Looking for Some Company?

October 17, 11:57 AMDenver Theater ExaminerDeb Flomberg

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Caryn Graham, Mary Kate Karr, John Riggs, and Stacy
Riley in Company. Photo by Julia Leurman

There aren’t a lot of roles for the 30-somethings. As I quickly approach that age, I realize just how under represented that decade has become. There are plenty of roles for the younger group, and even for the older group there are options. However, there is one musical that stands out as the 30-something answer to everyone else. Woof! Theatre Productions' Company, directed by Bernie Cardell (I know, does this man ever sleep?) is that musical. Company opened on Broadway in 1970, with music and lyrics that are true Sondheim classics. It is one of the rare musicals that talks about this “generation gap” - the decade between 29 and 40. The non-linear and somewhat surreal plot is combined with some impressive musical numbers to create a story of love, life and the search for it all. It is the story of the eternal bachelor, Robert, as he struggles with finding love and relating to his married friends. The show opens with Robert’s 35th birthday, and quickly progresses into vignette after vignette of Robert observing the relationships of his married friends and trying to find love himself. Personally, I can relate to that. Company may have been written in 1970, but it still has a message that is true today. Is there love after 30? Is there love after marriage? Is there love after divorce? Is there love at all?

As Robert, John Riggs carries the show well. His voice is smooth and powerful, with a distinctly Sinatra-like quality to it.  His rendition of “Marry Me a Little” was a particularly beautiful moment in the show. As a character, Robert shows a lot of growth - watching his friends get divorced, get married, argue, and get back together, all the while trying to interpret what that means for him as he dates girl after girl and Riggs impressively lived that growth on stage.

Marc Graham, Jay Moretz, Dan Kushmaul, John Riggs, and Robert Payo in Company. Photo by Julia Leurman

I was also impressed with Melissa Fike’s performance as Amy. Amy, one of Robert’s friends, is about to get married to a man she’s lived with for years. Her song, “Getting Married Today” is the kind of fast paced, tongue twisting, difficult song that terrifies actresses. Fike carried it off with a dead-pan, realistic hilarity that had me laughing until I was gasping for air. Her fast speech paired with Jill Woodhouse’s beautiful soprano voice was a true highlight to the show.

Perhaps the most well known song from Company is “Ladies Who Lunch.” Originally made famous by Elaine Stritch when she performed it on Broadway. “Ladies Who Lunch” has always been one of my favorite songs, and I was eager to see how it would be done in this production. Sung by Abby Apple as Joanne (another of Robert’s married friends), I was not disappointed. She took on this well known and beloved song and threw herself into the moment. The angst and tension combined with the release of her finally letting it go was palpable. This song alone is worth the price of admission.

Of course, not everything is perfect. Some of the group numbers felt a bit under rehearsed, and Stacy Riley as April, one of Robert’s love interests, had a stiffness onstage that kept her from looking comfortable during the entire show - although her voice was quite beautiful. I can say the same for Caryn Graham as Marta, another love interest. Marta’s character felt under developed and Graham was itching to reach out and really explode into this role. Unfortunately, she didn’t quite get there.

In a time when economic issues, presidential elections, gas prices, tax hikes, and unemployment rates plague and worry us all, I find there is no better way to escape then to take in a show. Sure, there is a lot of competition for your entertainment dollar these days, but Company is worth it. Despite any of the issues the production may have had, the show is funny, heartwarming, and a true testament to truth about the 30-something.
 

Examiner Extra's!!
Read the Acts and Answered Interview with Lead Actor John Riggs!
Read the Acts and Answered Interview with Director Bernie Cardell!