What’s so bad about turning 35? Nothing, if you have friends to share it with!
The highly anticipated production of Company opened at Connor Palace Theater to excitement for Clevelanders, who couldn’t wait to see what was in store. The musical comedy has been updated since its original 1970 debut on Broadway. Stephen Sondheim, who wrote the original music and lyrics based on George Furth’s book, worked with Furth before Stephen’s passing to update Company for a modern audience.
Not only was this musical updated in content, but the stage was also made for a more modern vibe. The use of squares and boxes really helps switch from simplicity to complexity and back from scene to scene. Having some rigidness in a story that does not necessarily follow a linear pathway is always fun (albeit requiring focus)
The protagonist, Bobbie (Britney Coleman), is turning 35 years old. Like most single people in their mid-30s, they feel compelled to compare their life situation with the lives of those surrounding them. She lives in her New York City apartment, which is soon filled with all of her friends to celebrate. These friends are consequently trying to overcome their own personal challenges and showing face, pretending as though they have it all figured out. The stress that her friends put on her is starting to get to her, and while she says she’s happy, only time will tell.
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Directed by Marianne Elliot, this iteration of Company has shown that the stories from 1970 are still just as relevant today as they were 30+ years ago. Being the only single friend surrounded by married and engaged friends absolutely still creates challenges. Especially today, when people are putting off having a family and focusing on their careers, it’s always difficult to find yourself on the outside of what is supposed to be normality. Her biological clock can be heard ticking away.
As the musical is in no particular order, neither will the order matter in which this reviewer dissects them! We’ll start with Joanne (Judy McClane) and Larry (Derrick Davis). Joanne and Larry have one of those relationships that everyone seems to draw their own conclusions about immediately. ‘They can’t be happy’ or ‘They must be in it for the convenience.’ The problematic couple really shows both sides of a marriage. Some of this is definitely scary to Bobbie. Judy McClane showed the Cleveland audience very early on just how funny and great she can be with “The Little Things You Do Together.” While accompanied by the rest of the Company‘s company (see what I did there; clever,eh?), Judy helped set the tone for a night of laughter!
Harry (James Earl Jones II), who bears no relation to THE James Earl Jones (believe me, I checked), and Sarah (Kathryn Allison) are a married couple who both love and hate that they are married. (Enter: “Sorry Grateful.”) Sarah is always dieting despite her long appreciation for delicious foods of all varieties. Harry is a recovering alcoholic. Bobbie doesn’t know the situation that Sarah and Harry are in, and she shows up with alcohol at the sober Harry’s apartment. This is where the audience really understands how much Bobbie’s friends have their own demons and struggles. While Bobbie may feel as though she is on her own, with her own challenges, her friends are also going through difficult times. She’s not as out of the ordinary as she might feel. Oh, side note! Did I mention that half the time, they are trying to kill one another?
James Earl Jones II as Harry, Kathryn Allison as Sarah, Britney Coleman as Bobbie and Judy McLane as Joanne in the North American Tour of COMPANY. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Peter (Javier Ignacio) and Susan (Marina Kondo) seem to have it all figured out and share with Bobbie about their marital troubles and their reality. Alternatively, Bobbie visits another of her coupled friends, and with a little help from weed, David (Matt Bittner) and hs wife, Jenny (Emma Stratton), open up about their concern for Bobbie, revealing the three guys Bobbie is currently dating, which the door and gives us a glimpse of these men and see more of her world of single life. When learning of these three men, patrons are then introduced to each of them. Andy (Jacob Dickey), Theo (David Socolar), and PJ (Tyler Hardwick) share as they all perform “You Could Drive a Person Crazy.”
Company, has so much to offer, from a relevant and funny story to an amazing cast. With choreography by Liam Steel, the combination of singing and dancing on this fascinating set is so impressive. Music supervisor Joel Fram makes sure that Sondheim’s music and lyrics live up to expectations. There are two main areas that haven’t been highlighted. The first is this set by Bunny Christie and Neil Austin, which is both amazing and innovative. These moving boxes and different placement combinations really keep the audience’s focus and attention in an interesting way. That, and some projection light mapping creates visual perfection.
Britney Coleman as Bobbie (center) and the North American Tour of COMPANY. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade
Last but certainly not least is Britney Coleman, who really makes the show! Her voice is breathtaking and powerful. Her ability to jump from stress and anxiety to funny is so well executed. She is the reason to see this show! Coleman makes Bobbie a relatable human. She helps everyone see her as someone who is going through life in a way that is not dissimilar to most, yet somehow, all feel alone. Company is a story of friends and being there for one another, from judgment and concern, to emotional support; giving one another a hard time but doing so with love!
Make sure you join in the company of Company!
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