A legendary pioneer of the musical theater, composer Stephen Sondheim died last November 25th at age 91. But his spirit is alive and well, as evidenced in the revolutionary and dynamic revival of “Company,” playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. In the original 1970 production, the musical’s center was a New York City bachelor named Bobby, who wonders about the possibility of marriage as he’s about to celebrate his 35th birthday. Now, the revival has changed the gender of its main character, as well as the spelling of her name to Bobbie in the process and moved the setting from the 1970s to the present-day New York City.
As the plot goes, Bobbie (Katrina Lenk) has friends to rely on, such as Joanne (Patti LuPone, in her third Sondheim Broadway musical after “Sweeney Todd” and “Gypsy”), married couples Harry and Sarah (Christopher Sieber and Jennifer Simard) and Peter and Susan (Greg Hildreth and Rashidra Scott). But she worries about joining the state of marriage and becoming a mother. She has some boyfriends ranging from airline pilot Andy (Claybourne Elder) to tattoo-branded PJ (Bobby Conte) to keep her company as she tries to think about what matters in life at 35. Is it finding a mate for life or being doomed to stay alone for a long time? It’s hard to guess the answer, but Bobbie’s journey will give audiences the chance to think about what she truly wishes for.
Now, as it was 52 years ago, “Company” is a brilliant and lyrical valentine to NYC, and this revision gives it new sparkling life for this generation of theatergoers. A bouquet of roses must be sent to director Marianne Elliott for a marvelous job helming this revival, which was originated in London back in 2018 (LuPone is the only one repeating her role from that production) and is ready to match its West End success here in the show’s non-fictional location. Liam Steel’s very talented choreography is put to well use, especially in the crazy-fun second act opener, “Side by Side by Side.” Bunny Christie’s sets (she also designed the costumes) and Neil Austin’s lighting put the production in thoughtful motion as a tribute to the literary classic “Alice in Wonderland” as Bobbie finds a key or clue that leads into scenes as she goes on this journey becoming a 35-year-old NYC single woman.
Elliott has directed a sublime cast here, led by Lenk in a comedic and heartfelt performance. Lenk’s work is equaled to LuPone in a winning performance that should award her that third Tony Award later this year. When LuPone sings “The Ladies Who Lunch” near the end of the evening, it’s impossible not to give her a much-deserved standing ovation. There are also funny turns by Simard, Sieber, Hildreth, Scott, and Elder.
But the triumph of the show is Mr. Sondheim’s timeless score. The music and lyrics that he wrote capture the pulse and wondrous feelings of this city that we call home. From the opening title number, nonstop all the way down to one of the best closing musical numbers ever, “Being Alive,” his musical genius is in pure evidence here as we honor a legend that many have looked upon and being influenced by to make a significant mark in theatre.
This revival was originally scheduled to open back in March 2020 in the midst of Sondheim’s 90th birthday before COVID put it on hold. Now, it finally arrives, and at a time when New York City is in a post-pandemic comeback, this was worth the wait indeed. Somewhere up in heaven, Mr. Sondheim is smiling proudly for this one.
“Company” is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre on 242 West 45th Street, between Broadway and 8th Avenue. For tickets, go to telecharge.com, todaytix.com, or call 212-239-6200.
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