Original Cast Album: Company

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Audience Member Apparently, this was originally intended to be a series of documentaries called “Original Cast Album,” where D.A. Pennebaker would film the recording process of Broadway albums. It ended up only happening this one time, but if you’re only going to have one, then Company is a great choice. I can’t say a whole lot about this as a film, because it feels more like watching a special feature on a DVD or something. I think if they did more interviews with people in attendance, and explored more of the complexity of what is going on (translating stage to studio) it might have felt more like a documentary. But I totally appreciate the talent on display in that recording session, so it’s hard to complain. It’s crazy watching the number of takes they do of these songs, and how the singers and instruments all need to be on point every time, so that they have options for which take sounds like the “definitive version” they want to present on the record. I’m also constantly impressed watching people who are so great at what they do Sondheim can simply say things like “let’s take it down a step this time” and every person in the room can make that adjustment without thinking about it. While I would probably never watch this again, it is worthwhile one time (plus it’s really short,) and it made me want to go listen to the album that came out of the recording session right away. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 08/19/19 Full Review Audience Member I am sad that Pennebaker never was able to continue his series of these kind of Documentaries because they are definitely fascinating to watch...especially this one, since I love "Company" dearly. Seeing all of the cast, but particularly Dean Jones, Elaine Stritch, and Beth Howland, go at it is amazing. If you have any interest in Theatre and musicals, this is an absolute MUST. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Not only is this a groundbreaking documentary about a surprisingly interesting subject, it has one of the best DVD commentary tracks I've ever heard. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 02/19/23 Full Review Audience Member I really love Company, so this documentary was a natural choice. It's short and sweet, clocking in at just under an hour so what's to lose? Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/02/23 Full Review Audience Member Very interesting documentary of the recording of one of my favorite musical's cast album. Too bad this series never got produced. It would have been fascinating. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/23/23 Full Review Audience Member As a musical theater nerd, a recording technology junkie, and a documentary fan, this was a great little flick. The behind-the-scenes glimpse at the recording of one of the most definitive cast albums of its time is fascinating. Seeing these legendary actors, composers, and writers in action is exceptional. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/16/23 Full Review Read all reviews

Original Cast Album: Company

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