COMPANY

The musical Company, which won six Tony Awards in the 70s, is currently playing at the Cadillac Palace Theatre on Broadway, Chicago, until November 12. The production, which features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, a book by George Furth, and direction by Marianne Elliot, revolves around Bobbie, the central character who resides in New York and is celebrating her 35th birthday. Bobbie's friends, who are mostly married or engaged, raise concerns about her still being single at her age. While she casually dates three men, Andy, Theo, and PJ, her friends offer advice on the joys and challenges of married life.  Through various storylines, the play deals with contemporary dating, marriage, and divorce. Over the years, there have been several changes, including changing the lead character's name from Robert to Bobby and, more recently, a gender-swapped lead role featuring a female named Bobbie. Despite these changes, the plot remains consistent, focusing on Bobbie's 35th birthday party and her search for a partner. 

The touring cast includes 14 actors, with seven understudies, and Britney Coleman plays the liberated but somewhat uptight main character, Bobbie. Coleman's performance is delightfully entertaining and captivating, although her vocals could be more robust. Other notable performances include Julie McLane as the cynical Diva wife JoAnne, Matt Rodin as Jamie, who sings "Getting Married Today," and Kathryn Allison and James Earl Jones II as Sarah and Harry, respectively. The play features several great songs, including "Sorry-Grateful," "Someone is Waiting," and "Another Hundred People," which showcase how we view life. While I enjoyed the play, some performances felt outdated, reflecting the 70s approach. More changes are needed to appeal to today's free-spirited Generation Alpha individuals in their 30s, who may not be interested in settling down.

Additionally, the repetitive calling out of Bobbie's name can be somewhat irritating, and the play leaves the audience wondering if Bobbie will ever find happiness and get married. But that's the reality of life; we never know how it will end. The theme of this smash hit musical comedy is relationships and marriage smash hit musical comedy, which apparently went over the heads of four ladies we heard in the elevator parking lot say they don't fully understand the meaning of this play.  Overall, the production is a two-act, two-hour, and 25-minute show with one intermission. It is a wonderful night at the theater, with the right mix of corniness, great songs, and acting, earning it three stars. 

3 STARS ***

Cadillac Palace 

Company: Musical Comedy

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Book by George Furth

Directed by Marianne Elliot

Playing Now until November 12, 2023