photo credit: Steven Wylie

Written by Alina Mae Wilson

Saddleback College’s recent production of Company, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by George Furth, offers a refreshing look at love, solitude, and the “everyman” experience. This non-linear concept musical follows the life of Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor struggling with the idea of romance, marriage, and personal fulfillment in the heart of New York City. The result is a thoughtful and introspective show, blending humor and insight to capture the complexities of relationships, both then and now.

One of the production’s strengths lies in its direction and staging. Set in New York City, the design was simple yet effective. Projections of iconic New York images, including apartment interiors and Central Park scenes, filled the back wall, anchoring the setting. In the foreground, large rolling staircases served as apartment buildings and scaffolding, representing the characters’ multi-layered, sometimes isolating world. The minimalist set allowed the focus to remain on the characters and their interactions while also reflecting the chaotic yet intimate urban atmosphere in which Robert finds himself immersed.

David Costa, who starred as Robert, delivered a sensitive and elegantly sung performance. His beautiful vocal ability captured Robert’s introspective, sometimes conflicted personality, bringing depth to Sondheim’s complex score. Costa’s interpretation helped highlight Robert’s journey as he considers his desire for love and companionship, the desire to be cared for “…a little.”

As is par for the course in Stephen Sondheim’s musicals, the lyrics in this show are thoughtful and introspective, with the kind of relatable jokes that resonate with a wide variety of people. These are not laugh-out-loud jokes, but rather the kind that make you chuckle and think, Yeah, I get that. Musically, this production did very well. The live orchestra was beautiful, and the cast all sang clearly in lovely tones, harmonizing seamlessly without competing with the musicians. I truly enjoyed listening to the songs, as the balance between voices and instruments brought Sondheim’s lyrics to life.

However, while the music and lyrics were beautifully delivered, the story might have benefited from a bit more theatricality. Certain scenes, like a karate sparring sequence between characters, could have used more exaggerated movement and drama to enhance the comedic effect. While I wasn’t expecting an action-packed sequence, a touch of sweeping, dramatic gestures would have made the humor land even better. Moments like these would have added a welcome burst of energy and contrast to Robert’s quieter reflections, giving the production a more dynamic rhythm overall. I really enjoyed Quinn Garcia’s mounting anxiety in her number “(Not) Getting Married Today.”

All in all, Company featured lovely music and commendable performances. With more overstated acting and perhaps a richer, more immersive set design, the production might have drawn the audience even further into its world. As it was, the show felt a bit like a concert put on by diligent students—pleasant and enjoyable, though perhaps lacking the depth of immersion that theater can provide. For a night of beautiful music and well-articulated, though at times understated, acting, this Company was an enjoyable experience, and I would gladly attend another production by this school.

Review

8.2 Overall

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Story8

Acting8

Set & Design7.8

Costumes8.8

Entertainment8.3

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Good Show! OCR Recommended!