'Company' is about the connections we keep

Marriage, like homeownership or becoming a parent is an ideal many people uphold. But for Bobbie, who is turning 35, saying “I do” isn’t all that appealing. Freedom and fun trump love for her, at least initially, in the rollicking musical “Company,” presented by Broadway in Boston through April 14.

“Company,” with music and lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, premiered on Broadway in 1970 and ran for 705 performances until January 1, 1972. The original production — which won multiple Tony awards — focused on a male named Bobby who struggled with commitment. This version, in contrast, stars Black actress Britney Coleman, in the lead role of Bobbie. (Nikki Renée Daniels was the first Black female lead in this role). Coleman, who also been on Broadway in “Tootsie” and “Sunset Boulevard” said in an interview that getting to do a Sondheim show was a “rite of passage.” The Pulitzer-prize winning Sondheim was lauded for his many works including “West Side Story,” “Into the Woods” and “Sweeney Todd,” all of which have a particular nostalgic sparkle. The celebrated composer died in 2021.

This show, with an ensemble wielding exceptional vocal skill, is no different when it comes to that specific brand of nostalgia. In a series of vignettes that take place in moving, modular mini sets by the show’s designer and costumer Bunny Christie, Bobbie’s friends share what they know about being hitched. While chirping her name melodically throughout the production, the group of friends beckon her presence to a dizzying number of events to keep her engaged so she’s not thinking about being alone. But, soon the audience learned that Coleman’s Bobbie, whose clear bright vocals spin on “Marry Me a Little,” has her hands full with a trio of suitors. Andy (Jacob Dickey), Theo (David Socolar), and PJ (Tyler Hardwick) sing masterfully about what it’s like to date Bobbie in “You Could Drive a Person Crazy.” Derrick Davis’ Larry doesn’t get as much time to shine, but Davis’ rich voice is remarkable.

The memorable Kathryn Allison portrays a hilarious Sarah. In her first full scene, Allison’s Sarah is clad in exercise gear showing off her commitment to fitness by kicking and stretching all over the living room. Allison’s physical comedy is top notch. She and her husband Harry (understudy Christopher DeAngelis on the day I attended), are abstaining — Sarah doesn’t eat sweets and Harry doesn’t drink. At least that’s what they’re trying to do, but when Bobbie shows up with bourbon and brownies, it drives them mad. Their abstention felt more like a nod to the existential restraint some might associate with adulting and partnership. But amid all the conversation about holding back, Sarah and Harry show some passion for one another.

Marriage statistics, and perhaps views on the institution too, have changed since Sondheim penned this play. In 1970, three-quarters of Americans were married, whereas in 2023, roughly a third were married, according to data from The National Center for Family and Marriage Research at Bowling Green State University.  In “Company,” there’s more than “till death do us part.” There are rich friendships in the script and complicated liaisons fraught with fear.

Even with all the jabber from her friends about settling down, “Company” is funny and showy in the best way. In one scene, where Jamie (Matt Rodin), is delivering a quick-paced but smashing song “Getting Married Today,” about not wanting to get married to love-note-writing Paul (Jhardon DiShon Milton), Marina Kondo pops out as an opera-singing priest — from the doors, the refrigerator, and more — excited about the pending nuptials. Kondo also doubles as Susan, who is married, but considering divorce. Later, Judy McLane’s Joanne, lights up the stage. She’s on husband number three (velvety-voiced Davis) and offers a powerful rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch,” although that scene felt less connected to the rest of the action.

“Company” boasts a lot of great music and stresses that it’s the true connections—where one can laugh on the stoop with a friend, spill the relationship tea with a bestie and work to mend what’s broken — that count.

The people you love, with all their quirks help remind us how wonderful it is to be alive.

Broadway in Boston’s “Company” is showing now through April 14 at Citizen’s Opera House.