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Relationship advice is something that everyone gives freely as experts and takes for granted like cynics. “Company,” now being performed by the Silver Summit Theatre Company, explores marriage through the lens of single people, and single people through the lens of “crazy married people.” Stephen Sondheim and George Furth wrote the musical in 1970, yet the subject matter is still relevant to today’s audiences. Anyone who has ever been a third wheel will easily identify with the lead character, Bobby.
Bobby (Rick Rea) is celebrating his 35th birthday and is joined by his large network of friends, all of whom are married. This musical isn’t structured chronologically, and instead moves through time and space in a reflective manner as Bobby remembers experiences in his life. He recounts relationships with Kathy, Marta and April. Rea’s acting feels full of honest contemplation, which contrasts well with the subtle uneasiness of the character. Kathy (Rachel Shull) does an exceptional job using different moments in her performance to either feel sorry for Bobby or to feel sorry for the lost potential of their relationship, all while bringing humor and comedy to the role.
I stayed for a talkback discussion led by the artistic director of Silver Summit Theatre Company, Michele Rideout. Rea expressed a connection to his character because he has lived as a gay man in Salt Lake City. Utah only recently recognized same-sex marriages, so it’s easy to imagine any LGBTQ+ individual experiencing feelings of fear and exclusion living in the marriage culture of Utah. This production has clearly made choices that take that fear and loneliness and contrast it with the love shared by this group of friends.
This is the first musical produced by Silver Summit Theatre Company, and it’s a home run. The music is performed seamlessly because every member of the cast is a strong and talented singer. Sondheim’s music is notorious for complex harmonies, rhythms and melodies. The score is operatic in that musical phrases are repeated throughout the show — small alterations are necessary to express different moods and atmospheres, which is an exercise in paying close attention to small details. Because of that attention to detail, you can really enjoy the show’s score and lyrics. Sondheim writes lyrics that expose the psychology of the characters.
It is clear Silver Summit Theatre Company took this production very seriously, especially with the comedy elements of the show. Sarah (Eve Speer) set a bright comedic tone for the performance because her strong dedication to her character helped us laugh with her. Awkward moments made the entire audience laugh nervously, and biting comebacks were answered with raw sighs. Joanne (Marcie Jacobsen) did this especially well, though at one point her character’s bitter shell is briefly removed to reveal a hint of fear and loneliness which results in a character realization that is both sobering and fulfilling.
This production of “Company” will play until Sunday, Nov. 23. The show plays on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. Next Sunday, Nov. 16, is a “Pay-What-You-May” evening. Sunday shows begin at 4 p.m. and you can purchase your tickets at the box office or though their website. This production is playing at the Sugar Space Arts Warehouse in downtown SLC, located at 130 South 800 West.
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