Recommended
Enjoyable and entertaining with a distinct mid-century vibe. Stephen Sondheim’s vintage musical “Company” presented by Madkap Productions explores the life choices of Bobby (Graham Todd) the only one of his friends still unmarried at a time when marriage by thirty was expected.
The five couples in Bobby’s life are seemingly satisfied in their pairing. Each of the men are a bit envious of his “freedom,” while each of the women feel he must be sad, lonely and in need of a partner.
Bobby is in fact apparently satisfied with his situation and the array of choices he has within his dating life. He’s curious to know why his friends are so anxious for him to find a mate – – is it simply a matter of companionship?
“Company” as in companionship is the theme. The company of each couple as well as the company Bobby keeps with each of them and the larger group. Graham Todd as Bobby brings the requisite boyish charm and excellent vocal capability to the role.
Directed by Steve Scott, the show is presented as a series of vignettes, where Bobby explores this question and each couple explores him. It is performed in a near cabaret style with minimal staging, perfect for the intimate confines of the Skokie Theatre. The choreography of CeCe Lampa is compact and harkens back to the period. As always, the music direction and orchestration of Jeremy Ramey with his small ensemble is exceptionally well done.
First produced in 1970 and still at the relatively early part of his career, the sound of each song is classic Sondheim with complicated rhythms and snappy clever lyrics. You can hear the experimentation that will mature in later works like “Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods.” A few standout numbers here include “Another Hundred people performed by Anna Seibert (Marta); “Ladies Who Lunch” performed by Rena Ahmed (Joanne) and of course “Being Alive” sung by Bobby. In “I’m Not Getting Married Today” Jamie Todd (Amy) nearly has a complete, somewhat comical though painful to watch, mental breakdown.
Ultimately the message here is that life and relationships are messy. Connection requires intimacy and vulnerability and being alive requires a willingness to live with imperfection.
Details: Company is presented by Madkap Productions at the Skokie Theatre, 7924 Lincoln Ave., Skokie through March 1, 2026, tickets can be purchased online at SkokieTheatre.org or by calling 847-677-7761.
Note: MadKap is celebrating its 11th year at Skokie Theatre and is the recipient of the 2019 Artistic Excellence award from the Village of Skokie Fine Arts Commission.
By Reno Lovison