Bobby and her eclectic COMPANY of friends invited me to join her 35th birthday at the Straz Center on opening night. The opinions of this celebration are my own.
COMPANY proves to be more than just another revival of a revered Stephen Sondheim musical. Over five decades since its Broadway premiere, COMPANY continues to prove to be a poignant reflection on the anxieties and yearnings that continue to bind us in today’s world.
In the revival of this Sondheim classic, COMPANY undergoes a gender bender with Bobby, a 35 year old Black woman. From the opening number, “Company”, we’re thrust into the heart of Bobby’s internal conflict.
The show centers on Bobby (Britney Coleman), a commitment-phobic young woman surrounded by a cast of committed and married couples, all grappling with the joys and frustrations of their relationships.
The captivating tapestry of diverse talents breathes life into Sondheim’s intricate lyrics and complex characters. Each couple – from the cynical Joanne (Judy McClane) and Larry (Derrick Davis) to the endearingly neurotic Jamie (Matt Rodin) and Paul (Ali Louis Bourzgui) embodies a different facet of love’s messy prism. Also noting that Jamie (Amy in the original book) and Paul bring a lovely LGBTQIA+ addition to the revival.
With a treasure trove of vocal talent, each performer brings their own unique energy to the iconic score. Coleman’s charming blend of vulnerability and wit beautifully navigates the emotional complexities of the role with ease. Her vocal talents are magnificently illustrated in “Being Alive”. Likewise, Judy McClane has some very large LuPone shoes to fill and exceeded my expectations with her flawless delivery of “The Ladies Who Lunch”.
The supporting ensemble is equally impressive, adding depth and texture to every scene. Whether it’s the hilarious squabbles of Sarah and Harry or the poignant reflection of Peter and Susan, each couple adds a brushstroke to the larger canvas of the show.
Sondheim’s score, a masterclass in musical storytelling, seamlessly weaves through genres and emotions. The witty lyrics paint vivid portraits of characters and situations, while the intricate melodies burrow into the depths of the human condition.
The iconic “Another Hundred People” pulsates with NYC’s urban anxiety, while the introspective “Marry Me a Little” drips with loneliness, each note flawlessly underlining the emotional undercurrents. A dynamic chorus of Bobby’s anxieties and desires, shines in numbers like “You Could Drive a Person Crazy”.
While Bobby’s journey is central, COMPANY is more than just her story. It’s a reflection of our collective anxieties about love, commitment, and the elusive meaning of life. The show’s brilliance lies in its universal ability to resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the choices they make and the relationships they forge.
COMPANY unravels the darker aspects of these themes, exploring infidelity, loneliness, and the fear of aging with unflinching honesty. Yet, it does so with a light touch, a sprinkle of humor that allows the audience to laugh alongside the characters, even as we recognize our own vulnerabilities in their struggles.
As an old married woman, I felt seen.
The stage becomes Bobby’s psyche, a playground for her anxieties and desires, played out through a series of vignettes and seamless blending of intimacy and spectacle. One moment we’re in a cozy apartment with a bickering couple, the next we’re transported to a glittering nightclub pulsating with the energy of “The Ladies Who Lunch”. This dynamic staging mirrors the emotional rollercoaster of Bobby’s life, keeping the audience entertained and invested in her journey.
Director Marianne Elliot takes a refreshingly intimate approach, stripping away the grand spectacle and opting for a minimalist stage with a tight focus on the ensemble. This stripped-down production reflects the raw humanity of Sondheim’s work, making it resonate even more powerfully with contemporary audiences. The intimacy and narrow use of the stage emphasizes how the weight of others’ ideals can feel stifling and smothering. It draws the audience into the heart of Bobby’s emotional turmoil.
Nearly five decades since its Broadway debut, COMPANY remains a triumphant exploration of the human condition. It’s a show that provokes laughter and tears, leaving you questioning your own relationships, grappling with the fundamental anxieties of intimacy and the elusive meaning of life.
COMPANY delivers a kaleidoscope of neuroses, a comedic autopsy of modern relationships, and a timeless reflection of the human condition. The musical reminds audiences that even in the midst of our dysfunction, there’s beauty, humor, and ultimately, the possibility of finding meaning and connection. More than just another musical, COMPANY is a conversation starter, a catalyst for introspection, and a testament to the enduring power of Sondheim’s genius.
In addition, COMPANY shines the light on the darker aspects of these themes, exploring infidelity, loneliness, and the fear of aging with unflinching honesty. Yet, it does so with a soft touch, a sprinkle of humor that allows the audience to laugh alongside the characters, as we recognize our own vulnerabilities in their struggles.
While some of the slang, dialogue and even the age at which Bobby feels pressure to be married may date the original book, the complexities of relationships and being true to oneself needs are timeless.
With regard to love and commitment, COMPANY does not offer easy answers. Rather, it invites us to consider the question anyway – to confront the contradictions and absurdities of our modern relationships, and perhaps, find our own solace in the shared experience of loneliness.
For musical theater lovers and Sondheim fans, COMPANY is a must-see. Let COMPANY take you on a journey of love and self-discovery.
Answer the call and experience COMPANY at the Straz Center now playing until Sunday, January 14.
Save 35% with promo code SOCIAL. *Valid on all performances. Restrictions apply.
