By Shirley Lorraine –
Ojai Art Center Theater’s current summer offering of Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning musical Company adds to the performance kaleidoscope that is always Ojai. There are limited performances left, with the show running through Sunday, July 12. No performance will be held on Saturday, July 4.
Originally produced in 1970 (seems so long ago, doesn’t it?), the show garnered a total of fourteen Tony nominations, winning in six categories. Since that time, the book has been updated several times and yet the basic story line remains timeless.
The format of Company, played in a series of vignettes, began a new way of creating large musicals. Company follows bachelor Bobby interacting with his married friends, who throw a party for his 35th birthday. Many aspects, pro and con, of relationships are explored in a variety of ways.
The ensemble cast of couples focuses on and is held together by Kyle Caldwell, who plays the key role of Bobby. Caldwell fits this role to a T., having dived headfirst into the OACT talent pool. His clear, strong voice carries well to the back of the theater and beyond.
Director David Henderson has assembled a talented cast and created a tight production. Action is brisk throughout as the ensemble’s actions ebb and flow to create the vignettes. Energy is consistently high, featuring clever choreography and synchronization to carry it forward.
The production features a number of songs which are instantly recognizable such as Another Hundred People (Just Got off of the train…) and The Little Things You Do Together which may strike a memory.
A standout number in the first act is You Could Drive a Person Crazy performed by Haley Abbott, Darrienne Lisette Caldwell (who is also credited as vocal director) and Genevieve Schatz. The dance features sharp moves, harmonies, and is performed with a delightful measure of sass.
A show-stopping Getting Married Today is brought to life by Hilary Boyd as Amy. Her diction and speed are impressive as she delivers the difficult song to perfection.
Each of the five married couples have their moments to shine. Sarah (Marisa Miculian) and Harry (Kellen Vanetti); Susan (Amber Rae Bowyer) and Peter (James Alderete); Jenny (Kelly Summers) and David (Emily Redman Hall, who displays wonderful alto vocals); Amy (Hilary Boyd) and Paul (Ven Martinez) and Joanne (Laura Ring) and Larry (R. Shayne Bourbon).
An additional highlight is provided by virtuoso Andrew Street on the piano. Tucked in a corner of the stage, Street’s accompaniment fills the theater as fully as an entire small orchestra. He and the singers are in sync all the way. The vocal harmonies throughout the production are beautiful.
This cast is strong, energetic, talented, and powerful. Please note that all the actors wear amplification which in a few cases of high notes, is more than sufficient..
Company continues performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through July 12 .at the Ojai ArtCenter Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai. 805-604-8797, www.ojaiact.org.
