BWW Reviews: Texas Rep's COMPANY - A Gem of Theatrical Brilliance

Many in the industry consider George Furth and Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY to be one of the best American musicals ever created. The piece is complicated and challenging for the cast, crew, and orchestra, but when done well is one of the most rewarding nights at the theatre for the audience. For audiences in the Houston area, The Texas Repertory Theatre Company's production of COMPANY is a sparkling gem of theatrical brilliance from top to bottom.

George Furth's book for COMPANY started life as 11 one-act plays that would feature one actor who would play the lead in each of the 11 shows. Anthony Perkins was interested in directing the show, and showed it to Stephen Sondheim, who shared it with Harold Prince. Harold Prince thought that it was fantastic material for a musical, and before long COMPANY was born. COMPANY follows Robert, who is turning 35, as he travels through vignettes about love, marriage, and divorce in New York City. The celebrated musical originally opened on Broadway on April 26, 1970. George Furth and Stephen Sondheim revised the libretto in the early 1990s. COMPANY was revived on Broadway and in London's West End in 1995. It was revived again on Broadway in 2006. Most recently, the show enjoyed a spectacular 2011 New York Philharmonic Concert production with a star-studded cast.

Troy Scheid's direction of COMPANY is radiant. She has coached her cast to bring the differing characters and relationships to stunning life. The plot moves with a comfortable pace, only slowing momentarily in the chatty and lengthy book scene between "Sorry-Grateful" and "You Could Drive A Person Crazy." Most importantly, Troy Scheid understands the voluminous amount of humor in the witty dialogue and clever lyrics, and she ensures that each hilarious moment is played to its fullest potential. The pay off is that the audience finds themselves laughing loudly and often.

Choreography by Lauren Dolk perfectly fits each actor and actress' personal skill level, which lets them all appear to be proficient dancers regardless of individual ability. Showier numbers, like "Side By Side By Side" are amusing, cleverly constructed dances that are splendidly entertaining.

Adam Stout's Musical Direction is crisp and pulsating. Each number moves with a powerful momentum, grasping the attention of the audience. Likewise, he directs the band with the same urgency and precision, allowing Stephen Sondheim's score to be brought to magical and fulfilling life. The only problem is that Brandon Grimes' Robert Is not miked during "Company," and his lyrics become lost as the entire ensemble is downstage and he has to project over them and the band.

Robert, played by Brandon Grimes, is the charismatic 35-year-old lens that we see New York's romantic relationships through. Brandon Grimes is magnetizing in performance, drawing the audience in and keeping us engaged throughout the entirety of the production. He shines with rich vocals and fantastically controlled vibrato on "Marry Me A Little" and the showstopping finale number "Being Alive."

John Dunn's Harry and Lendsey Kersey's Sarah are the stereotypical competitive couple. They constantly try to impress their partner with feats of physical and mental ability, each striving for superiority in the relationship. John Dunn and Lendsey Kersey have exceptional chemistry together as a couple and easily earn numerous guffaws from the audience. Likewise, John Dunn's gleaming voice sounds perfect on "Sorry-Grateful."

Lauren Dolk and Andrew Ruthven play functionally dysfunctional Susan and Peter pristinely. Lauren Dolk's Texan inspired Southern accent fits the personality and charm of her Susan perfectly. Andrew Ruthven's Peter is comical, especially when he tells Robert about a girl he knows and then asks why he wants to get married during the humorous "Have I Got A Girl for You." Lauren Dolk's gorgeous and bright voice is deftly utilized and impresses the audience in the opening portion of "Getting Married Today."

Jennifer Stewart steals the show as Jenny, the square, when she, David Walker's David, and Brandon Grimes' Robert get stoned together. Both Jennifer Stewart and David Walker showcase a strong understanding of comedic timing; however, Jennifer Stewart makes the audience do everything from giggle to explode with laughter with every well-placed line and action.

Zach Varela's about to be married Paul is subtly sweet and completely caring. He is a compassionate man with a large heart. Katie Harrison's Amy, Paul's betrothed, is being driven neurotic by cold feet and fear. Both make the audience laugh because of how realistically they play their roles. Additionally, they each provide flawless, astounding, and lively vocals to the impressively intricate and complex "Getting Married Today."

Steven Fenley and Judy Frow remarkably play the older couple, Larry and Joanne. Steven Fenley's skillful acting ability brings Larry to strong life. Yet, here Stephen Sondheim ensures that Joanne stands out, giving her the best solos in "The Little Things You Do Together" and the showstopping and show stealing number "The Ladies Who Lunch." Judy Frow showcases vocal prowess, power, and a quality belt in these wondrous moments. She effortlessly captures the audience's attention, making sure we fall in love with her character and performances.

Christina Stroup is fierce, sharp and riotously brash as the bewitchingly sultry Marta. Her impressive and dazzling vocal talent guarantees that "Another Hundred People" is the showstopping number that it is intended to be. She sings "Another Hundred people" with a captivating gusto, making a sport of people watching in New York City. If anything, Christina Stroup makes us sad that Stephen Sondheim didn't write more numbers for Marta.

Haley Hussey plays ditzy and dumb April with a bubbly charm. Her rendition of "Barcelona" is beautiful and alluring.

Amy Garner Buchanan's Kathy doesn't fit in New York City, and she knows it, which adds a dynamic and interesting layer to the show about New Yorkers. Amy Garner Buchanan's Kathy grounds Robert, showing him that the city's hustle and bustle is not for everyone.

Set Design by Trey Otis is breathtaking and phenomenal. It expertly fills the space, showing off the depth and height of Texas Repertory Theatre's stage. The silhouetted skyline is inspired and the multileveled main piece is simply spectacular in creating fascinating levels while being versatile enough to be any location it needs to be inside New York City.

Lighting Design by Eric Marsh skillfully plays off the blue and white colors of the set, using various shades of blues and white to make everything on stage just gleam. He also lights the upstage cyclorama in reds, greens, and other colors to illustrate mood and tone with striking meticulousness. Special lighting effects are used sparingly and effectively as well.

Sound Design by Steven Fenley amplifies the band appropriately and uses special effects sounds to great affect.

Costume Design by Macy Perrone utilizes a largely black and white palette, throwing gold and other colors in as subtle accents. This choice works well in showcasing the character's financial status, matching the monochromatic feel of the set and light designs, and capturing the general anonymity of New York City. The only character that is truly colorfully dressed is Kathy, who feels she doesn't fit in the city.

The Texas Repertory Theatre Company's magnificent production of George Furth and Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY is sure to mesmerize and delight audiences. It excels in illustrating why the musical is so highly thought of and cherished by many in the industry and audiences all over the world.

COMPANY runs at Texas Repertory Theatre at 14243 Stuebner Airline Road, Houston, TX through April 7, 2013. For more information and tickets, please visit http://www.texreptheatre.org or call (281) 583 - 7573.