Actresses Rosalie Craig and Patti LuPone will lead the cast in Marianne Elliott’s forthcoming production of Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company at the Gielgud Theatre (beginning for a limited season on 26 September 2018), presented by Elliott & Harper Productions (the company she recently founded with producer Chris Harper).
It is the first time the lead character of Bobby (soon to be renamed ‘Bobbie’) will have been played by a woman. LuPone will step into the role of Joanne.
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 has been quoted as saying: ‘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 thought I’d sworn off musicals, but working with Marianne was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.”
Rosalie Craig’s extensive theatre credits include: Marianne Elliott’s production of The Light Princess, As You Like It, The Threepenny Opera and London Road – all for the National Theatre. Other theatre includes: City of Angels for the Donmar, Macbeth for Manchester International Festival, Finding Neverland and the title role in Miss Julie at Chichester Festival Theatre.
Patti LuPone returns to London to make her first appearance in a West End musical for more than 25 years. LuPone is currently starring on Broadway in War Paint. Her previous London theatre credits include originating the role of Fantine in Les Misérables for the RSC and Cameron Mackintosh, an Olivier-award winning role in The Cradle Will Rock and creating the role of Norma Desmond in Sunset Boulevard.
Her numerous Broadway credits include: originating the role of Eva Peron in Evita, Gypsy, Women On the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown, Sweeney Todd, Anything Goes, Noises Off, The Old Neighborhood and Master Class.
Marianne Elliott is artistic director of Elliott & Harper Productions, a company she recently founded with producer Chris Harper. Elliott is the first woman in Broadway history to win two Tony Awards for Best Director. Elliott’s ground-breaking production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time received seven Olivier Awards in London and five Tony Awards. Her production of Saint Joan earned her the Olivier Award for Best Revival and Pillars of the Community earned her the Evening Standard Award for Best Director. War Horse, which she co-directed, and has been seen by more than 7 million people worldwide, has just begun its second UK tour. Elliott’s recent highly acclaimed production of Angels in America at the National Theatre will transfer to Broadway in March 2018.
Joining Elliott on the creative team for Company are: designer Bunny Christie and musical director Joel Fram. Further casting will be announced.
Company was originally staged in 1970 and was nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards. It won six.
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