Company: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert

The Tiny Desk is working from home for the foreseeable future. Introducing NPR Music's Tiny Desk (home) concerts, bringing you performances from across the country and the world. It's the same spirit - stripped-down sets, an intimate setting - just a different space.
Josh Rogosin | November 15, 2021
Company finally is back on Broadway this week after a 20-month hiatus. There were only nine preview performances before all the theaters in New York went dark during the pandemic. Now the cast celebrates its return with a Tiny Desk performance filmed a few blocks away from the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre at the CIVILIAN Hotel. It's the 35th birthday celebration for the lead character, Bobbie, but also a reunion for this ensemble.
"It is incredible to come back to this piece, this masterpiece," cast member Matt Doyle explains, "a show that's about company, about togetherness and most importantly about being alive. This is what we get to do on the other side of this and I'm so honored to be in the room with each and every one of you. ... We're having a party tonight."
The musical comedy Company, written by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth in 1970, was re-conceived by director Marianne Elliot for a critically acclaimed run in London that transferred to Broadway. The big change in this production is that Bobby, the lead character, is played by a woman, Bobbie. The audience is taken on an emotional roller coaster through iconic songs with Katrina Lenk, no stranger to the Tiny Desk, as she tries to find the purpose of being alive. (Ms. Lenk won the Tony for her portrayal of Dina in The Band's Visit )
My Tiny Desk colleague, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis, was one of the lucky few who got to see a preview before it was forced to close:
"While gender-swapping roles for retro media has been popular for years, it feels different for Company," she says "An intentional choice that emphasizes the social pressure for women to settle down, get married and have kids. The heaviness of that was felt by the audience collectively, but it was deeply emotional in other ways, too. There was laughter, tears, but more than anything, there was celebration."
Sondheim was interviewed by Stephen Colbert about the revival and confessed "I don't usually tout my own stuff, but I urge everybody here to see it," he said "You're gonna have such a good time. It's really one of the most entertaining evenings I've ever had in the theatre." I'll drink to that.
MUSIC AND LYRICS
Stephen Sondheim
SET LIST
"Company"
"Someone is Waiting"
"Another Hundred People"
"You Could Drive A Person Crazy"
CAST
Katrina Lenk
Matt Doyle
Christopher Fitzgerald
Christopher Sieber
Jennifer Simard
Terence Archie
Etai Benson
Bobby Conte
Nikki Renée Daniels
Claybourne Elder
Greg Hildreth
Anisha Nagarajan
Manu Narayan
Rashidra Scott
BAND
Joel Fram: music direction
Paul Staroba: piano
Michael Blanco: bass
Rich Rosenzweig: drums
CREDITS
Video: David Givens, Brandon Ivey, HaiTao Wu
Audio: Richard Levengood, Ana Fernandez, Tyler Postiglione
Staging: Gina Rattan
Music Coordinator: Howard Joines
Production Services: O&M ETC
Video Production and Editing: Super Awesome Friends
Creative Director: Jim Glaub
Director of Photography: David Givens
Line Producer: Rebecca Prowler
Production Assistants: Ciera Miller, Jenna Rich, Holly Wasson
Editor: Jim Glaub
TINY DESK TEAM
Producer: Josh Rogosin
Video Producer: Maia Stern
Audio Mastering: Josh Rogosin
Tiny Production Team: Bob Boilen, Bobby Carter, Kara Frame, Sofie Hernandez-Simeonidis
Executive Producer: Keith Jenkins
Senior VP, Programming: Anya Grundmann
#nprmusic #tinydesk #company

[@allyson--]

When the whole room was endearingly staring at Katrina singing 'Someone is Waiting', I felt that

[@allyson--]

5:08

[@elizabethdalton-jandreau5588]

Oh, me, too! I remember feeling JUST like that, way before I even knew the musical.

[@DamianBorucki-wd8je]

jandreau5588ြ

[@peachvamps]

NEED a cast recording of this cast like.. yesterday

[@miriamvharn]

I especially need Matt Doyle's "Getting Married Today" in my ears... STAT

[@hierophantpurple5163]

IKR!!

[@Totallyawesomemegagirl]

I need to hear sorry-grateful ASAP

[@radsical1392]

There’s not going to be one unfortunately. They had a deal that only the London run would get a cast recording. So this is all we get unfortunately

[@CarlosCromatico_]

They are all soooo good, but that rendition of Another Hundred People was really touching. I hope they release a cast recording

[@stefan1713]

that performance gave me chills! was not expecting that

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

Yes the 3 other versions that I have seen have that song being sung rather cynically, and this one was definitely not.

[@chocolatesouljah]

This is the comment I was looking for. 💕

[@chocolatesouljah]

@@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh Agreed. The 21st century is beginning of interpretations in the same manner as one would expect of a Shakespeare production. Very exciting!

[@QuincyDisneyVegan]

They indeed did release this version as a cast recording

[@yuscha697]

This is so nice, ever since Hadestown last year I wished NPR would do more Broadway. Thank you for this!

[@alexs.3383]

Imagine if we had a Falsettos Revival Tiny Desk Concert... Not sure when NPR began featuring Broadway but the group energy of this video made me ~yearn~

[@GreenThingonTV]

You must have missed the Jagged Little Pill video from a few weeks ago.

[@yarabak]

So true

[@PeachesYancy]

Check out the one from the bands visit!

[@jare___]

We are so, so lucky we had Sondheim as long as we did. This is one of the finest pieces of theatre I've ever seen- I'm so glad its' getting a new life.

[@Wat3r.rat22]

Bobby made me cry singing Another Hundred People! beautiful story telling, love how vibrant this version of the show is

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

He was also excellent as Enjolras. Got me thinking about Beauty and the Beast UK Tour. I would like to see him play Gaston. Oh, did you know that Grantaire was also PJ in the Company London Cast 2018? Now we've got an Enjolras and a Grantaire singing "Another Hundred People."

[@Shae29]

Exactly what I’m thinking!! Absolutely obsessed with his take on the song and his voice

[@charliehray]

The way that this is not nearly long enough. Incredible

[@ruthlessruth6238]

The rendition of another 100 people is literally EVERYTHING

[@MikeLunney]

Not gonna lie, I was like "this band is a little strange" for a minute. Tiny Desk continues to come with cutting edge performances. BRAVO!

[@kitteridgesimpson8144]

“this band is very large. it is the side of a small broadway cast.”

[@malvavisco10]

bravi

[@Tamsincanroar]

I’ve been so so obsessed with the new arrangement of Drive a Person Crazy since the London debut… it still absolutely SLAPS. Iconic!

[@theofields6359]

Everybody pulled it off, I was not sure about how it would go and those guys ripped it to shreds, amazing

[@ewelinarzezinska9936]

i don't like the harmonize (arragment) of male trio. :(

[@jasminelew4899]

It's so amazing when people can truly play within the madness that is sondehim music -- that's artistry!!

[@aaronhuskyman4509]

troo

[@robertberardi1598]

There's one song in the show with such a torrent of words it requires a Navy SEAL's ability to hold one's breath.

[@unwashedgrapes8605]

11:07 I love how he uses a unique inflection to express the same line for the grand ending repeating "another hundred people *just* got off of the train"

[@ConstanzaSotoQ]

I have never heard of Bobby Conte, he caught my eye, amazingly talented!

[@miriamvharn]

he led the cast of A Bronx Tale in 2017! amazing acting and vocals in that show :)

[@TheMissingLink1]

THEY SOUND GOOD! I don't know if this production has had revised choral arrangements - but there were some ensemble harmonies that were SO amazing. I swear I've never heard them before!

[@maggiemcfly5267]

I think Stephen indeed revised it, there was an interview in the New York Times where he and the director of the play talked about it. Of course I can't fully read it because I don't have a subscription, jut there was an excerpt from it on IG

[@hierophantpurple5163]

@@maggiemcfly5267 Yeah, iirc from reading that article he worked with Marianne Elliot on some of the changes made in the show, including the tweaks to the story and music.

[@ComputerGeek1100]

Joel Fram, who also conducted the pit orchestra and was the musical director of this production, is credited with the new vocal arrangements! It might have also been in collaboration with David Cullen, who did the new instrumental orchestrations.

[@PentameronSV]

0:04 - *Company* (3:04 / 3:16) 4:21 - *Someone is Waiting* (7:24) 8:58 - *Another Hundred People* (11:29 / 11:42) 12:28 - *You Could Drive A Person Crazy* (15:13) [15:31 - Tiny Desk team]

[@csmcblck]

Thank you.

[@ppl2luv]

you can hear the laughter in their harmonies. i’m in love

[@PeachesYancy]

They sound AMAZING. Wish Patti was there. Happy first preview tonight!

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

I also miss Kyle. At least Manu Narayan filled in for him.

[@richardrussell6861]

Mr. Sondheim would appreciate how many people are paying tribute to him by watching Sondheim KZbin videos this weekend.

[@fernll.7409]

This is so fresh -- all the arrangement choices and interpretations of these pieces necessary for a female Bobby. :)

[@musicalmattress1053]

That Bobby Conte Thornton-performance was unbelievable!

[@Memo2Self]

A couple of weeks ago, I posted here about not getting a sense of the "show" of "Jagged Little Pill," as opposed to the previous Tiny Desk performances of "Hadestown" and "The Band's Visit" (Katrina!!!). Even though it's the same kind of setup - actor/singers in a common room - this absolutely tells me that there's something more, something capital-T-Theatrical about this show, away from the Tiny Desk. Thank you!

[@m.c.master4622]

Perhaps the answer lies within this word ~~ TALENT.

[@derwykynger]

I'm putting "You Could Drive A Person Crazy" on repeat, that's for sure!

[@marielleaballe9228]

okay Jennifer Simard with her ICONIC high notes 💅🏻💅🏻

[@alexs.3383]

2:45 she surely puts the eeee in company

[@musicaltheatrefan2k226]

Pretty sure it’s not Jennifer, but it’s Nikki Renee Daniels.

[@BrookeInProgress]

Was very lucky to have seen this cast last week! Highly recommend, it’s one of the best shows I’ve ever seen. It was my boyfriend’s first ever Broadway experience and I’m afraid we’ve set the bar very high for all future shows.

[@samanthal133]

Very very very much so lol I am 31 and had the blessing to seeing many shows many times. Rent, Les Mis 3 times, phantom 3 times & In the heights right after the Tony’s but I have never ever had the chance to see waitress. Love SB and the movie is one of my favorites would love to see it!!

[@voxextremos22]

Katrina has such a Great voice for Sondheim smooth as silk but also fragile as glass. Also I’ve the female POV there is a lot more pressure on women to be married nowadays. Also turning “You Could Drive A Person Crazy” works very well with men.

[@tommysepulveda6756]

Bobby Conte Thornton is seriously so insanely talented and I need to see this dude perform before I die. Please cast this man as Sweeney Todd!!!

[@jovanolague3161]

Love that kid! Known him since he was kid!

[@Shae29]

His voice is incredible!!! After seeing the show live, I knew that I had to perform AHP at my Thestival for thespian club 💗💗

[@Osnapitznoah]

already in love with this production. i hope we get a broadway cast recording.

[@ppl2luv]

back yet again to say that my boyfriend got me tickets for february 10th. i PRAY covid doesn’t cancel it. i’m so excited to see this beautiful cast and especially to hear “another hundred people” live. it gives me chills

[@Shae29]

I just saw the show on Sunday, and have never heard of Bobby Conte. What an incredible voice he has😭😭 it’s my favorite song from the show, along with not getting married today

[@screamingotter6169]

I like the fact that I can occasionaly see my uncle's nearly bald head playing the piano :D

[@WatchandLearn16]

Dude is shredding it.

[@screamingotter6169]

@@WatchandLearn16 Absolutely

[@allyson--]

This greatly improved my quality of life for 15 minutes & 56 seconds

[@juanmanueltorreblanca9508]

This kinda deserved to include ALL THE SONGS in the musical

[@m.c.master4622]

Then, unfortunately, it wouldn't be tiny. It's their thing......

[@WendlaBergmann]

i saw the company revival in 2007 when i was still in high school because i was just so enamored with sondheim's work. it's so interesting and fun returning to this show with new perspective - and a new but the same bobby/ie. this entire video sent a thrill up my spine. i would love to sit there and listen to them sing the entire show in this format.

[@puckganern]

no like i needed them to perform side by side 😭

[@pikachuhatyu]

Katrina Lenk's version of Someone is Waiting is so far my most favorite ever, listening to it teleports me somewhere ethereal. love love love it

[@yq2586]

i’d love to hear katrina sing being alive!! so good..

[@yq2586]

also this version of you could drive a person crazy is actually driving me crazy

[@christinal2527]

This is by far my favorite version of Another Hundred People. It brings such a smile to my face that I've come back every day to listen again this week. 😁

[@ZachTheGreek]

One day something will click in my brain and I will understand and "get" musicals like this. Until then god speed you beautiful dorks.

[@BenderH20]

This comment brought me joy 😂

[@sometime.somewhere]

Do you not like certain types of musicals or just musicals in general? Out of curiosity!

[@Sara-ti7he]

I have the biggest smile on my face with tears in my eyes. This was so beautiful and joyful. Thank you Tiny Desk. You, again, made my day!

[@notalexia1441]

Another Hundred People had me shattered. I can't stop replaying that part.

[@alexs.3383]

2:21 when the beat drops in a Sondheim song

[@faithmo5347]

I have been sitting here smiling for 15 mins like a complete fool, I just love company so much!

[@elderdias4032]

Thank you tiny desk for bringing musical Theater here ☺️

[@juancarlosrosales2969]

More please more!! This is wonderful and brilliant!! Thank you NPR for another hit!!

[@courtneyhenley681]

so wonderful. what a way to start the holiday season!

[@aliedawnwood]

What an enchanting cast!!

[@AnnieFahy]

I so appreciate the chance to hear some of these arrangements since I am unlikely to see the live version.

[@missnewvillage]

You could drive a person crazy was so good! I need to see this show asap.

[@Ouranyama]

I feel so blessed I could see Company live, truly a masterpiece

[@ChaosShadowBox]

Is anyone else looking back at the first song and just thinking "This would be a great setting for this number if they did a movie version"?

[@rafaelesteban4782]

More Broadway on Tiny Desk!! We love it!

[@noahspurs125]

Am I the only one who feels compelled to watch this multiple times per week? Just wonderful! Thank you, NPR, Tiny Desk crew and -- of course -- the Company! 🙏🎵🙏🎵🙏

[@hierophantpurple5163]

Saw this show a few days ago!! It was amazing! The entire cast was phenomenal and I really enjoyed the show and its story. I highly recommend seeing it!

[@shaygirl7673]

I love this so much, thanks! And break a leg to Company!

[@muscled57]

This cast is dynamite! Saw them twice, going back for a third in a couple weeks! Another Hundred People and Being Alive gives me goosebumps. If you are having a bad day, go see this show, you will forget why you were having a bad day! BRAVO! Would I love to party with this great group of terrific performers!

[@GG414]

This entire cast took our breath away. What an extraordinary ensemble and superb production

[@chestercastillo9612]

Arranger's brain goes like 🤯🤯🤯

[@helenereinicke7552]

This is so great!!! So now I just need a part 2 including being alive, sorry-grateful and getting married today 😊

[@TheManzanamordida]

This is amazing!!!! Definitely my favorite video of 2021!! Talented cast ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jellyrcw12]

I think Being Alive is my favorite Broadway number of all time. I LOVE Company!

[@annienoelle4964]

AHHHH I LOVE THIS CAST! it is so hard to get this show right and this is so great

[@goblueinga]

I. Can't. WAIT. To see this live!!

[@celestelalianna7276]

Having to watch this with the sound off because I'm in study hall feels like legitimate torture, especially during Someone is Waiting and Hundred People, but wow am I excited to watch this in its entirety later. (I can practically hear Company and Drive A Person Crazy through the screen though)

[@maylisuarez9878]

espectacular desde el momento 1!!! por algo están aquí felicitaciones

[@joyceglasgow2356]

Really beautiful! A wonderful surprise on Tiny Desk!❤️🎶👏👏👏🎶❤️

[@agnieszkareda4108]

I love that they also invites Broadway casts!!

[@jeehyeon]

So so nice!!! Thank you the cast of Company. Thank you NPR and thank you mr. Sondheim!! RIP 🙏

[@allyson--]

Rewatching this too many times to trace whose eyes are looking where in each moment (help)

[@allyson--]

Also, trying to listen intently to isolate each cast member's vocals during the performances

[@sheriffbiggley-rh8tx]

''look, i'll message you tomorrow or i'll call you to explain''... Love it...

[@MadameCorgi]

First time hearing this cast and they're all so fabulous! Only two songs in. I live in England so I dearly hope they make a proshot

[@kassandracampbell5663]

I need a cast recording of the show with this cast 😭 They're amazing

[@jackienaiditch7965]

What a joy! Thanks so much for brightening my day.

[@adriennepender673]

Saw this on Broadway a few weeks ago; brilliant from start to finish.

[@SassyFilmingo]

Got my ticket for June! Can’t wait to see this amazing take on my favorite musical!!

[@cinefiend4059]

That was incredible. Had no clue who they were, what the show was, but I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish. When they mentioned the late brilliant Sondheim, it all made sense. Their vibrant energy was so palpable and infectious. Definitely going back to this. Brava!

[@marissatorres17]

what an incredible cast!!

[@emilyhogarty2850]

Katrina Lenk is ethereal!

[@syael1339]

Looking forward to seeing this this weekend.

[@joyceglasgow2356]

I hope I get to see this cast at some point! I love “Company”!🙏

[@mlcadden]

Just saw this on Broadway Friday! It was fantastic

[@Melissa-tw2gp]

Woah!! Wish I could see a recorded version of this since I’ll never be able to see it live. Happy to have at least this. What a lovely version of Another Hundred People.

[@emilysorano7768]

simply delightful

[@scotverdin9401]

and then there's me who cries through the whole tiny concert...I love this so much.

[@sofeashabani]

'another hundred people' was so magnetic are you kidding. i couldn't tear my eyes away.

[@FCPA1997]

So perfectly cast and the rewrites are fabulous!!♥️

[@phatbeautifulme]

This was AMAZING!!

[@FAMUAN1997]

I’ve seen this play’s newest revival several times this year. This is arguably the greatest Broadway play I have ever seen. 🐐 Only my childhood favorite “The Wiz” can come close to this production IMHO. If you haven’t seen it yet, please get to New York to see it before it goes away later this year in 2022! You’ll be glad you did. I REALLY hope this cast gets to do an original album!

[@garyinla4807]

Saw it on Saturday. Amazing!!!!

[@albablabla]

Bobby Conte Thornton does such a good Another Hundred People aaaaa

[@joelatkin1214]

Love this so much

[@tribulationsofawastedsociety]

I'm already starting to feel the christmas spirit dude 🐇

[@RogersBase]

I like Company now. Incredible cast.

[@dbobbi744]

I loveeeee these musical tiny desks!

[@sharonfieldstone]

Oh my God this is the happiest I've been all week

[@donnyg6595]

Bravo!!!!

[@sariia5278]

Someone is waiting is such a beautiful song, it really pulls you in no matter where you come from in my opinion

[@amypresley1062]

This makes me want a revival cast album SO badly. Please give it to us!!!!!!

[@cat56789]

Sameee there’s a london cast recording but I need a recording of this cast too

[@jflrck141]

MORE BROADWAY PLEASE!

[@Jakeybakey5]

this is unreal wow

[@Analblockage]

Can't wait to see this in Febuary.

[@lordbuddybear]

Wholesome!