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“Company” is largely regarded as a trail blazer of the dark comedy modern musical genre. It is the 1970 musical comedy based on a book by George Furth with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The original production was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards and won seven.
The plot revolves around Bobby, a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage, the five married couples who are his best friends, and his three girlfriends. “Company” is a concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, linked by a celebration for Bobby’s 35th birthday.
Bobbie is well liked by everyone, but his best friends are all married or engaged couples: Joanne and Larry, Peter and Susan, Harry and Sarah, David and Jenny, and Paul and Amy. As he visits each of his married friends’ homes, the topic of commitment, what makes a marriage work and why Bobbie isn’t married are repeating points of conversation, with each couple having a different view and opinion.
OnStage in Bedford has once again taken a Broadway classic, and brought it to life with all the magic and talent that audiences would expect from a Casa Manana or Dallas Summer Musical production. It’s no wonder that OnStage is celebrating it’s 30th year in operation!
Aaron C White, Bobbie, has been involved in several Metroplex theatres, including Theatre Three, Lyric Stage, The Main Stage and Garland Summer Musicals. So it was no surprise when he brought excellent comedic timing and stellar vocals to the part of Bobbie.
Katreeva Phillips, Marta, gave a very convincing performance as Bobbie’s free spirited girlfriend. Her exceptional pitch perfect voice gave depth and richness to the song “Another Hundred People.” There were a few technical problems with lighting at the opening night’s performance that would have been distracting and daunting to many actresses, however, Katreeva never missed a beat.
Allison Scheer, April – Bobbie’s stewardess girlfriend, does an exquisite job of providing comic relief with the dumb blond characteristics that she brings April to life with.
It would be negligent of me to not mention the exceptional acting and singing talents of Christine Chambers as Joanne. Her soaring voice gives real life to the song “The Ladies Who Lunch.” Christine is making her OnStage debut with “Company.” I’m sure I do not stand alone in hopes to see much more of her in future productions.
The set design is clean, simple and lends itself to easy transformation. The color pallet used is exactly what I would expect to find in a Manhattan apartment, and the lighting is equally as well thought out and executed.
It’s always an added pleasure when the music for a show is performed live. I would like to see a little more cohesion in the band, and perhaps a bit more work done on timing between performers and the band but that being said, it’s asking for polish to be put on an already gleaming pair of tap shoes!
Speaking of tap shoes, thank you cast of “Company” for an exceptional tap and kick line piece in the second act!
As a continuation of OnStage’s 30’th anniversary, they are offering two sets of tickets to be given away through Irish Film Critic! Each set will be for two tickets that can be used at any performance. “Company” is currently running Oct. 2 – Oct. 25.
Click HERE for a chance to win.
Please visit www.onstageinbedford.com for tickets and information. Season tickets are now on sale for a stellar 2016 season with 7 shows that will ONLY be at OnStage!
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