by Claire DeMarco
As he approaches his 35th birthday, Bobby (Sean Whitney) is still single and unattached. He hangs out with five married couples and is always the odd man out. He’s the perpetual 5th wheel. He currently does have three younger women he’s involved with – Kathy (Hannah Taylor), April (Grace Phillips) and Marta (Emma Mihok).
His social friends, though, are five couples that have been part of his life for some time. His lack of commitment is not always the center of conversation, but it usually comes up at some point over the long period of time he’s been associated with them.
Bobby revisits their stories and their relationships through sketches of each couple and their interaction with one another. He listens to the pros and cons expressed by his friends on commitment and watches their actions. But this exercise has been going on for some time.
Sarah (Jess Whittington and Harry (Mike Leahy) are in a perpetual contest with one another. Each one has to have the last word and neither one seems to appear the victor in this one-upmanship environment.
Susan (Anna Gergerich) and Peter (Eric Talotta) appear to be very much in love and Bobby is shocked when he discovers that they are getting a divorce. Their divorce appears to make them more in love than before as they continue to live together and are still committed.
Jenny (Kristin Welch) acts as the conventional housewife but she definitely knows how to manipulate her husband, David (Allante Walker) who firmly believes in marriage and tradition.
Amy (Joyce Hinnebusch) and Paul (Kevin Rabbits) are as opposite as night and day. Scared to death on her wedding day and refusing to get married, she makes up the most ridiculous reasons to avoid it. Paul remains upbeat and positive but finally leaves, only to be wooed back in as the marriage eventually takes place.
As the older couple of the group, Joanne (Joann Spencer) is acerbic while Larry (Jeff Johnston) is more stable and can keep Joanne somewhat under control when those needs arise.
Absorbing the pros and cons of their conversations with him and his observations of their interactions, will Bobby ever make a decision? Or will he continue to waffle back and forth and never come to a conclusion on commitment?
“Company” takes us through one man’s hesitation concerning commitment. This 1970’s musical introduced a new concept in theater. There is no plot but a series of stories revolving around dating, marriage and divorce during that time period and the impact and influence they have on our main character. Add to this formula the exceptional songwriting of Stephen Sondheim and one has a musical that went on to receive fourteen Tony nominations and four Tony awards.
“Company” cast
What a talented, well-balanced cast! Excellent performances!
Stage 62’s production of “Company” is a must-see show!
Whitney goes through multiple and believable iterations of contemplating commitment or not contemplating commitment with general confusion about both scenarios. He delivers with “Someone is Waiting” and “Being Alive”.
Leahy has great facial expressions and physical movements as he affectionately banters with his wife.
Welch provides a comic touch as she gives in to her husband’s wish to try marijuana.
Hinnebusch is outstanding as the fearful bride. Her comedic timing with vocals delivered with machine gun rapidity and physical movements are superb.
As the multi-married and older wife, Spencer sings a powerful rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch”.
Phillips creates the perfect airhead as one of Bobby’s girls. Her monotone delivery as the self-described boring person is exceptionally funny.
Taylor, Phillips and Mihok’s rendition of “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” is great.
Excellent direction by Dustin Wickett.
Music Director Andrew Peters and his 10-person band are exceptional.
Choreographer/Intimacy Coordinator Alex Manalo produces precision-like movement in the clever multi-phone scene, the dancing/singing moves of “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” and the bridal gymnastic skit.
Music and lyrics for “Company” by Stephen Sondheim.
Book by George Furth.
-CED
“Company” is a production of Stage 62. Performances run from July 16th to July 26th at The Greer Cabaret Theater, 655 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222.
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I agree! It is a must see show! The audience last night obviously loved it too with a standing ovation for this lovable high energy talented cast. So many smiles and laughter. My complements also to the welcoming Greer Theater staff professionally serving food and drinks without disturbing the show. This theater is a beautiful venue.
Also a great choice for these unhealthy smokey days with the attached garage keeping any need to be outdoors to a minimum.