OGDEN, Utah, May 31, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — This weekend is your last chance to see a musical theater classic, “Company,” at its home theater in Ogden.
The short run of the updated 1970 musical, with book by George Furth and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, began just last Friday. You can find ticket information for Ogden shows at the Ziegfeld Theater‘s website.
The show then moves to Park City’s Egyptian Theatre for shows between June 5 and 9. Find theater and ticket information for those shows here.
“Company,” which earned eight Tony’s for its original Broadway production, one for its 2006 Broadway revival and five for its 2021 Broadway revival, presents a series of scenes about relationships, and the pros and cons of marriage, divorce, and romantic pairings in general. They involved central character Bobby, a never-married 35-year-old man, and his diverse friends group.
In the 2021 Broadway revival, Bobby became Bobbie, a single woman of the same age, and four other characters also changed gender to bring a fresh perspective to the show.
In the Zig production, the gender swapped characters still use the pronouns from the original incarnation of the show. Bobby, played by Aurora Nelson in heels, with a hairstyle, jewelry, makeup and some necklines that read as traditional feminine — is referred to as “he,” and dialog remains that refers to Bobby as being very masculine.
Director Caleb Parry said from the stage on opening night that changes were made to make the production more inclusive, a noble goal. But for this reviewer, it served as a slight distraction, and caused time wasted trying to sort out verbal and visual clues that seemed to conflict.
And you don’t want to be distracted from all the great things about this show.
“Company” is rarely produced on the local theater level because it’s not typically a big money maker. It doesn’t feature flying monkeys or jungle men, retina searing light displays, or gymnastic-caliber choreography. It’s a quiet show about the personal doubts and fears people tend to face when it’s late at night and they are alone with their thoughts.
“Company” is not flashy or over the top. Its plot is simple and sincere, with moments of comedy, regret and hope.
The musical has a non-linear storytelling style, and features simple and serviceable set design by Parry McKnight and costume design by Ash McKnight. Kudos go to fight choreographer Garret Rushforth and to actors Morgan Parry and Ben Ames for their take on an inspired couples competition.
With “Company,” a classic favorite among serious musical theater fans, it’s all about the show’s music and its ability to convey authentic feelings and foibles. Mitch Fowler, as Amy, sets the bar pretty high with the tongue twisting “Getting Married Today,” and Nelson captures all of Bobby’s longing in her soulful rendition of his heart-wrenching “Being Alive.”
“Company” presents a rare chance to see a beloved musical with an esteemed place in theater history and a relevance that continues today. And insights into couple relationships will remain important as long as there are humans who long for company.
