…..SoSuterBill…..

Stage: Company – Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre, Durban
Performances (until April 21) at 7pm Tuesdays to Saturdays, with matinees at 2.30pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays
REVIEW BY BILLY SUTER

FIRST seen on Broadway in 1970, when it was up for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards and won six of them, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s seminal, sophisticated musical, Company, uses loosely connected vignettes, song and dance to craft a tale of commitment and compromise.

And please spread the word – this KickstArt production, masterfully directed by Steven Stead and marking the first time this long-acclaimed show has been professionally staged in South Africa, is stylish, unique and a slick delight that should not be missed!

A contemporary musical that grows increasingly relevant with time, Company is both amusing and insightful. It is widely considered as one of the best works from the late Sondheim, whose Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods were presented by KickstArt in Durban a few years ago, before touring nationally to great success.

One of the first book musicals to lack a linear plot and also one of the first to deal with issues of contemporary dating, marriage and divorce, Company focuses on the challenges of maintaining relationships in a society becoming increasingly depersonalised.

So no better time than now for this fresh, new production which skips along at a brisk pace, glistens with a contemporary sheen, embraces modern technology and boasts another outstanding set by Greg King, where all 14 of the show’s characters appear in black and white.

The set design is truly remarkable, dominated by some 300 or so illuminated picture frames of different shape and size which fill the sides and top of the stage. They’re also grouped at the rear of the stage to create a New York cityscape, and lighting guru Tina le Roux cleverly illuminates this entire spectacle to stunning effect.

The show turns the spotlight on Bobby, a popular but commitment-shy bachelor whose group of pals, all either married or engaged, gather to throw him a surprise 39th birthday party. This scenario morphs into a series of episodic flashbacks in which Bobby visits these friends at their respective homes, a club and even a wedding.

Through these experiences and also through interaction with three very different lovers, he makes observations, considers advice and weighs up the pros and cons of commitment, juggling a fear of settling down and a fear of a lifetime alone.

Versatile Bryan Hiles, as the charmer who is troubled but outwardly happy, brings just the right measure of fun, quirkiness and melancholy to Bobby. His big moment is a commendable, moving rendition of Being Alive, one of the very best of Broadway belters.

Bobby’s entourage of friends, all of whom navigate their own romantic wobbles, include characters played by two of my favourite Durban actresses, both of whom are now settled in the UK and have been brought back for this musical.

One is the magical Charon Williams-Ros (Mrs Lovett in Sweeney Todd and Mama Morton in KickstArt’s Chicago), who has returned to Durban from her new home in Wales to deftly steal scenes as Company’s acerbic Joanne, a socialite who is catty and brassy but also fragile. Her delivery of one of the show’s best moments, the bitter and mocking crowd-pleaser The Ladies Who Lunch, is every bit as delicious as one expects it to be. Little wonder it got the longest applause on opening night.

Then we have Jessica Sole, last seen on the Sneddon stage as Guinevere in KickstArt’s Camelot. She is full of exuberance, by turns hilarious and heartfelt, as neurotic Amy, an apprehensive bride. She dazzles with the amusing Getting Married Today, a manic patter song that is on record as one of the most difficult to perform in musical theatre. One verse contains 68 words to be sung in roughly 11 seconds!

Other popular performers in the fine ensemble cast include a bubbly Lisa Bobbert as hypercritical Sarah, who reaches a high point in a martial arts scene with her husband, Harry. He’s a recovering alcoholic played by ever-dependable Lyle Buxton.

Liesl Coppin is blonde-bobbed and serene Southerner Susan, while Roland Perold is her liberal husband, Peter, who offers a unique perspective on the complexities of love and companionship. Perold also excels as the musical director of Company.

As rather square Amy, Anne-Marie Clulow makes a great Jenny, whose first experience of being stoned is a big highlight, and whose interactions with Bobby ignite introspection and clarity. Her husband, David, played by Yamikani Mahaka-Phiri, adds his own layer to the exploration of life’s crossroads.

Also among the cast are Peter Court as Joanne’s stoic and often bemused husband, Larry; Roshanda Lewis as a sweet former girlfriend of Bobby; and Anthony Downing as Amy’s patient fiance, Paul, who anchors one of the musical’s most poignant narratives.

Special mention has to go to young newcomer Keryn Scott, continually enchanting as a ditzy flight attendant whom Bobby battles to bed. And very loud applause must go to exciting star-on-the-rise Leah Mari, who has been a singer-actress-composer to watch in recent years and has grown in leaps and bounds.

Fresh from understudying Maria in Steven Stead’s recent touring production of The Sound of Music, Mari is an absolute knockout in Company. She plays sassy Marta, another of Bobby’s new girlfriends, and her gutsy, rousing delivery of Another Hundred People is a showstopper.

The company of Company gels beautifully and is clearly having a good time with some superb Sondheim songs, spirited and fun choreography by Simone Mann, and the loving, assured direction from Steven Stead, who has long wanted to stage this musical.

Round up some company of your own and treat yourselves to this super show; one that South Africa is very lucky to have – and from a precious theatre company we must continue to treasure. One can only hold thumbs it tours nationally to spread its magic far and wide!

Performances are at 7pm Tuesdays to Saturdays. Matinees are at 2pm on Saturdays and 4pm on Sundays. Booking is at WebTickets.