Image Credit: Chris Hatcher/PR Photos; Janet Mayer/PR Photos; Bob Charlotte/PR Photos
It’s like the pop culture gods chose today to look down at EW and say, “Our good sons and daughters: You have proved your patience and tolerance by making Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday’ a YouTube hit. And for that, we will reward you.” And reward us they have. For only divine intervention could create a cast like this one for the New York Philharmonic’s upcoming production of Company: According to The New York Times, Two and a Half Men‘s Jon Cryer and Mad Men‘s Christina Hendricks have joined Neil Patrick Harris, Martha Plimpton, Anika Noni Rose, Patti LuPone, and Stephen Colbert in the play, which runs from April 7-9. (Though certainly an incredible cast, I’m a little sad I’m going to have to tag “Not Jon Hamm” on this one.) In Company, Cryer will play a friend to Harris’ character (the “perennially single protagonist”), while Hendricks will star as an bubbly flight attendant. This news means two things: 1) Hendricks will have the opportunity to show range outside of Joan Harris, and 2) Cryer can quit his job working as Ellen DeGeneres’ receptionist. Just one request: Any way the stage gods can convince this good company to extend Company‘s run longer than two days? We’ll watch “My Jeans,” promise!
Christina = yay!! Jon = NOOO!!
But I’m excited to read about JC pushing NPH off stage in a raging fit of jealousy.
But can they sing? I’ve been hoping they would record this just to hear NPH sing “Being Alive” but now I also want to hear if all the others can sing. Anika Noni Rose and Patti LuPone are fabulous, and Colbert can sing, but I have to admit I’m a bit skeptical of the others.
Martha Plimpton can sing. And hopefully they would have enough sense to cast people who can handle Sondheim.
Obnoxious side-point: I have tickets to this, so this makes me ebullient.
The especially challenging singing roles (Robert, Joanne, Marta, and April) have all been filled by tested singers. April, Christina’s character, has a duet with NPH with “Barcelona” though, so I look forward to hearing how she handles that. If I recall, she did well in Mad Men when she sang to her husband’s boss while playing an accordion. Either way, I’m excited.
it’s not obnoxious, i was about to make the same point.
I’m actually more worried about NPH than I am about anyone else. I mean, the only big numbers for the rest of the cast are covered by folks we know can sing VERY well. Though, “Another Hundred People” is deceiving. To a random listener, it could sound simple enough to someone with a great voice, but it’s certainly not simple. I mean, the song was written for one particular performer (as was “TLWL”). Sondheim wanted to show off a newcomer, so he had Pamela Myers’ vocal ability in mind while writing it. (Pam even pulled off the song some years ago, in her 50s!)
“(Not) Getting Married Today” should also be mentioned as a challenging song. But Finneran is such a dedicated performer, so I’m thinking she’ll be alright.
NPH was fantastic as the Balladeer in Assassins a few years ago. It’s a big step up to Bobby, but he’s already proven he can handle Sondheim, so I’m not too worried.
Finneran is going to be the highlight, as far as I’m concerned.
For those of us who have no chance of getting there, is there any chance it will be recorded for broadcast, the way the latest revival was?
If I recall correctly, most plays at the NYP are being recorded.
NPH might not have an astounding voice as Raúl Esparza, but he has been in several Sondheim gigs and handled them extremely well. I’m more curious about Mrs Hendricks.
if we get this for “Friday”…. what the hell did we get for Boxxy?
This is going to be AWESOME.
I wonder what will happen when you switch the microphones off? Sing-song hop-along voices don’t reach out on their own. Go to the Metropolitan Opera to hear real talent and voices.
Sing-song? Hop-along? You do realize Company was written by Stephen Sondheim, yes? A man whose work is performed in opera houses.
Relating to the voices, not the show. In Germany and in France they have used operatic persona without mics in these shows. Can the sing-song, hop-along artists equal that.
I actually have a ticket available for the Saturday matinee if anyone is interested… Was supposed to fly in for the performance, but some family stuff came up.
I have tickets!!!! Can’t wait!!! It’s gonna be great. In addition to the above, Craig bierko, Aaron lazar ( yum) and Katie finneran. Excellent cast
Fwiw I saw nph in assassins and he has a beautiful singing voice
My main gripe is that for people who work and don’t read the arts section everyday the moment you hear about something, it’s already sold out. Would love to see it. So never gonna happen. Oh well.
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