Life can be challenging enough without the pressure from your friends. Robert, also known as Bobby, is a single 35 year old living in amongst a group of friends that all happen to be married, or coupled up. As he checks his phone for texts and voice messages he accidentally finds out that they are planning a surprise birthday party for him. He begins to imagine just how the party is going to turn out, because he knows exactly what his friends are like with all their methods around their lives. The funny cookies and the too much drinking! One couple has wealth and wisdom, another has kids and commitment, another going through a divorce. This makes him anxious and leaves him facing the questions that he knows he is going to have to face from them. When are you going to find someone and settle down? What is wrong with him? Why isn't he married yet?
Company is a musical that takes us into a small glimpse of Bobby's life, and the dramas and pressures that he may be faced with. The complications in trying to find the right girl or even knowing if he really wants to settle down at all.
When the scenes begin to play out it is easy to understand and watch. Much of the play was so brilliantly funny, they had all of the audience in audible laughter. We are slowly enthralled by Bobby's world that we all start to ooh, and ah, out loud at his thoughts and his married friends' choices in life. With one scene, one of Bobby's love interests confesses her love to him, but he is that shocked that he doesn't know what to say to her, so he doesn't say anything at all, and we all sigh audibly for the sorrow we all felt for his girlfriend. We are also given a wonderful contemporary dance routine thrown in there as well. The dance that literally talks to you without saying a word! They literally had us all involved in the performance. Hats off to the cast and the Directors for the exceptional job at keeping the audience well entertained.
The stage was set up simple in black and white. The props were three large white blocks that were depicted as different symbols of furniture in alternate scenes, and there were white frames on the black walls to represent photographs. This was enough for the mind's imagination. The orchestra was tucked away neatly in a perfect little area near the stage, but separated. The musicians performed all their music well and it was pleasant to listen to.
If you are single, “Company” may leave you walking away confused. Adding up the pro's and con's of the married life, wondering if it is worthwhile heading down that path at all? It leaves Bobby with the dilemma of knowing whether to turn up to his party or not!
The Phoenix Theatre venue holds only a very small capacity of guests, and the seating unfortunately is very uncomfortable and cramped, especially if you have a long night to sit in one spot. When you are seated, your knees touch the back of the seat in front of you, so there is no elbow room or wriggle room in any direction. This in turn also leaves it difficult for guests to pass people that are already seated, so they will need to stand up for the late arrivals to pass by.
With that said, I was still thoroughly entertained and enjoyed the show.
We all need Company in our lives!
By Gingy Murphy
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