As Elliott & Harper Productions is about to begin performances of its first West End show, Simon Stephens’ Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle, Marianne Elliott announced today (Friday 22 September 2017) that she will be directing a new production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Tony award-winning musical, Company. For the first time ever, the lead role of Bobby will be re-imagined as a woman. Company will run at the Gielgud Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue from 26 September 2018 for a strictly limited season, with public booking opening today.
It was also announced today that Rosalie Craig will play Bobbi and Tony and Olivier award-winning Patti LuPone will play Joanne.
At Bobbi’s 35th birthday party all her friends are wondering why she isn’t married; why she can’t find the right man and why she hasn’t settled down to have a family. The multi-award winning musical comedy about life, love and marriage includes Stephen Sondheim’s iconic songs, The Ladies who Lunch, Being Alive and Side by Side.
Marianne Elliott said: ‘I feel so lucky to be directing this wonderful musical. I’ve loved it for years. I really want to make this production contemporary, to explore what it feels like to be a 35 year old sexually confident woman managing friendships and searching for love. Stephen Sondheim and I have talked a great deal about how this new interpretation might best be executed and I can’t wait to share it with audiences. I also get to work with the beautiful and talented Rosalie Craig, as well as a hero of mine, Patti LuPone.’
Patti LuPone added: ‘I saw War Horse in New York and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time in London. I came out of both productions blown away by Ms Elliott’s vision. So naturally I am thrilled beyond words that she wants me to be a part of Company. I’m a lucky girl. Marianne, Steve, London. I thought I’d sworn off musicals, but working with Marianne was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.’
