Revamped version of Sondheim’s marriage musical features a gender switch and a first-rate cast

Stephen Sondheim’s 1970 musical Company, currently on stage at the Denver Center’s Buell Theatre, has undergone a fascinating transformation. Originally, it revolved around Bobby and his lively group of married friends. Now, we’re introduced to “Bobbie,” a female version of the same character. This gender shift adds a fresh perspective to Sondheim’s well-loved musical, with a captivating book by Geroge Furth and masterful direction by Marianne Elliott in this touring Broadway production.

Company is a unique concept musical that explores the complexities of dating, marriage and divorce through a series of vignettes. The script and musical numbers delve into these themes with maturity, offering a poignant reflection of contemporary life and its impact on relationships. We accompany Bobbie (Britney Coleman) on her quest for self-discovery, a journey that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

The maritage question

Bobbie is celebrating her 35th birthday alone — and without a significant other on her side. That doesn’t stop her “couple friends” from throwing her a surprise birthday party; however, that is not what most of her friends are concerned about. Why isn’t Bobbie married?

The music plays an integral part in the storytelling, starting with “The Little Things We Do Together,” sung by Bobbie’s chronologically oldest friend, Joanne (Judy McLane). These little things happen to be abstinence from alcohol and food addiction –trendy topics today that are humorously explored here.

Inclined to marry Bobbie off, the couples assure her that they have just the right guy to fill the aching hole in her life. However, Bobbie witnesses Jamie (Matt Rodin) and Paul’s (Jhardon DiShon Milton) wedding day preparation and Jamie’s expressive and humorous rendition of “Getting Married Today,” leaving Bobbie unsure, yet again, that being married is all it’s cracked up to be.

Never fear. Bobbie eventually hooks up with Andy (Christopher Henry Young), who works for the airlines and must cut his overly chatty visit short to fly to “Barcelona.”

Finally, Joanne and Larry (Derrick Davis) take Bobbie to a nightclub where Larry dances the night away. At the same time, Joanne and Bobbie continue to get more inebriated until Joanne proposes a toast to “The Ladies Who Lunch,” summing up her frustration and disdain with how she perceives the up-to-the-minute woman.

Bobbie’s response to her well-meaning friends is to proclaim that “Being Alive” is a suitable way to live one’s life amidst the uncertainty and chaos that fill the lives around her. With that, Bobbie survived her 35th birthday relatively unscathed and is still single.

Strong production

This is a first-rate touring production with a cast to match. As Bobbie, Coleman is appealing and sensible. She’s not a pushover and enters each situation with a relationship radar that serves her well. Along with the audience, she sees the writing on the walls regarding what being in a committed relationship, let alone being married, entails.

Other standouts in the cast include McLane as Joanne, whose somewhat jaded view culminates in the powerful rendition of “The Ladies Who Lunch,” leaving Bobbie and the audience emotionally exhausted yet surprisingly empowered. As Jamie, Rodin is delightfully over the top about not getting married and delivers the tongue-twisting song “Getting Married Today.”

Marianne Elliott’s direction is thought-provoking and emotionally charged. She strategically addresses the complexity of the human condition concerning relationships. Bunny Christie’s modular set and Neil Austin’s lighting are both instrumental in presenting multiple scenic destinations cleanly.

Company is a well-done production that seamlessly floats through time and gender transformation and reflects what is out there for anyone still single by the time they turn 35 and those who love them.