The IUS Music and Theatre Departments finished their run of six performances of the musical comedy “Company” on Sunday, March 1 at the Paul W. Ogle Center on the Robinson Theater stage.
“Company” is based on the book by George Furth, with music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim. Considered to be the turning point for modern musical theater, the plot revolves around Robert, a soon to be 35-year-old bachelor, who is contemplating marriage.
The play opens and closes in Robert’s apartment where he is unaware his friends are waiting with presents and a cake to surprise him for his birthday. The play then moves into a flashback type sequence of recent events in Robert’s life.
“Company” is a collection of several vignettes about conversations Robert has with the other characters. Presented no chronological order, each vignette focuses on the personal relationship Robert has with his married friends and three of his love interests.
The characters are developed as Robert explores why they are married and questions if marriage is right for him. All of Robert’s married friends adore him, but don’t understand him. Robert really doesn’t understand them either.
Tyler Bliss, marketing and management major, played Robert. Bliss physically fit the idea of the character and brought a touch of arrogance to the role that one would expect from a life-long bachelor.
Another stand out character was Joanne, played by Sharon Murray. Murray is a veteran actress who has performed in many stage productions. Murray brought feistiness to the loud and overbearing but lovable character of Joanne that made her memorable.
Several other theatre students acted in the production along with a first-time performance from Providence High School senior Tabor Youngs. Youngs played the role of Kathy, one of Robert’s love interests, who is preparing to marry someone else. Youngs definitely held her own on the stage among the veteran actors and IUS theater majors.
Aside from a slow scene or two and some difficulty hearing and understanding some of the actors, “Company” was a quirky, entertaining play that is as relevant today as it was when it first premiered on Broadway in 1971.
By AMY STALLINGS
Editor
akstalli@ius.edu
