“Company”

Highly Recommended **** It appears that the stars are aligning themselves on Southport Avenue, in Wrigleyville, as Venus joins The Mercury as musical theater venues in the area. Yes, the new venue adjacent to The Mercury Theater, Venus Cabaret Theater, is open for business. Their first show is a perfect fit for the intimacy of the room ( holds somewhere around  75 people), a classic by Stephen Sondheim, “Company” ( one of my all-time favorites), telling the story of a confirmed bachelor , Bobby ( a superb job by David Sajewich) a 35 year old, on his birthday, no less, shows us the highs and lows of being single (and married).

It is Bobby’s birthday. This is going to be a surprise party and all of  his friends are gathered in his apartment to help him celebrate. When the audience arrives, they can step up to the “cash bar” and order a drink. They are seated at the comfy booths or tables or the ledge ( good sight lines for all) and as they mingle with the guests ( the cast) they are served a lite snack, bringing us into the party mood. At last Bobby appears and for the next two hours, this confirmed bachelor contemplates his state in life. All ofhis friends are happily married ( or at least he thought so) and he is now dating three women played to perfection by Kiersten Frumkin (Kathy), Krie Courter (Marta)  and Allison Sill (April). Watch closely to see the distinct difference in types and you will get an idea as to why Bobby is still single.

His friends, David & Jenny (Ryan Stajmiger and Hannah Dawe), Harry & Sarah ( Frederick Harris & Nicole Cready) who have the “perfect relationship”, Peter & Susan ( Derek Self & Nicole Armold) who have their own situations, Amy & Paul ( the adorable Jenna Coker-Jones, who handles the powerful, “No, I’m Not Getting Married Today” and Greg Foster), and last , but certainly not least Joanne & Larry ( The incredible Heather Townsend & Steve Silver). Each  couple helps to explain the pros and cons of marriage. The three single girls do a number “You Can Drive A Person Crazy” ( one of my all-time favs) relative to their lives with Bobby and even the audience begins to wonder if he is indeed all talk, or truly wants to be just like his friends.

Directed by Walter Stearns, who designed and built this venue with shows like this in mind, we find that no matter where you sit, you never miss any of the action. The action is amazing, with some tricky dance routines ( choreographer Aubrey Adams does a great job) and Eugene Dizon handling the musical score with his other musicians ( Dan Kristan on Bass and Cara Hartz on reeds). Dizon is at the keyboards , of course. Robert Kuhn’s costumes are cute and very New York “chic” and Alan Donanhue’s set design, while limited due to the space, is functional and works! The powerful projections (Liviu Pasare) are well done, so pay attention to the four large wall hangings. They may look like works of art, but they are instead a part of the play.

The book by George Furth and the music/lyrics by Steven Sondheim are the perfect opening show for this new venue, and while many people re unfamiliar with the show, as a show, they know several of the songs from other revues such as “Side By Side by Sondheim” (one of the numbers is ” Side By Side”, and “The Ladies Who Lunch”, “Marry Me A Little “, “Another Hundred People” (Courter nails this one) and “Being Alive” where Sajewich ruly shines! This is a classic Broadway show brought down to an intimate Cabaret performance and then we get cake ( after all, it is a birthday, isn’t it). Or is it?

“Company” will continue in the new Venus Cabaret Theater thru June 3rd with performances as follows:

Thursdays  7:30 p.m.

Fridays  7:30 p.m.

Saturdays  2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays  2:30 p.m.

Starting on May 16th, Wednesdays  at 7:30 p.m. will be added.

Tickets are $65 each, including appetizer and dessert and can be purchased at the box office, located at the theater 3745 N. Southport, by calling 773-325-1700 or online at www.mercurytheaterchicago.com.

Valet parking is available and of course, street parking can be sought out ( some metered, some by permit and a few spaces open) Watch the Cubs schedule for other restrictions and jams. It might be a great idea to use public transportation or use the valet, and enjoy the party!

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Company”.