If "Company" were a movie...
Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 5:25PM by Lynn Lee
Company may be approaching its 50th birthday, but it’s never looked hipper – not that it ever really went out of fashion. But between its prominent appearance in last year’s Marriage Story, a recent successful gender-switched revival in London that’s transferring to Broadway (previews just started!), Sondheim’s musical about a thirtysomething Manhattan bachelor and his various coupled friends is definitely having a(nother) moment.
Which raises the inevitable question: why hasn’t anyone tried to make a movie out of it? Could it even work as a movie? I think it could...
True, Company doesn’t really have a plot – it’s more a series of sketches and conversations revolving around the commitment-shy Bobby's 35th birthday – and let’s face it, with a couple of notable exceptions, most of Bobby’s friends tend to blur together as characters. Even Bobby can register as opaque at best, a cipher at worst. Yet the themes and questions Sondheim plays out without ever quite resolving – the meaning of commitment, companionship, sexuality, maturity – remain eternally relevant, even as the music runs the stylistic gamut from ’20s vaudeville to a swinging, late ’60s sound to Sondheim’s own signature mix of jagged and tender melodies. There’s plenty of reason to believe that done right, Bobby (or Bobbie)’s ongoing dialogue with his/her not-so-smug “marrieds” and not-so-significant others would resonate just as sharply on the screen as it does on stage. I’d love to see Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig take on the project together, or maybe someone like Damien Chazelle. (Thanks but no thanks, Rob Marshall.)
But – skipping to the most fun part of imagining such an adaptation – who would star in this hypothetical movie?
ROBERT/BOBBY
Anyone who saw Adam Driver belt out an emotionally cathartic “Being Alive” near the end of Marriage Story might be tempted to award him the central role of Bobby. And he’d be great. However, I have to admit I’ve set my heart on Oscar Isaac. Dude can turn the charm on and, most importantly, he can sing like a dream and hasn’t had the chance to do it in a movie since…well, since his breakout in Inside Llewyn Davis. He also hasn’t had a really good movie role in a while (not counting Poe Dameron, if you count that).
Alternates: Jonathan Groff; Donald Glover; Justin Timberlake; Chris Pine; maybe Tom Hiddleston? (I didn’t see I Saw the Light, can he actually sing?) Some combo of these guys could also play Bobby’s male married friends – except for Larry, Joanne’s husband, who should probably be a bit older. (Apart from Joanne and Larry, I’d mostly want to stay in the age range of mid-30s to early 40s for most of the casting.)
If it’s a “Bobbie”: Anne Hathaway could knock this out of the park.
JOANNE
Who could ever live up to Elaine Stritch (famously losing it during the cast album recording above)A.k.a. Queen of “The Ladies Who Lunch”: I know some of you are thinking Meryl Streep…but at 70 she’s too old. Notwithstanding that the great Patti Lupone, who’s Meryl’s age, took on the role in the 2018 London production and is reprising it on Broadway, I envision Joanne as only about 10 years older than Bobby and the rest. I propose Catherine Zeta-Jones, who can sing and do world-weary with the best of them and is overdue for a show-stopping return to the big screen. (Idina Menzel would also be great.) And maybe John C. Reilly as Joanne’s husband Larry?
AMY AND PAUL
Cold-feet bride Amy has to read neurotic and be able to carry off the hilariously frantic patter of “Not Getting Married Today” – Anna Kendrick could nail this. Meanwhile, Paul has to be patient and adoring; I’m seeing Joseph Gordon-Levitt with his puppy dog eyes.
Gender switch? In the London revival (and I assume the Broadway one too), this couple is same-sex and “Amy” becomes the male “Jamie.” Haven’t really thought through who could be a good Jamie – Neil Patrick Harris, perhaps, although he’s pushing the outer age limit. Other thoughts?
THE GIRLFRIENDS
April (the flight attendant who may not be as vapid as she seems) – Zooey Deschanel
Marta (the “tacky” city girl) – Anna Kendrick would be a hoot if she isn’t cast as Amy or one of the other wives, but either of her Pitch Perfect co-stars Brittany Snow or Anna Camp could pull it off, too.
Kathy (the one that got away) – Maybe Zoe Saldana or Tessa Thompson? Or Lily James, although she’s on the edge of being too young.
Gender switch? Matt Bomer, Edgar Ramirez, and Sterling K. Brown are easy on the eyes and can croon, too, from what I’ve heard. (See also list of alternates for Robert.)
THE OTHER MARRIEDS
(Sarah/Harry, Susan/Peter, Jenny/David)
I’ve already listed plenty of potential candidates for the men; as for the women, in addition to those already mentioned, don’t forget that Emmy Rossum, Amanda Seyfried, Emily Blunt, Kristen Bell, and Cynthia Erivo are all fine actresses who can sing proficiently (and in Erivo’s case, divinely) and deserve all the good work they can get.
Sondheim fans - do you think Company could work as a movie? And how would you cast it?
Reader Comments (36)
Adam Driver is not a great singer, so I would hope he isn't the automatic de facto choice, if this were to be made. I think a better choice would be Patrick Wilson. Sure, he's not an two-time Oscar nominee, but he is a two-time Tony Award nominee and I think singing should be the primary requisite to play this role.
I love Company and believe it could be an intriguing film about contemporary urban lifestyles.
I agree with Ms. Lee that many of the roles lack definition. However, that could be an advantage.if the film were set during a Broadway revival of Company where we see the characters live the show on stage but the camera allows us to see the actors in their off stage relationships where the numbers also become commentary on the hook ups and affairs occurring within the cast. That gives the songs added depth and the players have nuance to enrich characterization as they essentially play two roles.
My choice from Bobby is Leslie Odom, Jr, Tony winner for Hamilton. I am weary of movies about New York with all white casts. And Odom is terrific.
The more challenging choice is the director who understands the theater and how music can explore characterization. I would be fascinated to see what Barbra Streisand could do with such a project. She is a longtime trusted collaborator with Sondheim. It could be magical.
This article reminded me - wasn’t there talk of doing a film version of ‘Follies’ awhile back with Queen Meryl?
Jake Gylenhaal as Bobby.
Raul Esparza should have won the Tony!
The idea of Company turning into a movie gives me the hibbie jibbies because we all know they would only cast big names with little voices.
I'm going to watch Raúl Esparza belting Being Alive at the Tonys to calm down.
No fucking Meryl Streep, please
I saw the new show on Broadway this week and it was wonderful.
I 100% agree that Bobby must be relatable. That is the downfall with many a production of Company, since his aloofness can also distance him from the audience. I loved NPH in the 2011 Lincoln Center production mostly because, despite some deficiencies in his voice, he knew how to connect with the audience.
I'm terrible at casting, but I would suggest Emma Stone for Sarah since she has great comedic timing and doesn't have to sing all that much. Andrew Rannells would be a great Jamie if they stick with the idea of Amy/Paul being Jamie/Paul instead, which they absolutely should because the queenie hissy fit in this production is aces. And I'd love to see Jeremy Jordan as Bobby any day so why not in a film? This is not a role that you want to hand to a famous actor with a mediocre voice.
Interesting comments from TFE friends out there -
For Lynn - thank you for this great article. But curious regarding your suggestions - isn't Bobby supposed to be 35?
A main decision regarding casting would hinge on what time period the film takes place in. I assume a reason there hasn't been a film version is because it is so contemporary (for 1970) - in a wonderful way, but dated, if you will. So if you change the year it takes place in, then the script would alter, casting opens up, etc. But if you leave it in it's original form, then I don't see how you don't make it an all white cast. Am I ignorant? :)
I think it would be fascinating to have a film version of the 1970 book - warts and all. It seems like filmmakers are afraid to make films that accurately capture the past (specifically, representing the reality of sexism, homophobia, racism, etc) because modern audiences are happy to lynch anything and everything that doesn't fit in their politically-correct viewpoint.
A wonderful challenge for any filmmaker!! I hope it happens.
Taron Egerton has the voice and the talent to make Bobby real as real can be.
I love Company. So much. But I don’t think it would really work as a narrative film. But if we’re playing the casting game ...
Funnily enough, given the mention of Odom, for Bobby my mind went to Hamilton too, But I was thinking Daveed Diggs. I’d also enjoy seeing Gordon-Levitt in that part. Or maybe Aaron Tveit? Although I certainly would object to Oscar Isaac.
Emma Stone is a good suggestion for Sarah. I’d pick Amanda Seyfried for April and Cynthia Erivo would be great Marta. I’d kind of like to discover some new comedienne/singer for Amy.
My first thought for Joanne is Bebe Neuwirth. Or could Barbara Walsh still do it? Other possibilities that at least I’d be curious to see in the part - Kristin Chenoweth or Martha Plimpton.
Black cast directed by Spike Lee in a 90s period piece (Queen Latifah IS JoAnne). No changes to the lyrics, but tweaks to the score by Terrance Blanchard. This is my dream and I will not accept anything less.
lynn, super fun post! thanks for putting so much thought and work into this.
how about brandon victor dixon as bobby? he was essentially MVP of both TV versions of jesus christ superstar and rent, a major talent and this role would allow him to show us a different flavor from what we usually see from him.
but yes, as big names go, jake gyllenhaal is a magnificent choice for the role, and he could sing it legit.
i personally vote no to catherine ZJ for joanne. her singing voice is not so good IMO. i also find queen latifah to be one of the world's most boring singer/actresses (sorry, Val...she's just SO safe). could we consider toni collette...who has a legit singing voice and is a great actress?
i also feel anna kendrick has been way too generously cast in screen musicals. again, just very safe. i'd love to see one of broadway's real comedy zingers (jennifer simard, donna lynne champlin, jen cody, etc.) get a shot if they had big names at the top.
love all the dialogue here...super fun!
thank you for this site
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Just a small suggestion. Whenever you write about Broadway, remember TFE has readers from all around the world who have never had a step on NYC and Broadway's plays are so local we need more information. What's exactly Company about?
There's a thing called Google.
Believe me Mark, when it comes to Broadway you will find everything there: posters, stills, songs, illegal recordings, gossip, even the brand of mi hands sanitizer.
Great article. Now do CANDIDE: Ben Platt as Candide. Glenn Close as the Old Woman, Joel Grey as Professor Pangloss, Anna Kendrik as Paquette. Still not sure about Cunegonde or Martin... Screenplay by Tony Kushner. Directed by Danny Boyle.
Great suggestions, everyone! I especially love the idea of Daveed Diggs (how did I not think of him? I ADORE him) and Bebe Neuwirth would rock as Joanne. And now that I'm thinking of Bebe Neuwirth, I'd also love to see Patina Miller somewhere in this.
I also don't know how I forgot about Jakey. He'd be great, too.
Val - I'd totally see that (all black cast directed by Spike Lee).
Jonathan Lewis - I *did* consider Patrick Wilson, but at 46, he's a little outside the age range I was looking at, at least for Bobby. Same reason I nixed Amy Adams.
And to the age point, Ellsworth, I'm frankly envisioning this taking place in current times, not when it was originally set (even though the music does have SUCH a 70s, or at least late 60s sound). I do think there's been a cultural shift to where being unmarried at 35 isn't as big a deal anymore, at least in urban settings, especially if you're a guy. So I think having Bobby and most of his friends being closer to 40, but probably not too far beyond that, would be appropriate.
Mark - the funny thing is COMPANY really doesn't have a plot. Really. It's just about a dude who's still single at 35 and all his married friends insisting he should be married but also giving very mixed signals about whether he should be. Hence why making it into a film would be challenging, though not impossible.
Patti, it definitely doesn't showcase alot of Broadway and all but the elite miss out on the ephemeral great white way. A couple clips from the famous shows, and maybe one or two full recordings isn't the same. Deep diving into something you'll never experience in full or in full context isn't for everyone. A film you experience to it's fullest wherever, a tv show, and album, but not a play.You're acting obtuse, or in terms you would understand, as rude as a phone wielding audience member.
@Patti - There was no need to be sarcastic. I googled it and it just confused me more, just when I tried to find out what Cats was about.
@ Lynn Lee - Thanks for the plot. Sure it might be interesting movide to be made.
I love to see Chris Pine in another movie musical ( actually I love to see Chris Pine period)
Christina Hendricks played April I think in a filmed live production- was that the one with Neil Patrick Harris? She can sing. Although I really want to see Raúl Esparza as the lead. If he is too old perhaps they can gender reverse the ladies who lunch and have him sing that.
If we are gender reversing Bobby can we just get Cynthia Erivo to do that part? Why give that voice a supporting part when she can carry the whole show?
One of my favorite musicals ever!! I think a movie would be great. Like the revival in 1995 they’d need to change a few things to make it more modern but that could easily be done.
Bobby... JAKE GYLLENHAAL
Joanne... MERYL STREEP
Sarah... EMMA STONE
Harry... OSCAR ISAAC
Marta... CYNTHIA ERIVO
Larry... STANLEY TUCCI
April... JESSIE BUCKLEY
Kathy... GUGU MBATHA-RAW
Paul... JOHN MULANEY
Amy... ANNALEIGH ASHFORD
Peter... LESLIE ODOM JR
David... BILLY MAGNUSSEN
Jenny... JESSIE MUELLER
Susan... TAMMY BLANCHARD
Ooh! Annaleigh Ashford would be great, either as Amy or as April.
Jessie Mueller - she deserves a great signing role in a big movie.
I like Andrew's casting. And whenever people say "not Meryl Streep" you are simply invoking the universe (and studios) to remember to cast her so the film is a success.
I think a cinema version of Company is a FANTASTIC idea. And I'd say make it take place in the 1970's, since making it current day and age would mean too much tinkering that might weaken the story.
Some really good suggestions in previous posts about who to cast. I'd have to think for a week to figure out a cast.
By the way, disagree totally with the nix on Rob Marshall. He did a fabulous job with CHICAGO, NINE, and MARY POPPINS RETURNS. Of course he shouldn't automatically get the assignment of director, but i think he should be considered.
And also, ix-nay on Neil Patrick Harris. He can't really sing well, his sour notes in the recent production ruined it for me.
I've dreamt up a Company movie many a times, and I've often been curious of a strong, more traditional comedian playing Joanne: like Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph, or Sarah Silverman. Anyone else?
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