Company (2011 film)

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Company is a 2011 filmed version of the 1970 musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth. It’s directed by Lonny Price and performed with the New York Philharmonic, conducted by Paul Gemignani. The production was filmed live at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center and released in a limited number of theaters beginning June 15, 2011.

Cast and production
- Starring Neil Patrick Harris, with Martha Plimpton, Stephen Colbert, Jill Paice, Craig Bierko, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Jon Cryer, Katie Finneran, Aaron Lazar, Patti LuPone, Jim Walton, Christina Hendricks, Anika Noni Rose, and Chryssie Whitehead.
- The show is a cinematic recording of the stage musical, using the original songs by Stephen Sondheim and the book by George Furth.

Plot in brief
- Robert, a well-liked single man in New York City, is turning 35. His friends are all married or engaged, and he’s the “third wheel” in their lives.
- The story unfolds as a series of vignettes with couples or with Robert and his dates, exploring love, commitment, and the different shapes of marriage.
- Several couples reveal their quirks and tensions, while Robert’s friends tease him about finding someone. The songs cover themes like the perks and pressures of marriage, loneliness, and longing.
- Robert meets three girlfriends in separate moments: April, Kathy, and Marta, each bringing a different view of love and life in the city.
- A key moment comes at Amy and Paul’s wedding, where Amy’s meltdown and Robert’s unintended proposal highlight the pull between fear of commitment and the desire for connection.
- The evening and birthday party scenes repeat with shifting perspectives, leading to Robert recognizing his need for companionship. The famous number "Being Alive" expresses this realization.
- In the end, after a long night, Robert reappears at home content to pursue love, while his friends hold on to hope for his happiness.

Notes
- The film had a limited theatrical run, debuting on June 15, 2011, and presented the musical with a full orchestra and the New York Philharmonic in the background.