Prep School: Gala

Commenting on his musical Company in a PBS documentary, composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim said, “Broadway theater has been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems. These people really want to escape that world when they go to the theatre, and then here we are with Company talking about how we’re going to bring it right back in their faces.” Sondheim’s worlding made for a groundbreaking musical where Broadway regulars could see themselves aestheticized, transformed into a representation of the human condition. But Company didn’t strive to change Broadway’s demographics, nor did it depict economically, sexually or racially diverse experience. Every performer was white and able bodied, and all could sing brilliantly in a minor key.