It should give you an idea of what my family is like when I say that some of our most heated discussions center around musical theater. Since I was a child, we've always made an event out of dissecting Sondheim, who was the closest thing to a God in my household. To me there's no writer more brilliant and each time I rediscover a show of his I'm more amazed by his craft than ever before.
A few nights ago I was searching YouTube at 4AM when I discovered a couple of videos from John Doyle's brilliant production of "Company" which was on Broadway last year. I still can't believe that Raul Esparza lost the Tony Award for this one (a moment which found my family around the TV screaming) and it's one of the most vivid experiences in the theater I've had.
During my time home last summer, my parents and I debated the importance of the song "Marry Me A Little," which was added to the show after its initial run. I find it to be an absolutely incredible song that fits perfectly into the struggle of the main character of Bobby. My father does not. There's a huge chance no one (other than Jen and Jolene) is going to have any interest in this post, but I'm gonna share it anyway. At least the three of us can geek out over it.
This post means nothing to me but I thought I would take the opportunity to say how much I like the "rant" banner you have up right now (I know, I know its been up for a while now). Is it of your own making?
Posted by: Miriam | November 28, 2007 at 03:24 PM
frankly, i cannot imagine "Company" without "Marry Me a Little". It caps and neatly packages the sum of Raul's (I mean Bobby's) struggle with "Should I marry" vs "Should I stay single"? And what a way to end the first act with a bang, its impact still reverberating and mulling in your head while you're waiting in the impossibly long line of elderly ladies at the Barrymore theater bathrooms.
Did I also mention this is my personal life theme song?
The rumor is that there is a fabulous boot leg of the whole performance somewhere out there...but u didn't hear it from me. Patiently, I'm waiting for the PBS broadcast, hopefully early next year.
I saw this production 8 times....the fittingly, I saw it on my last night in NYC before moving out. I can't wait for the tour.
Posted by: jenchang | November 28, 2007 at 04:36 PM
Glad you like the banner Miriam...because it's going to be all over your shirt when that day finally comes. It's partially my own making, partially the creation of a graphic designer in Montana. I'll explain in a post later. Glad to know someone likes it though!!!
Posted by: M | November 28, 2007 at 08:06 PM
Jenchang:
frankly, i cannot imagine "Company" without "Marry Me a Little".
Interesting comment, as that title didn't ring a bell with me (I saw only the original B'way cast, not the latest revival; and I have an old LP of that cast as well as an old vocal score). Apparently it was cut from the first production and later reinstated. It was also used as the title song of a Sondheim revue of the same name dating from 1980, which also included a lot of other of his songs dropped from full-length shows.
Posted by: Larry | November 28, 2007 at 11:17 PM
When I first saw the (revival) show on Broadway, this was the song that stood out the most in my mind (even more than Being Alive). To me, it was the ultimate love song for the insecure, and so honest.
Don't EVEN get me started on the Tony!! It's amazing to think that the American Theatre Wing decided that a Niles-like singing detective deserved the Tony more than Raul Esparza's complexly layered portrayal of Bobby.
One of my favorite theater experiences of all time was watching Raul Esparza's Bobby from that close in the front row, esp when singing songs like "Being Alive". I've never seen someone completely embody a character like that before, and it was breathtaking. (I know I'm gushing but somehow I can't stop.)
I'm curious what your dad thinks about "Marry Me a Little" and why it doesn't fit. Personally I can't imagine the show without it, but it's most likely because I saw the show WITH the song in it.
On a happy note, the strike ended! yay~ Broadway is reopening!
Posted by: jolene | November 29, 2007 at 02:50 AM
larry, would love to hear your thoughts "marry me a little" after you listen to it!
Posted by: jenchang | November 29, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Just got this email from my dad...
"Oh, and by the way...I have to say in looking at the clip of "Marry Me a Little" I think you have got a point in terms of its value to the overall show. It was so interesting to see his performance. I believe the song was originally slated for the "Being Alive" place and didn't quite work, which I can see. What he brings to the lyric is an interesting cynicism, or self-loathing (perhaps too strong word, but something like that), and it gives a wonderful balance to the surrender that is at the center of "Being Alive." So glad I saw the video. Sad I never saw the production."
Posted by: M | November 29, 2007 at 01:38 PM
It seems (and I love this blog BTW) that those who have seen the original production cannot give in and appreciate this revival and reconceptualization of this show. I saw this Company twice (I'm a big Esparza fan) and loved it. There are a couple clips in google video of the documentary of the recording of the original cast album with Elaine Stritch. She is priceless!
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8288520664972401714&q=sondheim+company
Posted by: chanbny | November 29, 2007 at 02:09 PM
"those who have seen the original production cannot give in and appreciate this revival and reconceptualization of this show."
interesting, although I don't think it's true the other way around. for instance, one of the things that I love about the original production was the set - the idea of an "adult urban playground" that was completely redone for the revival. i didn't dislike the revival set, but i thought that the original set was a great idea and added a lot to the show.
Posted by: jolene | November 29, 2007 at 10:15 PM
Ooooh but I just loved the set for the revival. The image of them all rotating in their chairs at the beginning was so wonderful.
Even just thinking of the way he would jump out the the squares of light or the INCREDIBLE moment where he blows out the candles at the end gives me chills.
I also love Doyle's refusal to put typical "buttons" on the end of numbers. One of the most glorious moments (which I am literally listening to right now) is the way "we love..." bleeds into the opening of "Marry Me A Little."
Sondheim blows my mind. I wish my friends could get past the "cheesy musical theater" mindset that so many of them have.
Posted by: M | November 29, 2007 at 10:19 PM