Company [Paperback]

Stephen Sondheim (Author), George Furth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 1995

Sondheim's breakthrough play.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Here at last is Furth's libretto to the convention-shattering 1970 musical (revived on Broadway in 1995) that launched composer Sondheim's most fertile period--and his cult. Originally a series of one-act plays about marriage, the musical adds a linking character, Robert, who is the only one without a spouse. In visiting each of a half dozen couples who are his friends, Robert seeks to learn "what do you get" from being married. The answer is far from Hallmark, but visceral. The text includes Furth's witty, cutting dialogue and Sondheim's brilliant lyrics--especially to "Another Hundred People," "Have I Got a Girl for You" and "Being Alive." A portrait of urban angst that is nonetheless hilarious.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Theatre Communications Group; 25th edition (October 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559361085
• ISBN-13: 978-1559361088
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #90,420 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #4 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Sondheim
  • #7 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Historical Period > Modern Popular
  • #7 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Forms & Genres > Musicals

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars ...wow.. just.. oh my god...it's wonderful!, January 6, 2000

By 

"jbhapgood2" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Company (Paperback)

When Mr. Sondheim and and Mr. Furth wrote the show they wanted to have something that would make the audience laugh all night and then stay awake the rest of the night thinking about it. And that is EXACTLY what they did! Mr. Furth developes his characters so well as does Sondheim. To fully get the show one might consider getting the cd (original cast album is the best and can be found here on Amazon.com as well) This is seriously the best libretto I own.. and I own MANY.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars darker than what I remember, but still great, April 17, 2010

By 

G. Bereschik (north of San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Company (Paperback)

I'm giving this five stars, with the explanation that I love Sondheim, and "Company" is my favorite work of his.
With that said, I saw a touring production of Company in 1972, and fell in love with it. Listening to the original cast LP and CD over the years, I found it to be a light, fun, bouncy musical, even though some serious topics are addressed.
Now, reading the book, I realize (and remember) that "Company" is much darker than it seems on the surface. This comes through in the scenes and dialogue, not so much in the songs. For instance - Harry and Sarah's sparring, Harry's drinking, Peter's propositioning Bobby, Joanne's propositioning Bobby. This certainly doesn't detract, but rather adds a new dimenstion, and it makes for a different listening of the soundtrack.
Also, it's nice to have all the lyrics in one spot. For the most part, the songs are understandable. But for those several songs when characters are singing different lines at the same time, it's nice to have a reference and be able to pick out the words.
Bottom line - a must for "Company" fans.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Read, May 30, 2011

By 

JSmalls - See all my reviews

This review is from: Company (Paperback)

What I did to thoroughly enjoy reading Sondheim's "Company" is read the play while listening to the music. It is a great way to experience one of his most honest works.