Reviewed by George Basler
More than half a century has passed since Stephen Sondheim and George Furth penned their landmark musical Company about upper middle class professionals navigating life in upscale New York City.
But its theme about the challenges of dating, marriage and relationships remains as relevant as ever.
SRO Productions III’s thrilling rendition of this great musical is running through this weekend (June 14-16) at the Schorr Family Firehouse Stage in Johnson City. Brilliantly performed by a 14-person cast, the show is a must-see for Sondheim fans.
Company –– with music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Furth — broke ground when it debuted in 1970 as being one of the first concept musicals that scrapped linear storylines for a series of non-linear scenes.
The musical also contains songs of lyrical and musical complexity that the SRO cast performs with exquisite skill. The ensemble numbers are fast paced and energetic, and the solo numbers are standouts. Credit goes to Director Scott Fisher and Music Director Hilary Rozek.
The story begins with confirmed bachelor Bobby (well played by Andrew Mextorf) being given a surprise 35th birthday party by his married friends. It continues through series of vignettes with Bobby interacting with the various couples and his three girlfriends. Throughout, Bobby debates the possibilities and pitfalls of committing to another person.
Sondheim, who passed away in 2021, was known for taking risks and challenging audiences. Company is no exception. He and Furth employ a detached, coolly clinical tone in presenting the characters. There are comic moments, but it’s dark comedy. The creators hold the characters at arm’s length.
The astringent tone can be off-putting. Also, if you go in looking for a traditional plot, you may have a difficult time connecting with the action.
But the musical is a great one, because Sondheim and Furth weren’t afraid to confront the themes of loneliness and the need for human connection head-on without any false sentimentality. And, of course, there’s Sondheim’s indelible score that provides a showcase for actors.
Company is an ensemble show with all cast members having the opportunity to take center stage. The SRO cast takes full advantage of this opportunity.
An audience favorite, judging by the reaction on opening night, was Anna Tagliaferro’s delightfully frantic performance of “Getting Married Today” in which a bride-to-be gets cold feet on the way to the altar. Vernicia Elie, as a choir singer, and Brendan Gardner, as the long-suffering groom, provide solid support.
Another comic highlight is “You Could Drive a Person Crazy” in which Bobby’s three girlfriends bemoan the fact that they became involved with such a cold fish. Mikayla Wright, Sarah Wallikas and Maureen Dancesia perform it with sunny enthusiasm.
Also quite humorous is “The Little Things You Do Together,” a sardonic look at marriage in which Jen Crawford gets to show off some nifty jiu-jitsu moves.
On a serious note, three of the male characters sing the poignant, bittersweet ballad “Sorry-Grateful” about the joys and disappointments of marriage. Joshua Sedelmeyer, Eric Bill, and Mitch Tiffany do a fine job with a song that hits close to the bone.
Dancesia has a standout solo with “Another Hundred People” Sondheim’s commentary on the transitory and impersonal character of New York City. Equally strong is Wallikas’ performance of “Barcelona,” Sondheim’s wickedly witty appraisal of a one-night stand.
Then, there is “The Ladies Who Lunch,” a cynical take on rich women who wile away their time with shallow activity. The song, which comes near the end of the musical, is a show-stopper that has become something of a cabaret standard since Company first opened. Christina Taylor’s crisp and sharp performance captures the character’s world-weariness and honest appraisal of her own limitations.
Finally, there is Bobby, around whom the action revolves. Critics have debated the character ever since Company opened. Sondheim and Furth never delve into the factors have made Bobby so afraid of commitment. The role is a difficult one to play, because Bobby is often a passive observer who stands outside the action.
Mextorf’s strong performance makes Bobby more than a cipher. Instead, he conveys a sense of the character’s conflicting emotions. And he injects some real emotion into his final song, “Being Alive,” in which the character seems ready to take on the risk of commitment.
Then again, the ending isn’t definitive. Will he, or won’t he, remains an open question. Company is very much a musical for grown-ups. While some audience members may quibble with its dispassionate tone and ambiguity, it deserves its reputation as a classic, and the SRO production is one to be admired.
IF YOU GO: SRO Productions III will present Company this coming weekend, June 14-16, at the Goodwill Theatre’s Schorr Family Firehouse Stage, 46 Willow St., Johnson City. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday’s performance is at 2 p.m. Tickets at $28 (fees included) for adults and students and $26 (fees included) for ages 62 and over can be ordered at SRO’s website, www.sroproductionsonline.com. Tickets also will be available at the door, but reservations are suggested as some performances may sell out.
