REVIEWS

THEATER REVIEW
Wednesday, April 6, 2005

'Company' is unconventionally entertaining

In the early '70s, a time when conventional values were often questioned, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth wrote "Company," a musical that contemplates the traditional values of commitment and marriage. Apparently, it was right for the times, garnering six Tony Awards, including Best Musical in 1971.

The Company Theatre in Norwell has decided to present its version of "Company," a show the directors say was influential in naming the theater back in 1978.

This production uses the 1996 script, updated to remove the more obviously dated references. Undoubtedly, that helps make it more accessible for current audiences, but given today's more conservative sensibilities, it still requires a bit of mental and moral time travel to accept some of its material.

Nevertheless, "Company" is a well executed, thought provoking and occasionally funny musical, albeit an atypical one. It includes several well-known Sondheim masterpieces like "Another Hundred People," "The Ladies Who Lunch" and "Side by Side by Side."

"Company" is the story of Robert or "Bobby" as his many friends like to call him, or sing to him over and over again until you think you might go insane. He's a 35-year-old bachelor, living in New York City. With some prodding from his married friends, he starts thinking about getting married himself and what that would mean.

Bobby isn't presently well stocked in the commitment department, so he visits each of the couples to see what makes their relationships tick.

John King plays Bobby. It's a tough role because he's more of an observer than an active participant. We see each character through his eyes and have to infer what he's thinking and feeling. He doesn't tell us. It may seem like King underplays the part, but that's just the way it's written.

It's also a little hard to like Bobby. He's immature and it doesn't seem like he's going to change anytime soon. He has at least three women in his life and he doesn't seem to consider any of them as candidates to be his ultimate leading lady. However, he does sleep with two of them. He also seems to like to party, boasting that he can roll a joint "real quick" after treating his friends Jenny (Paula Markowicz) and David (Joseph C. Rucker Jr.) to a few hits. That scene is somewhat disturbing because it treats marijuana use so casually.

King does endear us while singing, "Someone is Waiting," "Marry Me A Little" and "Being Alive." He also carries the stage well while performing with the entire cast during the opening scenes for each act.

All of the ensemble pieces are very enjoyable because of the talented actors and singers in this show. With 14 cast members there are too many to mention them all, but a few managed to stand out.

Aimee Doherty was simply hilarious as Amy, a reluctant and manic bride who's not quite ready for her wedding day. Doherty made us laugh at her antics while we also marveled at her vocal abilities during the quickly paced "Getting Married Today."

Markowicz's voice was angelic as she sang "Bless this Day" over Doherty's lament.

Steve Shannon as Harry and Jackie Duffy as Sarah got the couples' vignettes off to a nice start with their portrayal of a happy, but offbeat pair. Shannon showed off his vocal ability while singing "Sorry-Grateful" with Rucker and Richard Jensen. It was one of the show's more wistful and positive representations of relationships.

Christine Maus was perfectly ditzy as April the stewardess who talks a lot but doesn't say anything and sings about "Barcelona" before Bobby talks her into bed. The scene is well played by both Maus and King, but it's also PG-rated, with both stripping down to their skivvies before rummaging suggestively under a furry sheet.

Jen Ellis and Kathy Keefe provided the show's more poignant moments as Bobby's other girlfriends Marta and Kathy. Ellis expressed both the excitement and emptiness of living in the city while belting out "Another Hundred People." And Keefe made Bobby realize that opportunity is usually a brief visitor.

Bobby has a lot to learn, and if you can transport some of your thinking back a few decades, you might be able to learn along with him. If not, you can still enjoy the music and laughter.

On opening night The Company Theatre gave away a pair of Red Sox tickets to a lucky patron. The winner was Bill Burke of Stoughton.

Company

By Stephen Sondheim. At the Company Theatre, 30 Accord Park Drive, Norwell, through April 24. $24-$28. 781-871-2787, www.companytheatre.com

Jim Dorman
For The Patriot Ledger

Copyright 2005 The Patriot Ledger
Transmitted Wednesday, April 06, 2005