Through 5/19
Company, recently awarded a Tony as Best Musical Revival (2022), deserves its award and then some.
Now at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace Theatre, this splendid, re-conceived production directed by Marianne Elliott, shows focus on more than simply changing the lead from Bobby (male) to Bobbie (female). While Company’s gender identities have been rearranged to match the fluid vibe now popular, this Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and George Furth (book) classic retains its original witty charm.
There comes a time when society says, “Time to grow up.” Bobbie, the central character of Company, is turning 35 and she’s worried she may fail “adulting.” Her friends are not much help either, all looking at her with appraising eyes (and songs) as if to warn her that her expiration date is sooner than she thinks.
Britney Coleman as Bobbie is a vocal and acting wonder. Coleman commands every scene she is in, whether flashing from worried birthday girl to thoughtful friend to confident seductress. And, as a bonus, every word (a Sondheim-show “must”) she sings can be heard and savored.
Absolute verbal clarity is also flaunted in the show’s brilliant “Getting Married.” Poor devoted Paul (Jhardon DiShon Milton) does not realize his fiancé Jamie (Matt Rodin) is nervous — really beyond nervous, let’s say “hysterical.” Rodin’s clear diction in repeated declarations to us (as the tempo accelerates each verse) reveals (and revels in) his panic. Comic appearances by the Priest (a melodic and nimble Marina Kondo), singing blessings throughout the song, add to an already frenetic atmosphere.
Four other couples Bobbie knows (and learns from) include athletic Sarah (Kathryn Allison) and Harry (James Earl Jones II); Joanne (Judy McLane) and her younger hubby Larry (Derrick Davis); the “perfectly married” Peter (Javier Ignacio) and Susan (Marina Kondo), and the ultra-domestic Jenny (Emma Stratton) and David (Matt Bittner).
Not everyone Bobbie knows is married. We must note that she has three boyfriends who also join her in humorous numbers. They include Andy (Jacob Dickey), Theo ((David Socolar), and P.J. (Tyler Hardwick).
All — couples and singles — enjoy at least one showcase number or skit. Memorable songs include “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” “The Ladies Who Lunch” (they should have invited Dorothy Parker, BTW, if they were so bored), and “Side by Side by Side.” The show, fittingly, closes with Bobbie’s memorable shout-out to life itself, “ Being Alive.” (Proving, I believe, there are worse things than turning 35. Silly baby.)
Visual effects are also delightful, especially the striking sets and costumes designed by Bunny Christie. Christie’s contributions, as often subtle as over the top, pack humor into each scene, especially in the portrayal of Bobbie’s tiny NYC apartment (which is not too far from truth). Neil Austin’s lighting design also added impact to scenic effects.
Charlie Alterman, music director (and keyboard player), and a small traveling orchestra plus local musicians produced the rich sonic atmosphere this very “musical” musical requires.
It takes a village so credits should also go to Liam Steel (choreography), Joel Fram (music supervisor, additional vocal arrangements), Ian Dickinson (original sound design), Keith Caggiano (tour sound design), David Cullen (orchestrations), Sam Davis (dance arrangements), Chris Fisher (illusions), Campbell Young Associates (hair, wig, and makeup design), Steve Bebout (associate direction) and Tara Rubin (casting).
Bottom Line: While there may be a “Princess” involved, Company is not a Disney Musical and would likely bore a young child. Older children (like us) may find its heroine, her friends and her perils highly relatable and memorably musical. It’s one of the few shows I’d like to see again — right away!
One Response to “THEATER REVIEW: “Company” @ Playhouse Square by Laura Kennelly”
EDWARD MYCUE
Great theater does indeed take a village hiking to the top of the hill overlooking our heritage and presence as Kennelly suggests in another fine telling of what she saw and how she cares. Cool Cleveland has two such tellers.