The Hills Musical Company. The Stirling Theatre. 6 Nov 2015
Stephen Sondheim’s Company was the first concept musical. Its construction deemphasises plot in favour of metaphors that communicate a single notion or ideology. In Company, vignettes are employed as a device to integrate the central theatrical themes of ambivalence, desperation, seduction, and tepidity of relationships.
In the show, Robert, an unlikely hero played by Josh Barkley, is central to the psychological drama. Robert moves through the vignettes – which are structured like snapshots from his memory – and attempts to learn from the other characters about the virtues of marriage, love, and relationships. Sondheim’s score builds and maintains an underlying tension which assists with forward momentum whilst simultaneously trapping Robert right up until the final moment.
The ensemble cast under the direction of Fiona DeLaine are all relatively strong, though there are some standouts amongst them. Kate Anolak and Jamie Richards as Sarah and Harry are hilarious and have developed a chemistry one would expect from long time partners. Danii Zappia delivers some of the strongest acting in the show, particularly when her character Jenny is high on more than the ‘spice of life’, and Lauren Potter’s Southern accent is unshakeable.
Stephanie Rossi is coquettish and free-spirited as Marta and sings beautifully, Jessica Rossiter is perfectly manic as Amy, and Kerry Straight plays up April’s stupidity with charm and charisma. The remaining cast give solid performances throughout; ensemble numbers are sung very well.
Josh Barkley takes the central role of Robert and is perhaps a little out of his depth in the challenging part. Despite singing beautifully he needs to be stretched emotionally a lot further. Many of the production’s pivotal moments are built on Robert’s emotional instability. There is a lot of room here for Barkley to grow as an actor.
The set is designed by Jamie Richards and has aided DeLaine in placing the action with purpose where there often is none. On stage the overall production works, but would perhaps benefit from a lift in excitement and energy from the whole cast. Sondheim’s music sounds wonderful, and musical director Mark DeLaine should be congratulated for wrangling the complicated score.
Together the DeLaine’s, their production team, and the cast have put up a nice piece of work that is most definitely worthy of your attention, so head for The Hills and check it out.
Paul Rodda
When: 6 to 21 Nov
Where: The Stirling Community Theatre
Bookings: hillsmusical.org.au
Photography by Mark Anolak
