THEATER

Thalian Association's 'Company' powers through classic Sondheim musical with strong cast

Bob Workmon
StarNews Correspondent
The Thalian Association's production of "Company" runs through Aug. 14 at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of UNCW.

In 1969, Stephen Sondheim and George Furth created a Broadway musical as revolutionary as the times in which it was born. Ideas around traditional marriage were evolving, if not crumbling, and sexual liberation (for some) began to obliterate taboos.   

The musical is "Company," and Thalian Association Community Theatre will perform it three more times starting Friday, Aug. 12, at the University of North Carolina Wilmington's Kenan Auditorium.

Despite having to overcome some technical imbalances, the impressive cast delivers captivating performances of the show's iconic tunes.

At intermission, an audience member was heard to ask, "What's the point of all this?" He likely meant that there isn't a narrative to grab you, which is exactly right. "Company" grew out of seven one-act plays by George Furth, each one about a married couple and a third person outside the marriage, Bobby, played for the Thalians by the eminently likable Jason Aycock.  

Jason Aycock stars as Bobby in the Thalian Association's production of "Company."

What it's about, as Sondheim said in a 2007 interview, is "commitment, non-commitment and fear of emotional commitment." Bobby is adored by his friends, and on his 35th birthday they're concerned that he's still a singleton with no attachments, serious or otherwise. The event sets in motion Bobby's tour through his friends' marriages and his behavior with potential partners. 

Musically, "Company," is a pastiche (a favorite with Sondheim), a variety of musical styles with each song carefully crafted for character and situation – a little razzle-dazzle ("Have I Got A Guy for You"), a little commercial jingle ("The Little Things You Do Together"), a vaudeville showstopper ("Side By Side By Side") and so on, often flavored with counterpoint and crunchy harmonies – each among the devices particular to Sondheim's toolbox.  

Katie Richmond Deese leads the show’s capable pit orchestra as music director. A stage performer herself, she helps shape the sound of her ensemble in support of the actors beautifully. But she's not responsible for the sound design, including mic levels, which is where the imbalance is most noticeable and sometimes leaves the cast in the background.

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"Company" director (and Thalian Association artistic director) Chandler Davis not only puts together a strong cast, but she also became part of it Sunday afternoon, replacing the actor playing the role of Susan at the last minute. Davis took on the role easily, mixing it up to comic effect with Jonathan Wallin's Harry in "The Little Things'" karate tournament.    

Georgie Simon in The Thalian Association's production of "Company," which runs through Aug. 14 at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of UNCW.

This production hits "Company's" many comic notes without overcooking, and Georgie Simon kills with the iconic patter song "Getting Married Today," creating a manic scene with her steady, cheerful groom, Paul, beautifully sung by Alex Gallo.

Wallin's contribution to the "Sorry-Grateful" trio perfectly intones Sondheim's warm and melancholic ode to ambivalence when one loves another person but still wonders what other path you might have taken.

The Thalian Association's production of "Company" runs through Aug. 14 at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of UNCW.

Alissa Fetherolf powers through another of the show's classic songs, sophisticated and fun Marta's "Another Hundred People," a commentary on New York and meeting people in a city of strangers, brilliantly intercut with scenes featuring the other women in Bobby's life, sensible Kathy (Mariah Martin) and simple-sexy April (Susie Lukens).

The Thalian Association's production of "Company" runs through Aug. 14 at Kenan Auditorium on the campus of UNCW.

Katherine Vernon's Joanne is, as expected, powerful – she has a few thoughts she'd like to share, and share them she does in "The Ladies Who Lunch." Vernon's Joanne doesn't so much burn the house down as burn herself with one of her cigarettes then douse it with a vodka stinger, as if all the body slams she delivers are aimed at herself. It is an affecting performance.

Katherine Vernon and Jason Aycock in the Thalian Association's production of "Company."

It is Joanne's indecent proposal that reveals to Bobby his desire to want someone to care for, which leads to the show's other big emotional payoff, "Being Alive."  Aycock gives himself over to the moment bravely. 

As mentioned, the rest of the cast is solid – Daniel Boonbumrung, Kathy Enlow, Natalie Hopson Feinberg, Chad Hsu and Logan Mack. 

Chances are, this show will send you back into the world with a song or two in your head and maybe a craving for more Sondheim.  

Contact StarNews arts and entertainment at 910-343-2343. 

WANT TO GO?

What: "Company," with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by George Furth, presented by the Thalian Association

When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 12-13, 2 p.m. Aug. 14

Where: Kenan Auditorium, UNCW campus

Info: Tickets are $34, $22 for youth tickets

Details: 910-962-3500 or Thalian.org