Richard Nixon was president. The Beatles broke up. Just under 475,000 U.S. troops were in Vietnam, and love was sometimes a four letter word. It was 1970 when the Stephen Sondheim and George Furth musical Company opened on Broadway to rave reviews, and now in 2006, The Masquers Playhouse in Point Richmond travels back in time to recapture the Tony Award-winning show?s magic.
Company centers on perpetually single Robert (Kyle Johnson), and the five couples he calls ?those good and crazy people, my married friends.? He observes and comments on their relationships while serial dating a trio of ladies including a stewardess (Steph Peek), a small town girl (Amy Nielson), and a free spirit (Jennifer Stark). That?s as close to a linear story as the unconventional, groundbreaking work gets.
The piece is simply fantastic, and a solid cast in superb costumes elevate The Masquers? Company to exceed expectations with gusto. Johnson is likeable in the lead role, acting with a warm ease. He commits completely (perhaps a little too completely) in such songs as ?Marry Me a Little? and the musical realization that sharing life with someone is truly ?Being Alive.? Of Robert?s married friends, it is the wives who truly shine.
Leah Tandberg-Warren?s Amy brings the house down with an antic rendition of ?Getting Married Today.? She possesses comic timing, a wonderful voice, and the ability to convey simple truth as she urges Robert to want something. Also featured in the homage to cold feet, Jacqueline Andersen shows off a lovely soprano after already winning our hearts as the ?square? Jenny. In the role of the older, cynical friend Joanne, Tammara Plankers embodies the character originated by Elaine Stritch with presence and just the right amount of bite and brass. Kathleen Dederian is an enjoyable Sarah, battling both with her hubby and a tempting brownie.
No less dynamic are the women in Robert?s life. Peek, Nielson and Stark nail the three-part Andrews-Sisters-esque ?You Could Drive a Person Crazy,? though the number is a bit over-choreographed. Peek gives ditzy flight attendant to a tee, and Nielson?s farewell scene with Robert is poignant and believable. Stark is vibrant, but despite a strong vocal rendition of ?Another Hundred People,? she seems to lack emotional connection to the lyric.
This division between acting and singing is the most notable flaw in an otherwise very good production. In such an intimate space, the subtlest of facial expressions could illuminate the lyrics. Michael Cassidy?s David (husband to Jenny) and Robyn David Taylor?s Harry (Sarah?s other half) are charming in scene work but static in song. Of the male partners, Peter Budinger?s Paul (Amy?s betrothed) sweetly conveys the most genuine affection throughout.
Director G.A. Klein succeeds in the first rule of direction by assembling the talented cast, and he guides them through both well-timed humor and simple honesty. Pat King?s musical direction is generally good, though harmonies falter in the opening number and tempos are occasionally troublesome. The groovy fashions of the early 70?s are marvelously recreated by designer Dianne Beaulieu-Arms, with similar attention paid to period design in Rob Bradshaw?s set.
There is so much to applaud about [tag]The Masquers Theatre[/tag]?s [tag]Company [/tag]that it?s tempting to nitpick and forget it?s a small community theatre with bargain ticket prices. Go see this engaging interpretation of one of Sondheim?s greatest through December 16. Visit www.masquers.org or call 510-232-4031 for tickets or information.
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1 Listen & Be Heard » Blog Archive » Speak Out - Nov. 15-21, 2006 // Nov 21, 2006 at 1:03 am
[...] That was an excellent article you wrote on “Company” at the Masquers. Thank you for your insight and attention. As Music Director, it would be helpful for me to know more precisely what you mean by “tempos were occasionally troublesome.” Pat King [...]
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