Stephen Sondheim's Company is a bit like life itself—funny, poignant, and sometimes leaves you wondering, "What just happened?" This brilliant production by Phoenix Ensemble encapsulates all that and more, offering a delightful, if occasionally bewildering, journey through the trials and tribulations of love, marriage, and the complexities of human connection.
Company, written in 1970 by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, unfolds as a series of vignettes revolving around Robert—affectionately known as Bobby—a charmingly clueless 35-year-old who’s somehow managed to stay single despite being surrounded by a well-meaning (and somewhat meddlesome) group of married friends. It's Robert's birthday and amidst the typical celebrations of cake and gifts, Bobby finds himself grappling with a personal crisis. Delving into recollections shared with his friends and ex-girlfriends, he embarks on a contemplative journey through memories that encapsulate the highs and lows of relationships, companionship, and the elusive nature of happiness.
From the get-go with "Company," the ensemble tackles Sondheim's signature layered vocals and time signatures that keep your on your toes. The show is clearly well-rehearsed, with each cast member bringing their unique characterisation to the mix from this first moment.
Bobby: The Perpetual Third Wheel
Cameron Rollo plays Bobby as both charming and perpetually perplexed—a man who is envious of his married friends, yet visibly relieved not to be in their shoes. His portrayal of a man caught between the desire for companionship and the fear of losing his independence was both relatable and authentic. Cameron speaks volumes through his expressive eyes. They serve as a window into Bobby's soul, allowing the audience to empathise with his internal struggle.
Married Life 101: It’s All Fun and Games Until the Karate Kicks In
The married couples in Bobby’s life, each with their own quirks and dynamics, are portrayed with delightful authenticity. We start with Harry and Sarah, played by Dugald Lowis and Gen Tree, who give us a masterclass in marital discord, complete with bourbon, brownies, and an impromptu karate match. Gen’s impeccable accent and innate talent for comedy complements Dugald’s goofy and endearing demeanour, perfectly capturing the humorous side of marital disagreements. Watching them spar—both verbally and physically—as Meg Kiddle as Joanne serenades us with "The Little Things You Do Together," reminds us that a bit of friendly sparring is just another part of wedded bliss. Bobby's thought-provoking question, "Are you ever sorry you got married?" leads into Harry's introspective musings in "Sorry-Grateful," where Dugald beautifully balanced the bittersweet emotions of the piece.
Andrew Cockroft-Penman convincingly embodies Peter with a flawless NYC accent and subtle nuances that enrich the character's complexity. Clare Thomson shines as Susan, a Southern belle that exudes grace and warmth. Their unconventional relationship brings an invigorating element to the play. Together, they bring a contagious energy to the stage that is sure to bring a smile to your face.
Connie Acevedo Burckhardt as Jenny and Chris Batkin as David, delivered some of the most hilarious moments of the evening. Connie’s facial expressions and comedic timing while portraying a ‘high’ Jenny were golden. She nailed the 'middle-aged mum’ voice, despite being a spring chicken. And then there's Chris, who embodied a totally out-of-it, yet somehow wise, stoned David with his hilariously nonsensical performance.
Steph Collins as Amy is nothing short of brilliant in her rendition of "Not Getting Married", a song notorious for its breakneck speed and tongue-twisting lyrics. Amy's detachment during the panic attack perfectly encapsulates getting cold feet in the most humorous yet heartbreaking way. Even Amy's meltdown over warm juice is adorably relatable thanks to Steph. The contrast between Steph's rapid-fire frenzied delivery and Connie’s dramatic operatic interjections (BLESS THIS DAY!), made for one of the funniest moments of the evening. And Steph engaging directly with the audience only added to the hilarity. Timothy Nielson as Paul, Amy's betrothed, is the perfect counterbalance to her neurosis, earning many ‘aww’ moments with his wholesome and unwavering affection for her.
The Girlfriends: A Trio of Trouble
Bobby’s romantic past is no less complicated. His trio of past girlfriends—Sarah Engelsmann as April, Ruby Thompson as Kathy, and Samantha Paterson as Marta—each bring something special to the table. Their Andrews Sisters-style trio "You Could Drive a Person Crazy" is a complex and challenging number, and while they were visibly puffed, their harmonies were tight and their energy upbeat! Samantha Paterson’s Marta is a whirlwind of talkative energy, delivering "Another Hundred People" with a chaotic charm that’s impossible not to love. Sarah Engelsmann’s April is the epitome of straightforward honesty. Her self-described ‘dumb and boring’ persona was both endearing and hilarious, particularly during her caterpillar monologue and duet "Barcelona". Ruby Thompson’s Kathy, the more grounded of the three, balances the trio with her sweet and gentle demeanour, completely epitomising the 'girl that got away'. Additionally, the unexpected inclusion of her remarkable contemporary dance performance (while April and Bobby woo-hoo in bed) is truly beautiful.
A Beautiful Mess of Relationships
As Bobby delves deeper into his memories, we are treated to some of the most memorable numbers. "Side by Side by Side" is a show-stopping, tap-dancing, circus act of a number that’s as fun to watch as it must have been to perform. Meg Kiddle's portrayal of Joanne shines in a vocally impressive rendition of "The Ladies Who Lunch." In his rendition of "Marry Me a Little", Cameron captures Bobby's tender and vulnerable exploration for clarity in life and love. The famous "Being Alive" never fails to elicit deep emotions and chills for me (or anyone who has pondered the intricacies of company versus loneliness). Cameron's heartfelt performance is a testament to his skill as a performer, immersing the audience in the profound beauty of Sondheim's masterpiece. Even if his voice showed signs of fatigue by the end, Cameron delivered this emotional odyssey with unwavering commitment and sincerity. And hey, who wouldn’t be a little worn out after dealing with all those couples?
Final Thoughts
The challenging musical score is richly enhanced by the live orchestra, with musical direction by Jacqueline Atherton. The set, created by the directors Tammy Sarah Linde and Luke O'Hagan, is uncomplicated, featuring three blocks and empty picture frames as the backdrop for Bobby's interactions. This minimalist design allows the actors to shine, keeping the focus on their performances. The costumes include complementary clothing and matching rings for each couple, a subtle and thoughtful detail to symbolise their bonds.
Phoenix Ensemble’s Company is a well-executed production that truly captures the essence of Sondheim’s award-winning exploration of love, marriage, and friendship. By the end of the night, the audience felt a little less like spectators and a little more like a part of Bobby’s company of friends. As someone who is approaching 35 myself, Bobby’s journey felt like a glimpse into a future I’m not sure I’m ready for—but if it’s anything like this show, at least it’ll be entertaining!
Tickets are available here
Comentarios