Grease yourself up for COMPANY

Perth is going Grease mad at the moment, with everyone deciding whether they have the Olivia hair, or the Travolta curl, but there is also another company in Perth doing an ambitious musical!
COMPANY has not been staged in Perth since 1986 (Perth Theatre Company) and Garrick Theatre have chosen it for their second season next year. Only people who like a bit of substance with their music need apply, as COMPANY is probably best described as an acting piece, rather than a flashy high kick musical (In fact, most Sondheim is like that really...) Anyway, check out the auditions page for details, and write down two dates...

The auditions for Grease - I would be there if I wasn't involved with Company believe me I have the Travolta curl... or had... the curl...

And then the auditions for COMPANY - two weeks later....

Variety is the spice of life is it not???

Sorry J but I have to correct you here. "Company" was performed in Perth by WAAPA Mus Th third year students in 1993! It was a fabulously, wonderfully memorable show for me so I couldn't let it get overlooked. Best wishes for your production of the show. At times like these I so wish I was home!!
Gill :)

Sorry! You are right! I forget that WAAPA does everything! (Okay, well, then it will be the first time since 1993 that WA has seen it!!) Oops!

How about...
It's the first time anybody except those lucky few that ever get tix to the WAAPA Musicals has seen it since 1986...

Did you know that 1986 production was the second of only three professional Sondheim productions to be performed in WA?
And the only one that wasn't "A Funny Thing happened on the Way to the Forum"?

It was the production and the musical that made me fall in love with Sondheim.

While we are on the subject - some questions for Sondheim fans:
"Which Sondheim musical does it for you most and why?"
"Have you ever performed in a Sondheim and how was it for you?"
"What is your dream Sondheim role?"

Personally, If someone in Perth decides to put on "Sunday in the Park with George" I'll be on the first plane out of Heathrow! The music sends shivers down my spine, the lyrics are genius, I love the Georges Seurat painting that the idea came from, the two main characters are wonderful and totally three-dimensional, which works beautifully alongside the other more two-dimensional characters from the painting. George and Dot's story is so moving (pardon the pun), I just adore it. Admittedly, the second half isn't as good but I love the first half so much that it doesn't matter. Dot is my dream Sondheim role closely followed by Petra in ALNM.

I've only done "Company" but it was one of the most incredible and challenging theatre experiences of my life, especially as I played Jenny and I was no soprano!

I look forward to your answers/comments.

Gill :)
(Another member of the "I Love Sondheim" Club)

Hi Gill,

Great topic!! Woo hoo... in my element here!

Gill wrote:

> "Which Sondheim musical does it for you most and why?"

I luuuurve 'Pacific Overtures,' followed closely by 'Assassins' - both Jonathan Wiedeman (sp?) collaboratations... dark, political, entertaining, haunting works which use humour and culture to explore difficult concepts - works of utter genius, IMHO.

WAAPA did 'Pacific Overtures' last year (2002), and although I've been waiting 15 yrs to see a production, I was out of the state! Almost cancelled my trip, I have to say... and of course, the reports were overwhelmingly positive! *aaargh* I console myself that someone will do it again - won't they??

'Follies' sets me off like nothing else - can't explain it, just love it - it's a much more 'emotional' show than the other 2 I mentioned, but just lush and beautiful and heartbreaking.

> "Have you ever performed in a Sondheim and how was it for you?"

Two - 'The Baker' in Into the Woods, 'John Wilkes Booth' in Assassins;

I found them hugely challenging vocally and from an acting viewpoint. For Assassins, I had to train my voice into a lower register to get anywhere near a couple of the notes.

As for how it was - well, when I finally was able to let go (after all the technical training) and just trusted the music - it's architecture, it's compassion - that's the closest I've ever been to 'inspired' on stage... so, yeah, it was pretty good, for me ;o)

> "What is your dream Sondheim role?"

John Wilkes Booth was definately one of them, and I've done that, so YAY! I'd love to have a go at 'The Narrator' in Pacific Overtures and, later, when I'm older, Ben Stone in Follies.

Having said that, and knowing I can train down, if someone offered me Sweeny Todd, I'd move heaven and earth to do it!

By the way, another question should be added I think --

"Which Sondheim/s DON'T you like and why?

Sorry Gill, apart from a couple of songs, 'Sunday in the Park With George' is a definate turn-off (though I admit I've never seen a production OR the B/way video and am basing this entirely on the soundtrack) I cannot tell you why, distinctly, but it just grated on me...

Also, I have very little love for 'Passion' which seemed to me to be a second-rate rip off of whichever opera it is that 'consumptive bint' is the lead charater - don't think it's Tosca...? Plus the music is just too.... forced? Anyway, same conditions as above - I haven't seen it, just heard the soundtrack.

I have to say, though, that 'Into the Woods' was NOT a favourite also, until I 'delved' into it by being cast IN it! Now, although I wouldn't go crazy trying to see it, I do have a soft spot for it.

Thanks for that, Gill, that was fun! ;o)

Jason
(Another member of the "I Love Sondheim" Club)

Been in a Sondheim?
Never, to my shame!

Favourite Sondheim?
The lyricism of "A Little Night Music" always sends me to sleep
(this is a good thing! trust me...)
and I love the tongue in cheek of "Anyone Can Whistle"
But I pretty much love them all
[Oh, and Jason, yes you really need to see "Sunday in the Park With George" to appreciate it]

Sondheim role I would kill for?
Pseudolus in "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum"
mainly because I could never sing Sweeney Todd...

And a new question:
favourite Sondheim song/moment?
The Cookie Ballet from "Anyone Can Whistle"
"It's Hot up Here" from "Sunday in the Park with George"
from "Pretty Women" to the end of act one (including "Little bit of Priest" and "They all deserve to die") from "Sweeney Todd"

Paul "Low-brow and light-weight... Ignorami" Treasure

Paul Treasure wrote:

> Did you know that 1986 production was the second of only
> three professional Sondheim productions to be performed in WA?
> And the only one that wasn't "A Funny Thing happened on the
> Way to the Forum"?

Don't forget the recent WA premiere of Sondheim's "Putting It Together" performed by a professional cast for yellow glass theatre inc!

Oh, and a quick question - will there be an orchestra for "Company" or will you be sticking to MIDI tracks?

;-)

Jarrad West wrote:
"COMPANY has not been staged in Perth since 1986"

to correct you on that. The drama in education people at ECU put on Company last month (directed by George White). and will be performing it again on the 28th of Nevember at WAAPA.

Jason's question: "Which Sondheim/s DON'T you like and why?

There isn't one I don't like but there are a couple I've never heard in full (shame on me) so I don't know if I like them but I've loved pretty much every song I've heard.

Paul's question: Favourite Sondheim song/moment?

Oooooh, too hard but I'll go for "Sunday in the Park with George" (because "there are worse things than staring at the water as you're posing for a picture after sleeping on the ferry after getting up at seven to come over to an island in the middle of a river half an hour from the city on a Sunday") and "Every Day a Little Death". I also love "Sunday" (Act One finale of SITPWG).

Gill :)

Hi Guys - just thought i would add my 5 cents to the conversation....love love love Sondheim!!!
Fav show would have to be Puttin it Together though i didn't get to see the latest one on in Perth - sorry Simon...hope it went well!
Why? Well because it has the pick of the crop - and it is so cleverly weaved together plus i just love the Julie Andrews recording !! I think the recording of it really makes it... because Follies is also a fave but not to keen on recordings of it.

Worst has to be Merrily which just drives me round and round and i think is the most dated because of its concept...though the songs by themselves are really lovely. Passion is also a little sickly as a whole but has some great moments.

Managed to see Pacific Overtures in London (where i am at the mo) and it was amazing - as i had not looked that much into the show probably because of the plot - but Jason, i loved it! Very enchanting....
Cheers

Once again, JEALOUS!!! :o)

Glad you enjoyed Pacific Overtures - for my money the most underrated of his works.

Jason

Greg wrote: Managed to see Pacific Overtures in London (where i am at the mo) and it was amazing - as i had not looked that much into the show probably because of the plot - but Jason, i loved it! Very enchanting....

Hi Greg,
"Pacific Overtures" was absolutely the most fantastic show I have seen in the 18 months I've been in the UK (and possibly ever). It helped (not that it needed any help) that Jerome Pradon was in it. That man is something special.
Gill :)

My 2 cents:

I saw Paul Whitely and Hayley Binks (of all people!) perform "Move On" from SITPWG last year and I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you all that it was completely and utterly amazing. I'm such a Paul and Hayley groupie! I'd had the SITPWG CD around for a while but hadn't really taken to it untill I saw their performance. That's the way I've been with most of his work- I need to see it performed before I like it. Otherwise what the point? There's no complete picture.

Steve

PS: Gill or Greg- I'm in London in January, do you know if Pacific Overtures will still be on?? Or has it finished already?

Hi Steve,

You obviously have exquisite taste! Not only did you fall in love with a song from my favourite Sondheim musical but Hayley Binks is my gorgeous, and terribly missed, sister and Paul a very dear friend.

Unfortunately "Pacific Overtures" has finished its run at the Donmar.

Gill :)

Dear Simon (and the rest of Perth)

My musical director and I have discussed this at length, and although we have made no definite plans, the size of the Garrick Theatre only allows for a piano (and at times, bass & drums) however this usually leads to disadvantages, as the poor old dears who haven't seen or heard anything since the seventies end up in the second row, making the night much harder for the actors, as they have to endure 'What was that Myrtle?' 'Who's wearing the red dress?' 'I could see better last season', or the perennial favourite 'Why do they have to be so LOUD?'

So all I can say is that there will be a piano (Live is better) and whether or not we add MIDI arrangements on top of that is to be decided.

P.S. COMPANY IS MY FAVOURITE MUSICAL BY FAR!! WHO IS COMING ON THE 29TH?

Favourite moments? Gill's (worse things than sweating by a river....on a Sunday) is one, plus A Little Night Music's A Weekend In The Country, and Merrily's Old Friends... I could go on forever really.... But I am glad so much discussion has come about!!!

Never again will I say anything.
Apologies for that Martin!
I shall now make the following foolproof statement, so that no one can ever correct me!

'Company was staged last week by *********, It has been staged every week for the past ****** years, been seen by ******* people, and has had ******* performances around the world. Everyone knows it, and only those people who live under a rock may come to the auditions on the 29th, otherwise don't come, because I probably have gotten some of the details wrong someway or another, and I am sure someone will correct me, so listen to them, and ignore everything I say.'

Seriously, Company is looking to be a fantastic show, and I hope to see everyone at auditions.

Thanks!!

J.