THEATER REVIEW A 'Company' to keep at Pa. Playhouse
Being single is not all it's cracked up to be -- or is it?
Get some possible answers and insights at Pennsylvania Playhouse's production of "Company," 8 p.m. Thursdays - Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, through April 28.
The fast-paced play with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth romps through the highs and lows of being one single person, a lonely third wheel in a circle of married friends.
On Broadway, "Company" won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical (1971) and Best Revival of a Musical (2007).
Under Will Windsor Erwin's superb direction, Robert, played with virtuosity by Joshua Neth, reluctantly celebrates his 35th birthday with his married friends, none of whom cheer him out of his despondent mood.
Despite his character's moodiness, Neth's singing is wonderful, especially in "Someone is Waiting."
Robert's friends include Sarah (Wendy Borst) and her husband Harry, played by John T. Monahan, both of whom struggle with their addictions as they give "Bobby" marital advice while playing one-upmanship with each other.
Alan Mendez, as sexually-ambiguous friend Peter, is terrific, as he gives Robert friendship options the bachelor hadn't considered. Peter's laid-back wife, Susan (Brittani Doyen), shines as a wife who happily considers divorce just another lifestyle choice.
Andrea Cartagena is delicious as Joanne, the wife of wealthy Larry (Donald M. Swan Jr.). Her singing voice ("Ladies Who Lunch") is big, clear and show-stopping. Larry, who still likes to dance with the young chicks, is the eldest of Robert's friends and gives him advice on choosing the right woman.
Kimberly Tassinaro's stoned Jenny is perfect as she innocently cuddles on a 1970's beanbag with friend family Robert while her husband, David (Jason J. Zimmer) muses marijuana-induced marriage philosophy.
Catholic Amy (Nina Elias), is mesmerizing as she waits until her wedding ceremony to come to grips with the idea of marrying her "very own Jew." She is a standout as she sings "Getting Married Today" in the ensemble number.
Amy's fiancé, Paul (Vince Rostkowski) is well-cast as the quiet, understanding and patient groom.
Robert's three girlfriends, each of whom he is, or has been, more or less in love with, has never made it to the altar with their beau, but that doesn't stop them from being hot New York City babes who join voices to belt out "You Could Drive A Person Crazy."
Marta (Kendra O'Donnell) is slightly Bohemian and her love of the city is infectious.
Kathy (Cheryl Moritz) is heart-warming in a what-might-have-been-scene as she says good-bye to one-time boyfriend Robert.
April (Valynn Turkovich) could have been more aptly named "July" when her hot scene with Robert heats up the set.
Gwen Swanson's choreography incorporates the large cast in fluid, fun dance routines that let individual stand-out dancers such as Tassinaro (Jenny) shine.
A star of the show in her own right is music director and conductor Lucille DeMasi Kincaid. The orchestra keeps the show on key with its beautiful music.
Costume designers Peter Sikalias and Erwin capture the post- hipster style of the late 1960's, early 70's. Sikalias is also assistant director of this very entertaining play. Lighting designer is Nick Gackenbach.








