(Warning: This review gets sappy and personal.)
I recently saw Lincoln Center's production of Steven Sondheim Company. The cast included Neil Patrick Harris ("How I Met Your Mother") in the lead as "Bobby" as well as Christina Henricks ("Mad Men"), Steven Colbert ("Colbert Report"), Jon Cryer ("Two and Half Men") and Patti Lupone ("Evita", "Sweeney Todd"). The show was staged in a concert format with very little scenery and props and the Orchestra on stage.
The plot summary of the show is Bobby (NPH) is the last single guy in his group of married friends. He's the godfather of their children, go-to babysitter, and confidante for them all. They take it upon themselves to make him feel like he's somehow missing something because he's not living their "kind of life". Two songs, I've got a girl for you (sung by the male ensemble) and Poor Baby (sung by the women while Bobby has sex with a Flight Attendent) makes this clear how they perceive Bobby's current life. However, throughout the show the audience sees the pitfalls of the relationships that his friends have and how they are not perfect or ideal. We also get to see Bobby's life and his view on relationships.
"Company" like many Broadway revivals seem to change depending on the production. This one is no different. Some versions seem to suggest that Bobby decides that he's happy being single while others end with the idea that he goes out to find himself a wife that meets his image of happiness rather his friends' idea. This particular production seems to take the stance that Bobby is happy with his life as it is. This realization occurs around "You've got a great third husband, Joanne" and Bobby's closing number "Being Alive". The play ends with Bobby leaving his friends in his apartment on his 36th birthday.
Company has always had a special place for me. Like many of my favorite books, it has changed with me as I grew up. At first, the songs were what attracted me to the show; Being Alive and Another Hundred People being among my favorites. Both of those songs have some technical challenges. And we are aware, Jacqui used to love to sing songs that tested range and technique.
As I grew older and left childish things behind, I realized the message behind the show. The main points that Sondheim wants to get across is:
- Be okay with your decisions and yourself.
- Its ok to admit you might have outgrown your friends.
Honestly, there are times when I feel like Bobby these days. Between the job search and the constant comparison between where I think "I should be" and "where I am", relating to his story is easy. I am 27, when my parents were my age they both had full-time jobs and obviously living on their own. A BA was a great accomplishment but their masters made it easy to find jobs. As a result of their pressure, I feel like I should be further along or at least ready to settle down. At times, I feel like I should be in a serious relationship and have a job where I am making enough money to pay off my loans. You know be a big girl.
I have friends who I constantly compare myself to. You know the ones that are in "great relationships" and seem to "have it all". I know from watching the outside, their style of happiness is not mine. In recent weeks I made a very tough decision that many of them aren't even aware of. I know when I tell them, they won't understand but I know I am doing whats best for me in the long run. I had my own "Being Alive" moment when I realized what I needed to do. When I go, I am sure it won't be nearly as dramatic..
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