Company - A Musical Comedy (1996 London Revival Cast)
While theoriginal versionofCompanyis still indispensable for any self-respecting Broadway fan, this London revival directed by Sam Mendes has enough sharp edges to make it a welcome addition. The anger underlining "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is more forceful than ever (especially with loud-and-clear interjections like "son of a bitch!"), and the small orchestra plays with uncommon energy. As Robert/Bobby, Adrian Lester injects new resonance into a character usually perceived as being passive: "Barcelona" features some particularly good acting, while "Marry Me a Little is touchingly tender. This version doesn't rank as high as the original one (what could?) but it's more interesting than the1995 Broadway revival.--Elisabeth Vincentelli