When director Paul Cook held auditions for Circle Players’ production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, he had no trouble finding a devoted and enthusiastic cast for the show, which opens January 6 at the Keeton Theatre.
And the result is a cast of Nashville “all-stars,” led by Mike Baum in the central role of Bobby. Other cast members include Daron Bruce (Larry), David Bayer (Peter), Debbie Kraski (Joanne), Erica Haines (Marta), Geoff Davin (David), Lindsay Hess (Jenny), Megan Murphy Chambers (Amy), Melodie Madden-Adams (April), Rebekah Durham (Sarah), Scott Rice (Paul), Stacie Riggs (Kathy), Tony Nappo (Harry) and Lynda Cameron-Bayer (Susan).
The hype didn’t surprise Cook. He knew that Company by the legendary composer and lyricist Sondheim (with a book written by George Furth) is a powerful musical considered groundbreaking when it debuted on Broadway in 1970. Unfolding in a series of vignettes about the challenges of maintaining relationships in an increasingly depersonalized society, Company doesn’t follow linear through-line like most musicals.
“I love the non-linear structure of it,” Cook said. “There is no plot, just a collection of scenes involving different couples. I also feel drawn to the lyrics. They are so honest, so incisive and they cut to the heart of what people struggle with in relationships.”
The musical revolves around Robert (Baum), a single man on the eve of his 35th birthday, who is unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage. However, he is surrounded by well-meaning friends, all of whom are married (or about to be) and have plenty to say about Robert’s approach to love and commitment. Company was nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards, winning six, including Best Musical.
Some of the best-known songs from the Company score include “Another 100 People,” “Getting Married Today” and “Being Alive,” all of which deal with either life in New York City or marriage.
Despite being hailed as a powerful musical, Company was criticized as being “cold” even by its admirers. After all, its main character, Robert, has trouble getting emotionally attached. But Paul Cook is not concerned about getting the audience involved in the show.
“Our lead, Bobby, is played by Mike Baum, who comes across as very warm and giving,” Cook said. “Our cast won’t be too cerebral. However, it’s not a lush, romantic show, even though it is about love. It’s about the day-to-day spikiness of living in relationships and that’s generally not sappy and syrupy.”
Mike Baum, a frequent performer in regional theatres, is familiar with the show from his college days at Washington University where he played one of Robert’s friends.
“I fell in love with Company then. It has terrific music from beginning to end, but the songs’ harmonies are incredibly challenging,” Baum said.
Baum is looking forward to interpreting a role that, when performing in college, he was too young to fully grasp.
“Not that Robert Is lonely, he has great friends. But he is at a point in life where he wants more than just to be part of other people’s lives. He wants to find that special love, but doesn’t know how to make it happen.”
Company runs Friday, January 6, through Sunday, January 22, at the Larry Keaton Theatre on 108 Donelson Pike, Nashville TN 37214. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for students and seniors ages 60 and up. Children 6 and under attend free. All tickets are $11 on Thursdays. Group discounts are available by calling (615) 332-7529.
