Sondheim’s ‘Company’ postponed
Tel Aviv's Beit Lessin Theater delays premiere of Steven Sondheim's musical comedy, saying musical 'slot' is taken by 'Mike'
The Israeli production of Stephen Sondheim's musical comedy, “Company,” which was scheduled to open at the Beit Lessin Theater this coming October, has been postponed indefinitely. The auditions for the musical were supposed to begin within days, but have been called off.
It is still unclear whether the production will be helmed by director Noam Shmuel. Behind-the-scene talk suggested a fall-out between Shmuel and Beit Lessin’s General Manager and Artistic Director Tsipi Pines.
The parties have denied the rumors, but according to sources affiliated with the production, negotiations with other directors have taken place despite Shumel’s contract with the theater.
Beit Lessin’s spokesman’s office said in response: “Since the theater is currently running “Mike”, a drama based on singer Mike Brant's life, which occupies the "musical" slot, it was decided to push back the opening of “Company” to a later date. If Noam Shmuel’s schedule allows for it, he will direct the production.”
Shumel, on his part, told Ynet that “it’s true the production has been pushed back, but I’m not worried. I have a signed contract with the theater and we have been working in full collaboration. It’s all good. In fact, I am scheduled to do another project for them as part of the ‘Opening Curtain’ events.”
Either way, one thing’s certain – the musical comedy brewed by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth is a show worth seeing.
"Comedy" is considered one of the greatest musicals to appear on Broadway in the 70s, telling the story of a young man going through his thirty-something crisis as he confronts fateful questions about his life.
