author: Leonard Taube
Somebody hold me too close. Somebody hurt me too deep. Somebody sit in my chair and ruin my sleep and make me aware of being alive. That’s the plea of protagonist Bobby in Stephen Sondheim’s musical Company (book by George Furth) which is being produced by community theatre group Players On Air and gracing the stage of the Coppermine Pantherplex in Hampstead, MD. Originally produced in 1970 Company was nominated for 14 Tony Awards and won six.
Fun fact: Furth wrote 11 one-act plays about marriage in New York and Anthony Perkins (yes, THAT Anthony Perkins) of Psycho fame expressed interest in directing it but gave it to Sondheim to look over. Sondheim, in turn, asked famed Broadway producer Harold Prince for his opinion and he thought the plays would be a good basis for a musical about New York marriages examined through a central character. Dean Jones starred in the title role of Bobby, and the show also featured other notables such as Beth Howland (who went on to play in the TV sitcom Alice) and Elaine Stritch whose character’s signature song “Ladies Who Lunch” became her trademark. At the time there had never been a show like Company, which dealt with such topics as dating, marriage, and divorce. In the early 1990’s Sondheim and Furth modernized the show, cut some dialogue, and revised the libretto.
Director Justin Patterson and Music Director/Assistant Director Casey Golden have put together a fantastic, complex piece of theatre that runs the gamut between comedy, drama and, at time, gut-wrenching introspection. When asked why he chose this show to direct, Patterson’s response was simply that Company has been one of his favorite shows for years. This is clear as his passion for the production bears its mark from everything from casting to set design to those small intimate touches in scenes that showcase themselves in nuanced (and sometimes not so nuanced) ways that leaves an indelible impact on the senses. Golden is no stranger to musical theatre and lends her expertise to vocally coaching the best out of the cast and helping Patterson to bring his creative vision to life.
The set is simple but well executed. Appearing as one piece, two staircases on either side of the stage lead to a connecting platform/balcony. A fog machine churns out haze from the stage right wing. Large doors at stage level that open and close throughout the show provide easy access for set pieces/actors to come on and off stage. They have built out a stage extension that gets plenty of use. A clever three-door drop down descends from the rafters showcasing the hilariously funny scene where Bobby, David and Jenny get a bit…high…as well as the catchy trio number “You Could Drive A Person Crazy”. Interestingly, the music track that accompanies that song replaces the trio’s “do-do-do-do do” interspersed throughout the song with simple music chimes (no vocals). Only a true Company afficionado would notice, but I would have liked to have heard the gals belt out those vocal trills. Still, I can’t complain. They did a good job with the number, and that’s what counts.
Canned music provides the accompaniment to the strong voices on stage and, while I typically tend to like live pits better, the music was even, not too loud, and worked well.
The show begins and ends with Bobby’s friends throwing him a surprise 35th birthday party. Bobby (Ben Azat) is unmarried, and his friends are concerned about him, wanting him to finally settle down and find a woman. Azat’s “Bobby” is complex and soulful. He’s the kind of friend anyone would love to have, loyal and always there for you. Yet, this seemingly carefree bachelor can love so much more, and craves the need to be loved just as equally, and his journey towards that acceptance and self-revelation, told through acting and sung with powerful conviction, will leave you both crying and cheering for him by the end (“Being Alive”).
Bobby’s married friends, which provide the wheels for turning the show and Bobby’s ultimate spiritual awakening, are about as diverse as they come, and boy do their antics pack a punch. Sarah (Laura Beth Wonsala) and Harry (Dave Kaiser) are downright hysterical as the dieting/sober pair who go at each other quite literally (“Little Things You Do Together”) yet love fiercely. Watch Wonsala’s physicality as her husband eggs her on by mentioning all the various foods she loves but is abstaining from…hilariously funny.
Peter (Paul Kennedy) and Susan (Erica Hansbrough) are the couple who get along better now that they’re divorced. From Susan’s fear of heights (that darned terrace!) to Peter’s playfulness and possible alter-ego (watch for a short but telling exchange between him & Bobby), this is a couple who are more than meets the eye and one can probably guess why they are happier as friends without that legal bond of marriage.
Speaking of complex couples, there is an uneasy yet loving relationship worthy of study between David (Matt Lamb) and Jenny (Sarah Barnes). When we first see them together, they are both in the midst of a marijuana “high”, and their antics and bantering make for some good comedy; however, it’s when the effects of the pot wear off that we get a hint of possible issues. David’s intense machismo as he demands that Jenny make him dinner and Jenny’s meek acceptance of such treatment cast a glimpse into what may well be a troubled relationship that might make you wonder why she stays with him. That said, there does appear to be some love there (and kids) but one can’t help but think about what goes on behind their closed doors.
Paul (Jacob Miller) and Amy (Alana Simone) are the newlywed couple. Paul is about as loving and accepting as you can get, a perfect foil to crazy Amy’s neurotic outbursts as she navigates her impending marriage. In fact, Simone nails show favorite “Not Getting Married”, a speedy tongue twister song that will leave your head spinning and your hands clapping by the end. Not an easy song to master (you must sing fast enough yet speak every word clear enough for the audience to make out), it’s a great piece and perfectly executed. Of course, Amy does marry that handsome Jew Paul (go see the show) despite all the protests, but it’s in her attitude and hesitation where the hammer falls. Amy helps Bobby in his journey, and you can sense that their relationship is very special. In fact, Amy and Bobby have a poignant exchange towards the end and, if you look carefully, you’ll see that it’s Amy that is always carrying out the birthday cake. Coincidence? I think not.
Larry (Michael Livingston) and Joanne (Daena Cox) are a rich power couple. Larry is a nice guy, married to Joanne who is a tad self-absorbed and a bit narcissistic, complete with her fancy dress, fur and heels whenever we see her. She’s been married a few times (not sure how many, but in one of the songs she mentions three or four). Larry seems to understand and accept her for what she is and is a good-natured, loveable kind of guy who knows how to shake his moves on the dance floor (much to Joanne’s drunken chagrin). But don’t underestimate Joanne’s power. It’s she that ultimately causes Bobby to unlock that deep dark door holding him back from realizing what he really wants. And, to her credit, she does it in silence. It’s a powerfully riveting scene towards the end of Act 2 that brings the show to a head and Azat’s emotionally cathartic response is moving and gets you right in the feels. Oh, and did I mention Joanne’s song that most people know from the show (“Ladies Who Lunch”)? Most of us Company Diehards will forever associate the late incomparable Elaine Stritch with that number, but Cox makes it her own with a powerful voice and convicted delivery. Everybody rise!
Lastly, Bobby’s three ladies (women he’s dated/been dating) are very different people. Marta (Hayley Blankenship) is a take-no-prisoners kind of gal. She’s a free spirit who appreciates an open ass (go see the show) as opposed to a closed one. Kathy (Emma Fronheiser) is a girl who wants love and a family. She has moved on from Bobby given his past hesitation to commit, but their chemistry is real. Your heart will hurt as they come to the realization of a missed opportunity due to mixed signals and painful realization of what might have been. Then we have April (Sammi Azat), the dimwitted flight attendant with a penchant for telling never ending stories. She and Bobby have an amusing bedroom scene together (watch Bobby’s reactions as April is going on and on telling her story). Perhaps it’s because these two are married in real life (Ben & Sammi) because they play very well off each other and the end of their scene together (no plot spoilers here) culminating in April’s decision and Bobby’s reaction is cute if not insightful and something Bobby was not expecting.
Some of the pacing in certain scenes was on the slow side, with pauses and silence that didn’t need to be so long even if for dramatic effect.
With a sophisticated set, superb and clever staging, powerful voices and a heartfelt story to tell, the result is one 35th birthday party you don’t want to miss. But be warned…this show only runs this weekend so catch it while you can. Spend some time with Bobby and his friends and you will perhaps turn that microscope onto your own life, think of your own marriage or your unmarried friends, think of a Bobby you may know or might have known and, in so doing, understand their struggles a bit better, invite them over for dinner and enjoy each other’s company. After all, that’s what it’s really about, isn’t it?
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with one intermission
Company plays January 31st at 7:30 pm, February 1st at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm, and February 2nd at 2 pm 2025 with Players On Air at the Coppermine Pantherplex— 1400 Panther Dr in Hampstead, MD. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online.
