Company

 Company
Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre
July 6, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Company

Director Marianne Elliott has successfully transported Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s Company into the 21^st Century.  The Broadway revival examines the phases of life and relationships, and gives you pause to ponder what it takes to get through them.  You think about who you have to become to find happiness.  You wonder why the things that work for someone else are not right for you.  The choreography by Liam Steel is sharp, witty, and fast paced.  His movement and staging further explores the dichotomy in Mr. Sondheim’s lyrics, the deep and personal dive in Mr. Furth’s book, and Ms. Elliot’s bold, neon-light interpretation of the piece.

It’s Bobbie’s (played by Katrina Lenk) thirty-fifth birthday.  Her friends are throwing her a surprise party.  She’d rather be alone.  All her friends are married.  Bobbie evaluates her life by looking at her own reflection through the eyes of her friends and their relationships.  They want her to get married, yet all of their relationships bring up a fear of commitment.  There are three men she has been seeing: PJ (played by Bobby Conte), Theo (played by Manu Narayan), and Andy (played by Claybourne Elder).  Each one brings out a different aspect of her personality and desires, but none of them gives her what she really needs.  It is her friend, Joanne (played by Patti Lupone), who finally pushes Bobbie to take an honest look and accept herself as she is. 

Katrina Lenk & the Cast of Company
Photo courtesy of Company

Katrina Lenk brings a vibrant perspective to the role of Bobbie, who was originally written as a male character.  She has a strong, beguiling presence and a superb singing voice.  Her character’s search is sincere, even though it is more motivated by the people around her than from her individual need.  This creates confusion for the character, which is genuinely portrayed.  It is through the search itself that she discovers her own need.  It is an interesting interpretation and journey, with a palpable ending.  Her rendition of “Marry Me a Little,” which is added to the end of Act I, is stunning.  

Terence Archie Patti Lupone, & Katrina Lenk
Photo courtesy of Company

Patti Lupone holds nothing back as Joanne.  She tells it like it is, and does not allow Bobbie to evade the issue at hand.  She holds up a clear mirror for Bobbie to take a cold, direct look at herself.  Her performance of “The Ladies Who Lunch” is honest and sad, yet grounded in a will to survive. 

Jennifer Simard and Christopher Sieber are hysterical as Sarah and Harry.  Matt Doyle and Jacob Dickey (understudy) are neurotic and romantic as Jamie and Paul.  Jeff Kready and Nikki Renée Daniels are endearing as David and Jenny.  Rashida Scott and Javier Ignacio (understudy) are full or surprises as Susan and Peter.  Terence Archie is grounded and solid as Joanne’s third husband, Larry.  

Claybourne Elder plays the flight attendant, Andy, for every possible laugh.  His timing is perfect.  He plays the character with a superbly dry balance of naivete and brazen sex appeal.  Bobby Conte’s interpretation of “Another Hundred People” is unique and effective.  Manu Narayan portrays Theo with a refreshing and heartbreaking sincerity. 

Bobby Conte & Katrina Lenk
Photo courtesy of Company

The set, designed by Bunny Christie, depicts numerous NYC apartments that inhabit the action.  The geometric spaces create stringent, realistic limitation.  The structures move and connect in unexpected ways and at unexpected times.  Lighting, designed by Neil Austin, creates an open, vast atmosphere that closes in on the tight, crowded living spaces.  He then illuminates them with neon lights boarders to highlight the intimacy of the action. 

Company is closing on July 31.  If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to get your ticket right away.  It is playing at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre. 

Domenick Danza

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Ethel Barrymore Theatre

May 1, 2015

Photo courtesy of
The Curious Incident of the Dog
in the Night-Time

I finally saw The Curious Incident of theDog in the Night-Time.  The experience of the production far exceeded every great comment I’ve heard.  Yes, the technology is amazing, the directing is skillful and daring, and the acting is on point and authentic.  The effectiveness of the concept far exceeds any rave review, high recommendation, or Tony nomination.  The show needs to be experienced to be fully appreciated. 

Part way through the first act I realized that I was observing the play; somewhat detached while still engaged.  I was carefully watching the changing lights and movement of the props.  I was calculating the level of the relationships.  I was not emotionally connected to the characters, nor did the conflict move me or drive me to react.  Yet, when the first act ended and the house lights came up, I was stunned.  I didn’t want to move.  I needed to think through what had just happened.  I realized the depth of my engagement in the show was more intellectual and analytical than it was emotional.  This is the way the main character, Christopher, a fifteen year old with an autistic spectrum condition (exceptionally played by Alex Sharp), experiences his world.  This is the genius of the production.  The technology (set, lights, video, and sound) is brilliantly designed to give you the main character’s perspective.  All the other characters are directed through the lense of his point of view.

Photo courtesy of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Understanding this allowed me to dive into the second act with enthusiasm.  It was a roller coaster ride as Christopher traveled alone on a train from his home with his father to live with his mother in London.  Once out of his comfort zone and routine, his senses became overwhelmed, and so did mine.  I found myself experiencing his journey of solving the murder of his neighbor’s dog with unstoppable resolve.  There was no fear and no emotional frenzy as deep family secrets were uncovered.  Each conflict and obstacle were treated with blind determination that made each conflict and obstacle just another stumbling block to move past. 

I was warned not to leave after the curtain call, and purposefully not told why.  I give you the same advice if you have not seen the show, but with some insight.  There was a mention during the second act that there would be an explanation for a math problem after the curtain call.  When the character of Christopher articulates his solution, it encapsulated the way he sees the world and the way the technology of the show are the workings of his mind.  This section of the show encompasses the journey of the play.

Photo courtesy of
The Curious incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

Director Marianne Elliott has created a unique theatrical experience with depth and insight.  The designer team of Bunny Christie (scenic and costume), Paule Constable (lighting) Finn Ross (video), and Ian Dickinson (sound) have created the inner workings of the mind of a person on the autism spectrum.  You will love Alex Sharp as Christopher.  He is endearing and genuine.  And nothing I or anyone else says can match the experience of this production.  See it through the eye of Christopher yourself.  Take the journey.

Domenick Danza