks for your quick reply!

Can you tell me more about Marta?

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:45pm

She's a brassy, confident woman. One of the 3 girls that Bobby dates during the show. I'd say it's a featured part, with a killer song, and a great scene. She sings "Another 100 People", shares "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" with the 2 other girls, and is also in the big opening number that some say is one of the most difficult openings to learn.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:48pm

No big deal but just for future reference his name is spelled Stephen as opposed to Stephan. You got the Sondheim part right, though, so kudos!

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:49pm

It's a pretty dry show. Very long. Not one of his best. By a long shot. "Another Hundred People" is yet another song in the show that seems to have been stuck in. There certainly are highlights (I'm not getting married..blah blah blah) but the lowlights prevail, unfortunately.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:49pm

Didn't you hear? In an attempt to be "head gay", Sondheim has changed it to Stephan.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:52pm

Dry show? What? I disagree. I think it, when in the right hands, is a vibrant show that still has power today. In terms of musicals, it is one of the few breakthroughs in the genre with one of the most energetic and vibrant scores.

I still get chills every time I listen to the OBC.

It may seem dated now, but at the time it was revolutionary.

[Sumofallthings]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:52pm

I think that is an extremely debateable point. Many people consider it to be Sondheim at his best. Some of his most clever lyrics and song structure prevail in the show. "Side By Side By Side" being an example of both. There are also fantastic numbers such as "Being Alive" ; "The Ladies Who Lunch" ; "Getting Married Today" ; "Barcelona" and the title number.

This was one of the first (if not the first) "concept" shows on Broadway. Focusing on an idea rather than a plot. In that sense the show was revolutionary.

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:57pm

Whenever I watch an interpretation (no matter how professional or amateur) I am left wondering "what can I walk out of this place knowing that I didn't know before?" The fact that there really isn't a plot and that the songs are sporadically thrown about makes it very dry. I always feel (and from what I know, this is a common opinion) that a purpose or argument is not present. Whatever point that is trying to be made is lost and is usually very cliche.
Updated On: 11/13/05 at 02:57 PM

[queenie2]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:57pm

I only once listened to the cast album, and I think I will like the how onstage. But I know also alot of people who didn't like it at all.

But I have to sing another hundred people for my musicaltheatre -exam. So for now I have to concentrate on that song.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 2:59pm

I think Another 100 People is one of the centerpieces of the show. Very important to the overall scheme of things. Sure, there's no real plot but there is so much delicious comment on society, the way we treat each other, the way some live life as a robot or a tool, and how marriage and happiness are not always the same beast.

[IssaMe]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:14pm

It was so powerful a statement about marriage in its time, that it even caused its original star, Dean Jones (who was having marital problems at the time) to drop out - to be replaced by the terrific Larry Kert. Dean and I had discussions about this...it was a very difficult piece to do - and for him, all the more so.

Sondheim and Furth have updated and rewritten it somewhat on and off through various incarnations (Roundabout, Donmar, Kennedy Center, etc.) and Sondheim felt that he saw "Bobby" most clearly really for the first time himself when John Barrowman played the role at the Kennedy Center Sondheim season several years ago.

Barrowman was thrilled with Sondheim's tearful reaction and only wishes he had had a tape recorder running when Sondheim spoke with him at length about his performance in his dressing room.

Jonathan Schwartz, radio preserver of the Great American Songbook, just this weekend opined that "Company" was one of the Sondheim musicals which would not endure ... and not be the classic which some of Sondheim's other musicals have become because the way people see relationships has changed (and will change) too much to make "Company" relevant in the future.

This from the same man (Schwartz) who slammed Linda Eder mercilessly today on his radio program... and explained why he won't play her records (without admitting that he used to play her) by reading Steve Holden's N.Y. Times unfavorable dismissal of Eder as a mediocre Star Search type winner in his review of Linda's Carnegie Hall Judy Garland tribute concert last week.
When Schwartz did play Eder singing Garland from the new CD several weeks ago, it was only to dismiss her and her tribute to Judy as being pointless and unnecessary.

Sorry, I disagree on both points --- Eder is thrilling and so is "Company" - and having seen it dozens and dozens of times from day one - in all kinds of productions, good and bad, faithful and weird - around the world...it remains one of Sondheim's most interestingly vibrant works.

But then, everybody has their own favorites - and "Company" just happens to be mine because I have so many happy memories involving various productions of it. Maybe to someone younger or not in the same kind of relationships...it would seem dated. So be it.

But I can't get on or off a train or subway in NYC without thinking "Another Hundred People......!"

[fiatlux]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:26pm

""Another Hundred People" is yet another song in the show that seems to have been stuck in."

On the contrary, the song is a counterpoint to three vignettes of Robert's life and his relationships with the three girlfriends -Kathy, April and Marta.

This is one of my favourite shows - I'm not sure why it could be described as dry - it's exciting, vibrant and witty.

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:41pm

I guess people don't believe in reading on these boards.

fiatlux, if you go back and look at my longer post in this thread, you will notice why it can be desribed as dry. I stated that, aside from the absence of plot, there is not much in the way of purpose or argument; that is, nothing seems to really happen in the piece. Some of the songs are decent and certainly grow in appeal over time, but the show is more of a collection of "skits" (eeks--hate that word) than an actual story worth telling.

The excessive length of the piece, it's inability to connect with some of its audience, and its vague propositions don't lend themselves well to the production. Hence, it is often considered dry and "boring".
Updated On: 11/13/05 at 03:41 PM

[smartpenguin78]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:46pm

"I guess people don't believe in reading on these boards."

It is your tendency to make comments like this that often make people so upset with you Namffug.
You are perfectly entitled to your opinion on Company, but simply because others disagree is no reason to insinuate things.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:48pm

YOU consider it dry and boring. That is fine. Many people feel differently, Which also, is fine.

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:51pm

"You are perfectly entitled to your opinion on Company, but simply because others disagree is no reason to insinuate things."

I wasn't insinuating anything. The poster responded to my comments by saying "I don't understand why some people feel this way about the show". Obviously, (s)he didn't carefully read my post, as I spent time and effort to back up opinion with evidence.

And Bobby, of course I find it dry and boring. Many people do. But do I really have to say "*WARNING. THIS IS MY OPINION. DO NOT GET OFFENDED. THIS IS NOT TRUTH OR FACT. THIS IS BASED ON A PERSONAL EXPRESSION AND OPINION*".....Puh-lease.


That should be understood without the need for clarification or a disclaimer.

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 3:54pm

Well, some on this board feel like their opinion is the END ALL. Not you, but some do, so please understand when some people get a little huffy when an "I think" isn't present. Sure it's a chore, but I've found my opinions get listened to more when I preface it with the "I think/I feel" statement.

[RentBoy86]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:08pm

I recently got the OBC and I'm def. a fan of "contemporary" Broadway, yet I find myself somewhat enthralled with this show. I really like the songs for the most part - Barcelona is my fav. I think with some changes in the score to make it sound more contemporary, it could work. Also, I had a thought when listening to this. I know Jonathan Larson of RENT was a big Sondheim fan, has anyone ever thought that maybe Tick,Tick...Boom was Larson's "Company"? I guess there really aren't that many similarities, but it seemed like it.

[fiatlux]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:42pm

"fiatlux, if you go back and look at my longer post in this thread, you will notice why it can be desribed as dry. I stated that, aside from the absence of plot, there is not much in the way of purpose or argument; that is, nothing seems to really happen in the piece. Some of the songs are decent and certainly grow in appeal over time, but the show is more of a collection of "skits" (eeks--hate that word) than an actual story worth telling."

I appreciate that this is your point of view and it is perfectly reasonable to express it. I, however, don't recognize your description as this has not been my experience of the show, that is why I don't understand why it "could" be described in such a manner. Merely making the assertion doesn't really help in my understanding.

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 4:58pm

"Merely making the assertion doesn't really help in my understanding."

I was not merely making an assertion. If you want me to go scene by scene, song by song, I can do that. But I think it's a waste of time. I already explained (in detail) how the nature of how the scenes (or skits, really) are presented don't lend themselves to a cohesive piece. What's missing is an underlying theme that has a real purpose. Even the songs are quite drab and don't always relate to the main idea. Then again, is there a main idea? Is "Marriage" and "Life" specific enough to make us care? I don't know.

For instance, the scene in the basement where they are smoking pot. Funny at first, I suppose. But is it purposeful? What does it add? To me (and, once again, others who have seen the show) it doesn't add anything. Ergo, this specific approach to "story telling" is dry and lacks conciseness.


How else can I help you understand or accept my view? Updated On: 11/13/05 at 04:58 PM

[BobbyBubby]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:04pm

I think of Company more as a quilt of ideas, rahter than a piece where every scene/song/moment leads to a big theme.
Updated On: 11/13/05 at 05:04 PM

[442namffug]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:07pm

Exactly. That is what Company is.

That's what I've been saying. Maybe in a more complex way, but neverless, that was my point. People just aren't making the connection or understanding my rhetoric.

That's what makes it "not work" for so many people. The disconnection between thoughts is more "sketch" or "skit" work than anything else. A purpose is not clearly presented. And I've seen it (and heard it) multiple times....
Updated On: 11/13/05 at 05:07 PM

[fiatlux]

Posted: 11/13/05 at 5:26pm

I always see Company as a show about a man on the threshold of a decision and we join him more or less as he is reviewing his life. Therefore, the approach of having seemingly disconnected moments in his life flashing in front of the audience is as disorientating for them as it is for him. I find that an exciting idea.

The various vignettes are, in the main, well-written character studies of various facets of marriage, singledom and life in the city - the pot scene for instance, is a nice view of the dynamics of a passive/aggressive relationship.

Sondheim provides some amazing songs - the title number which has to be one of the most exciting openers (both to perform and watch, The Ladies Who Lunch, Side by Side and the plaintive Being Alive - make up a very impressive score, that comments upon and underpins Robert's journey to his decision.

I don't think I've ever found it overlong, but I suppose if you're not enjoying a piece of theatre than any length is too long - but running at a little over two hours, can't really be described as excessive.

These are just a few of the reasons that I love Company a great deal and I regard it as a landmark in musical theatre history.

These views are personal and obviously an expression of my feeling for a piece of theatre that means a great deal to me and that has affected me deeply.