Company at the Empress

While I am very familiar with the music (the songs "Being Alive" and "The Ladies Who Lunch" are staples for vocalists who perform with the Utah Symphony), I have never actually seen a production of Company before!  I was so happy to finally be able to do so last night at the Empress Theater (it has been on my list for so long).  Robert (David Nichols) is facing his 35th birthday and the prospect of living the rest of his life alone when he reflects on the relationships of his friends, including Susan (Sara Murphy) and Peter (Nate Kemp), Sarah (Merilee Adams) and Harry (Michael Ricks), Jenny (Jessica Benson) and David (Matthew Davids), Amy (Alyssa Powers) and Paige (Jenn George), and Joanne (Fawna Jones) and Larry (Jim Dale), and the relationships he has with three of his girlfriends, April (Cassie Hurt-McLarty), Kathy (Emily Jameson), and Marta (Brandwynn Michelle).  Every relationship has problems but he ultimately realizes that life is better lived with someone else rather than alone.  I really appreciated being able to hear all of the brilliant songs that I've loved for so long in the context of the story and I found them to be even more meaningful.  I particularly enjoyed Powers' rendition of "Getting Married Today" because the panic she feels at the thought of having to commit to someone else is palpable, Jones' version of "The Ladies Who Lunch" because her delivery is intense without being overpowering, and Nichols' interpretation of "Being Alive" because the turning point when his arguments against a relationship suddenly become the desire for one is so powerful.  I also liked the staging of "The Little Things You Do Together," "You Could Drive a Person Crazy," "Side By Side By Side," and "What Would We Do Without You?" because the choreography is really dynamic and fun.  The set is very simple but effective with modern furniture that is moved and reconfigured into the various apartments of the characters and the use of large screens with images of New York City do much to add context (smaller screens that show text messages between characters are highly amusing).  I sometimes found the pacing to be a little slow but I'm sure this was a deliberate decision to create a more reflective mood and it didn't detract from my enjoyment.  I loved this production and I am so happy that I finally had the opportunity to cross this show off my list!  Unfortunately the run ended last night but the rest of the season looks really good (go here for tickets and information).