ReaderKenka Let's be realistic.

Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Brendon Jones It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Ricardo Daly The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

TheLittleSongbird If you love Stephen Sondheim you'll love Company. Maybe not his absolute best as a whole, Sweeney Todd from a personal opinion is his masterpiece, but has everything that is to love about his musicals and quite possibly his most accessible too. Smartly written, funny and poignant with clever, poetic lyrics and beautiful music as well as characters you can identify with, even when not Sondheim's very best it is one of his best. The story is somewhat unconventional in that there isn't hugely much of one, but it is still so entertaining while taking on a very emotional journey that you don't care. It also develops its characters strongly, and relationships are handled in a deft and sometimes cynical way.This is an excellent production. For me the Neil Patrick Harris production from 2011 was marginally better, the omission of Tick-Tock in this production was disappointing(though it's not the first time it's been cut from the show) and Angel Desai has a few moments of strain in Another Hundred People. The 2011 production has Tick-Tock and has Another Hundred People sung perfectly. The orchestra don't sound as powerful either, those who love the big band Sondheim will want to look elsewhere as how it's performed here is part of John Doyle's concept, with some of the actors also taking on the roles of instrumentalists. To be said though, it did work very well for the production and was very well performed.Doyle's stage direction is fine, it is minimalist and done like a cabaret act- Company is essentially a concept musical in the first place so doing something different is not a problem- but the smart, funny moments still make you laugh and the poignant moments genuinely moving. The piano is like a character itself in this production and it's very effectively done, with people singing on top of it and also bringing out Bobby's "boyish voyeur". The production is also remarkably intimate, that works because some of the themes in Company require that touch, and it was good that it was clear that Bobby was the focal point while not wholly neglecting the supporting cast.Production values-wise, the production is striking in how simple it is. Some may find it stark in colour, and it is understandable with the performers in black and the stage being bare a lot of the time, but personally it fitted perfectly with the intimacy of the staging. The video directing is clear, while not cinematic it's never stage bound either as well as not too close or too distant, there's a good deal of professionalism here. With the close ups of Bobby's face you can feel and see the emotion. The sound is excellent and the picture quality is generally good.Raul Esparza does a wonderful job as Bobby, he has a lovely voice and has a great sensitivity, charisma and boyish charm. Barbara Walsh attacks her role with fierce abandon and a good sense of worldliness(especially in Ladies at Lunch), true she's not Elaine Stritch nor did she try or need to be. Her voice is great, it's not as volcanic as Patti Lupone's but quality-wise it is a much more appealing sound. Angel Desai does sound a little strained at times in her big number Another Hundred People but is appropriately saucy and charming. Heather Laws is wonderfully intense, Elizabeth Stanley is affecting and warm personality-wise and the male ensemble while simplified in number sing beautifully.All in all, excellent and hugely enjoyable. 8.5/10 Bethany Cox

PWNYCNY This is an incredible production of a great musical, with snappy songs and an interesting premise. The show has an unconventional plot as a man is trying to sort out all kinds of feelings which are projected onto a number of people who he knows. What the title Compnay implies is a matter of subjective interpretation, but what is evident is the sheer talent of the performers who not only sing and dance and have dialogue, but play musical instruments too. It's a rare show that gives actors the opportunity to showcase such an array of talent. If you are expecting a conventional kind of story, this production may not be for you. But if you watch the show with an open mind, you will be in for a pleasant surprise as the music and story work their magic. Raul Esparza and the rest of the cast are wonderful. They're performances are superb. Congratulations to Stephen Sondheim for his terrific lyrics. This is a video that is well worth watching.

mckeldin I saw this production on Broadway in 2006 and was underwhelmed despite loving Raul Esparza in the lead and really connecting with the original material (via the cast album and previous stagings). I was a little disappointed then when I heard that this production was going to be filmed/taped as I didn't want this to be the "Company" of record. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the television version. Kudos to Lonny Price (whose stage work I haven't always admired) for bringing clarity to the action as well as to the relationships among the characters in his camera direction (the stage direction is by John Doyle). What was unintelligible on stage is now clear thanks to the use of close-ups and montage. This will never be my favorite Company (not nearly "New York" enough -- and I still maintain that the show works best set in its original time frame -- 1970), but what disappointed on stage has become a very entertaining and interesting production of a great "problem" musical.

johnstonjames I was surprised to find out the book for this play was so old. it really seems like something written in this decade it's so hip and funny.Sondheim said he wrote this for the upper middle class to enjoy. i think it's more for single people than anyone else. you don't have to have money or prestige in life to appreciate this. it's all very real and human.Raul Esparza is incredible here. boy can this guy sing! i wonder what his vocal training is because this guy could probably do opera. not to mention he has an adorable, winning personality. he brings a cute,vulnerable waif-like quality to his performance as Bobby. i don't know how cute the other Bobby's in other productions were but this guy is the peach of sweetness and cuteness. i don't mean that in a gay sort of way either. he's no he-man or hunk, but that's perfect. as a man i am sick and tired of all the macho B---S--t that is out there as role models for men. i don't really relate to macho anymore than feminist relate to traditional female role models. men should liberate themselves. i'm not exactly cute and sweet myself, but i wish i was, it's so likable. Raul Esparza is a great role model for men. RELAX. there's nothing wrong with a guy being adorable,cuddly and vulnerable like Esparza. i've had many women say they like men to be that way and cut the mean spirited macho crap.i would love to be just like Raul Esparza. a cute, cuddly little smurf.