Here Comes Company! It’s Back, and Better Than Ever - Peyton Webb

 Peyton Webb

Here Comes Company! It’s Back, and Better Than Ever

Britney Coleman as Bobbie (center) and the North American Tour of COMPANY

Grab a margarita and plug in the neon lights because Company has arrived in Minneapolis! The award-winning musical comedy, written by Steven Sondheim and George Furth and directed by Marianne Elliot, had a stunning opening at the Orpheum Tuesday. This modern version of the 1970 classic exceeded expectations and blew the audience away. Bobbie, who is still single on her 35th birthday, talks to and observes her coupled-up friends. She is told and shown in the most hilarious ways possible about how infuriating yet worthwhile marriage is, and how “you’re always sorry, you’re always grateful.” At the end, Bobbie realizes marriage may be the most difficult, incredible, pointless, and meaningful thing on the planet all at once.

This gender-bent revival of Company changes Bobby to Bobbie, a woman, played by the phenomenal Britney Coleman. While her vocals were a bit underwhelming in the opening number, “Company,” she quickly made up for it with stellar acting and singing throughout the show, including a heart-wrenching performance of the iconic final song, “Being Alive.” In addition to her musical talent, Coleman’s comedic timing and acting throughout the production was top-notch. Jacob Dickey, Tyler Hardwick, and David Socolar were all incredible in their rendition of “You Could Drive a Person Crazy,” an upbeat musical number with fun choreography and barbershop quartet-esque harmonies. However, Hardwick’s later song, “Another Hundred People,” felt a bit lackluster and shaky.

Other notable performers included James Earl Jones II (yes, the son of that James Earl Jones) in “Sorry-Grateful” with his beautiful, serenading voice, and Matt Rodin in “Getting Married Today,” which had the audience, including myself, crying from laughter. Of course there are a few weak moments, but as a whole, the cast’s talent was simply astonishing; their singing and dancing were vibrant and awe-inspiring.

Britney Coleman as Bobbie, Jacob Dickey as Andy, David Socolar as Theo and Tyler Hardwick as PJ in the North American Tour of COMPANY. Photo by Matthew Murphy 

The technical elements were also masterfully done. Bobbie’s bright red jumpsuit contrasted with the others’ cool-toned, muted costumes, making it visually obvious how out of place she feels. The set was rather untraditional and inventive, it consisted of a series of rooms that moved across the stage. Every scene was framed by neon lighting, giving it all a flashy yet cohesive look that fit the setting of NYC. The rooms themselves were simplistic, which allowed focus on characters and plot. Lighting and blocking were successful in portraying emotions onstage, particularly with the staging in the opening number and the lighting in “Side By Side By Side.” In each scene, these elements highlighted Bobbie’s feelings, whether it be panic, claustrophobia, or absolute chaos.

Although no show is perfect, weaknesses in Company are few. Between its side-splitting humor, snazzy neon sets, and jaw-dropping talent, there’s certainly something for everyone. Company is in Minneapolis through November 19th; you’ll be missing out if you don’t come to celebrate Bobbie’s birthday!