The Revolution Stage Company has brought the landmark musical Company to their stage for a December run.
The Tony Award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, opened in 1970 on Broadway. This production offers a welcome trip down memory lane for those who know this show, and is an appropriate introduction to people who may not be familiar with Sondheim’s genius.
Company tells the story of Robert, aka Bobby, a single man in New York City about to turn 35, and the friends, all couples, who celebrate with him. Set in 1970, Company shows a glimpse of life before smart phones, social media and dating apps—a time when people met others through social introductions and face-to-face encounters. The female halves can’t imagine why he isn’t married, while the men are somewhat envious of his single status and the freedoms that go with it. The theater program includes a “Dictionary of Terms From the 1970s” to help those who may not have lived through or studied that era.
The story is told through a series of vignettes with Bobby interacting with the couples. Sarah and Harry are played by Sonia Reavis and Jason Ayestas, who have a lovely chemistry. Following a dinner in their apartment with Bobby, we learn that Sarah encourages Bobby to eat (which she can’t do while dieting), and Harry is encouraging Bobby to drink alcohol (which he supposedly has sworn off).
Susan and Peter are delightfully played by Joyanne Tracy and Luis Salcido IV. They appear to be very happy in their marriage—until Bobby gushes to Susan that she would be the perfect mate for him if she wasn’t already taken. Susan and Peter then announce they are getting divorced. Now what will Bobby do?
Jenny and David are played by Christina Harrell and Jason Mannino. In their scene with Bobby, they are smoking pot in their apartment. This scene seems a bit antiquated based on today’s laws and practices. It goes by quickly and leads us into a true highlight of the show when we see three women Bobby has been dating—Marta (Vanessa L. Smith), April (Nicole Kennedy) and Kathy (Imani J. DeLeon)—bring down the house with “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” their testimonial on their frustrations regarding Bobby. Based on the audience response, I was not alone in my enjoyment of this number!
Another highpoint is the scene with Amy and Paul, gloriously played by Heather Joy and Samuel Neal Moffatt. “Getting Married Today” is a tour-de-force patter song which shows Sondheim at his best. It also gives the performers, here with the addition of Harrell’s beautiful soprano, a chance to shine. They did not disappoint.
Joanne (Barbara Kerr) and Larry (Grant Wheaton) are the older couple in Bobby’s sphere. Joanne comments on Bobby throughout the show, noting her experiences from several marriages—and her status as a potential chaser of Bobby herself. Larry observes her with quiet patience. Her rousing number, “The Ladies Who Lunch,” was another massive audience-pleaser.
Bobby is played by Revolution Stage co-founder James Owens. He ties the show together nicely as we follow his journey. His scenes with the sardonic Marta and gullible April were especially enjoyable. His culmination anthem, “Being Alive,” was moving.
Director Jeffrey Lesser kept the staging fluid and well-paced. (I did have a difficult time, however, viewing some of the scenes from where I was sitting.) Musical direction was by Stephen Hulsey. The show uses recorded tracks, and the volume overpowered the vocals of the singers at times. The women’s group numbers were far better than those of the men.
Nathan Wilson did the choreography, which was effective in “Company” (the opening number) and “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” but less effective in the Act II opening “Side by Side by Side”/”What Would We Do Without You?”
Kelly Newhouse did an admirable job with costumes replicating looks of the ’70s. Miguel Lauro’s set design was well done and aided quite nicely by Mariah Pryor’s projections and lighting.
Make some time during this busy season and treat yourself to some Company for the holidays!
Company will be performed at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday; 8 p.m., Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, through Sunday, Dec. 22, at Revolution Stage Company, 611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, in Palm Springs. Tickets start at $25, and the show is two hours, with one 15-minute intermission. For tickets or more information, visit www.revolutionstagecompany.com.
Welcome ‘Company’: Revolution Stage’s Production of the Sondheim Classic Is a Delight is a story from Coachella Valley Independent, the Coachella Valley’s alternative news source.