Marquette Theater Students Make for Engaging ‘Company’

×

Expand

Photo Credit: Danny Alphonso

Producing Stephan Sondheim’s subtle and deceptively evasive Company is a daunting task even with the most practiced of sophisticated theatrical hands, but the Marquette University Theater production proved to be an engaging if not overwhelming production. Winningly assembled, the talented group of young performers was guided by the capable artistic director Niffer Clarke, who brought out the best efforts in a strongly motivated acting cast.

Of course Sondheim has always been something of an acquired taste—easy to take but pay close attention to detail. This composer recalls the old German tradition of “Sprechtgesang,” wherein music accompanies the libretto without being overtly melodic. Not that Sondheim hasn’t written great melodies (some have become standards), but much of the appeal depends on musical accompaniment to a given text. These students are still fledglings, but there was enough show of promise with that unbridled energy so engaging in aspiring young performers to suggest bright prospects.

As anon-linear musical, Company is a series of vignettes on the pros and cons of marriage as perceived by 35-year old Robert (well sung by good looking Peter Sisto) on his birthday. The cast moves about in a contemporary mod deco setting sparsely furnished but with several set levels for the chorus to glide in smoothly. Photographs are suspended from wires onto the stage, portraying the degrees of marital bliss Robert must consider. His uncertainty about marriage opens up engaging choruses and ensembles appearing at just such times as encouragement is needed. But this is part of Sondheim’s magical trickery—adult themes projected in a tongued in cheek musical framework that projects an understated charm, but with only gentle hints at an ironic sense of depth.

Through April 19 at Marquette University’s Helfaer Theatre, 525 N. 13th St. For tickets call (414) 288-7504 or visit marquettetheatre.showclix.com.