Gallery • 8 Photos

Micheal Pringle

Opening the show, the cast strikes a pose to end the first number surrounding Bobby, the main character, played by Finn Davis.

On March 6, Mill Valley’s Throckmorton Theater opened its latest production, Company: a witty and thought-provoking musical comedy by Stephen Sondheim. Performed by a cast of talented local actors ages 12 to 20, the show explores the complexities of relationships, commitment and loneliness through a series of humorous and heartfelt moments.

Company follows Robert, a single New Yorker who finds himself surrounded by married couples as he celebrates his 35th birthday. Rather than telling a traditional linear story, the musical unfolds through a series of short interconnected vignettes. The scenes range from lively dinner parties to candid late night conversations. Throughout the musical, Robert observes the ups and downs of marriage, while reflecting on his own fear of commitment.

The show’s unique storytelling structure and sharp humor makes it stand out among other musicals. Actor Helen Kay, a senior at Tamalpais High School, plays the role of Joanne, a rich wife, and highlights the show’s innovative format.

“Company is the first ever nonlinear musical I’ve done. It was such a cool approach to a musical, especially for the time period, [the late 50’s], which just makes it iconic,” Kay said. “I love that it explores the complexities of relationships.
I feel like you don’t really get a lot of musicals that just mainly talk about the human experience in a very real way, but this show really gets into the real nitty gritty of being in a marriage.”

For many cast members, performing in the production pushed them to grow as actors. Kay explained that stepping into the rule of Joanne required her to see relationships from a new perspective.

“I’ve always wanted to play Joanne, but I never thought I’d be doing it at 18 years old,” Kay said. “Just not being middle aged, it’s definitely made me examine my parents’ relationship more and have a greater empathy for people in that later stage of life.”

Sophomore Anya Lamb plays the role of April, a dumb flight attendant who is dating Bobby, and appreciates the humor woven throughout the show’s songs and dialogue. 

“I love that there’s comedy in the songs. I love how they put little jokes in there,” Lamb said. “Also, when everyone’s on stage, there’s so much color. It’s so beautiful.”

Lamb added that performing a Sondheim musical has challenged her to think more deeply about the meaning behind each line.

Among the many memorable numbers in the show, Lamp said she is especially excited for the audience to see “Side by Side,” a lively ensemble piece featuring the entire cast.

“It’s so impressive,” Lamb said. “Parker Hall and Finn Davis do such an amazing job as Bobby in it, and it’s really funny because it’s the whole cast singing to Bobby.”

Company will continue to run at the Throckmorton Theater through March 22. Performances take place Fridays and Saturdays at 7:00 p.m., Sundays at 2:00 p.m. with an additional showing on Thursday, March 19, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at https://www.throckmortontheatre.org/