“Company”: The Complex Relationships of a Never-Married Middle-Aged Man

The cast of “Company” during part of the act II opener, “Side by Side.” (PC: Ian Murphy)

“Company” follows Robert (Aron Gomez), affectionately known as Bobby, and his group of friends as they guide him through turning 35, and his complicated relationships. Gomez takes us through the motions and makes us believe he is truly a man who sees his life flashing before his eyes.

We already knew this show was going to be one to remember when Amy Lyn McDonald, chair of the department of theatre and dance at Elmhurst University, chose to take charge of this production. She did not disappoint.

Whether it be Paul (Delaney Murphy) and Amy (Allie Cook) getting married, seeing the ups and downs of a relationship through Bobby, the three relationships he is trying to manage, and the “Tick-Tock” dancers (which is much closer to a seance than anything you’ll see on social media), the cast all brought their A-Games and did not break EU’s cycle of incredible performances.

I tend to find it tacky watching a conductor and their musical counterparts in the pit orchestra distract from a stage performance, but Nicholas Pulikowski, music director for the production and adjunct faculty for voice, does it with class and adds to the fun of the production with his nearly flawless and almost mesmerizing direction.

The music of Steven Sondheim and his plays are nothing short of remarkable, touching on generations of theatre-goers. “Company” is no exception. Senior Ella Leon’s performance of “The Ladies Who Lunch” is reminiscent of Elaine Stritch’s spectacular original Broadway recording.

Nearing 60 years since its Broadway debut, EU’s cast ensures the show can relate to audiences of all ages. I think we can all relate to Bobby and his ability to switch in and out of high and low moods due to his complicated love life.

Sarah (Christine Rowe) and Harry (Maddux Masopust) fighting during the song “The Little Things.” (PC: Ian Murphy)

The show is a mosaic of Bobby’s relationships through his eyes and the eyes of his friends. Whether it’s Sarah (Christine Rowe) and Harry (Maddux Masopust) revealing the bickering (and vices) of a long-married couple, or Larry (Brenden Infante) sticking by Joanne’s (Ella Leon) side, seeing beyond her coarse exterior. “Company” wants viewers to think about their own relationships and how they observe them.

The show ends with Bobby realizing he needs to stop messing around in his love life and finally settle down with somebody. I think we all have this revelation eventually. This show teaches us not to wait until we are nearly 40 to have this revelation.

EU’s production of “Company” ran Oct. 2-4 and Oct. 9-11.

Amy (Allie Cook), Paul (Delaney Murphy), and other cast members from “Company” during the song “Getting Married Today.” (PC: Ian Murphy)