CAMERON KELSALL: Before we dive into reviewing the new production of Company, David, we need to address two issues. To begin, we saw this revival—which originated in London several years ago and first appeared in New York just before the initial COVID lockdown—mere days after the death of its legendary composer, Stephen Sondheim. No doubt the passing of this great man needs to be acknowledged, and I think you did a beautiful job with your remembrance that was published here on parterre last week. But I also believe a review is no place for encomiums, so I hope we can consider the situation dispatched and focus on the matter at hand. Which brings me to the second point: at the performance we attended, one of the production’s marquee stars, Patti LuPone, was replaced by her understudy Anisha Nagarajan.

DAVID FOX: So let’s take this on at the start. Nagarajan gave a fine if not star-making performance: confident, with a personal take on the role and a good singing voice (especially pungent in the lower register) that put a notable stamp on “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Under what must have been very difficult circumstances, she acquitted herself more than honorably. I also think there’s a gain to the structure of the show itself in treating Joanne as a true ensemble member rather than cameo star part—which is part of the reason I declined the option to reschedule (which, for the record, Telecharge offered and made fairly easy)…

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