BWW Reviews: COMPANY at the Phoenix Festival in Bel Air is a Success

I have attended musicals at various community college theaters in the greater Baltimore area but I somehow never made it to Bel Air, specifically to Harford Community College which is the home base for the Phoenix Festival Theatre.

Being a fan of Stephen Sondheim, when I saw that the Phoenix was going to present one of my favorite musicals, Company, I thought this would be a good way to introduce myself to Phoenix. And I'm really glad I did.

My only criticism is that after all the work that goes into presenting a musical, Phoenix is presenting Company only on two week-ends.  So, hopefully you can make it on June 17 and 18th a 8 p.m. or the matinee on June 18 at 3 p.m. As Bugs Bunny would say "That's All Folks".

And you'll be glad you did.

If you haven't seen a production of Company, let me quote Sondheim from his new book "Finishing the Hat".  As he calls it, "The Notion". 

"A man with no emotional commitments reassess his life on his 35th birthday by reviewing his relationships with his married acquaintances and his girlfriends. That is the entire plot."

The musical opened on Broadway in 1970 with Dean Jones in the leading role. In 2006 revival, Raoul Esparza played Robert.

Sondheim can be difficult to present. The music is not simple. The rhythms are complex as are the harmonies.

Kudos to Director Robert W. Oppel who directs an energetic and enthusiastic ensemble  with great precision to make a thoroughly enjoyable evening of theater (but keep the young ones at home).  This is the first show I've seen Oppel direct and I strongly believe he has a great future directing musical theater.

Tom Burns gives it his all portraying the difficult character of Robert or is it Robbie, Rob, Bobby, Robby, and Rob-o?  He's all of these characters.  While Burns may not have the strongest voice, he brings the requisite charm that the part requires.  One has to feel for  the guy. As the song says, "Poor baby, all alone, evening after evening on the telephone." But is he?

Playing his three girlfriends are Elisa Dugan (April), Becca Vourvoulas (Marta), and Amy Luchy (Kathy). One of the many highlights of the song is their fabulous rendition of the classic "You Could Drive A Person Crazy".

The song that is worth the price of admission is "Getting Married Today". Tammy Crisp (Amy) is hysterical as the bride who on the day of her wedding has second thoughts.  Crisp gives an incredible performance and is probably the funniest "Amy" I've ever seen. Helping her out with a gorgeous soprano voice is Laura Weiss (Church Lady). How she doesn't break down and laugh I'll never know.

An interesting touch by Director Oppel is having Amy's intended, who is Jewish, wearing a skull cap. I have never seen this before in a production and it works making it clear to the audience that this was an inter-marriage.

Another highlight is April's duet with Robert, "Barcelona". It's a gorgeous number and Dugan and Burns add just the right amount of humor.

Elaine Stritch in the original cast belted out the famous  "The Ladies Who Lunch".  Deborah Desmone as Joanne Nails this number. I got goose bumps.

The men Greg Bell (Harry), Ron Giddings (Peter), Troy Hopper (David), Roger Schulman (Larry), and Robert Tucker (Paul) all contribute to the hilarity.

But this is a show really for the women ensemble played by Crisp, Sarah Chzanowski (Susan), Deborah Desmone (Joanne),Dugan, Amy Luchey (Kathy) Mary Elizabeth Mullin (Sarah), Vourvoulas and Weiss. They all have splendid voices.

Ed Lake's lovely  lighting adds a great deal to the enjoyment.

A key to the show is the fine orchestra under the baton of Shane Jensen. So much of the music depends on the right tempo and Jensen does the job along with his talented musicians: Tyler Canonico (who handles the tough notes on the keyboards, Sherri Domenico  (reeds), Willis Spencer (trumpet...loved his muted trumpet especially), Trudy Atuobi (violin), and Brittany Bowen (bass...this important instrument plays a major role...I keep humming the bass part).

Come for the music.  I didn't even mention "Another Hundred People", "Marry Me  a Little", "Being Alive" and the anthem "Side By Side By Side" (which I am still singing).

Tickets range from $9 to $18.  Show your support for local community theater and head to the Chesapeake Theater at Harford Community College,  401 Thomas Run Rd. in Bel  Air.  For tickets, call 443-412-2211.

For comments, write to cgshubow@broadwayworld.com.

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