by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
You will be in good company if you plan a trip to the Jacksonville University campus on April 12, 13, 14, to experience the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth musical Company, and enjoy the refurbished Swisher Theatre (formerly called Swisher Auditorium.). Swisher has been around since the l950s, but it has not been in use for the past several years, as it needed an extensive upgrade. This theatre has a special spot in my heart, since I appeared on stage back in the days when Davis Sikes was head of the theatre department and held an original play contest for several years. I remember all the great performances here that were directed by George Ballis when he was head of the program.
You are going to love the space now. It has new seats with lots of leg room, new lights and sound system, and new orchestra pit. It is classy and will be a tremendous assist to the growth of the theatre department.
On stage to launch the good ship Swisher, you will enjoy what is considered one of the most highly innovative creations in musical and dramatic terms. Company has been one of my all time favorites since it came out in l970.
The story concerns Robert, a desirable bachelor in his 30s, very much badgered and lured into marriage, but put off by the grim marital relationships of five pairs of friends and by the ease with which he is able to meet and seduce women. He is handsome, charming, sophisticated and has an elegant apartment.
The show is a series of connected skits, with fourteen songs presented and very unique staging. Set Designer Ben Wilson has a large hardwood circular-raked stage in the center, with a universal homestyle bar used by all the couples. There are four terraces on the sides, and the backdrop is a jet-black sky with twinkling blue stars. The actors are miked with sound board operator Robbie Nelson doing a fine job of mixing the voices. On a couple occasions the sound was a bit too loud, especially when the entire cast was singing at the same time, but I am sure the system is still being tweaked.
Wardrobe chief, Renee LaCroix, has the cast dressed in selected apparel that looked like East-side New York.
Director Deborah Jordan has done some excellent casting, with wonderful and well trained voices. Larry (Bob Pritchard) and Joanne (Susan Pope) are husband and wife in the show and represent the middle aged set. Joanne sums it up best in the play saying “We are too young for the old people and too old for the young people.” They have some of the best laugh-lines in the show.
Bobby’s three girlfriends, as played by Kylie Farrell, Miranda Lawson, and Crystal Blanche, are all attractive and individual personalities.
Each of the couples contributes to the picture of marital and non-marital relations.
David (Dax Dyer) and Jenny (Renee Freeman) are parents trying pot. Amy (Nina Waters) and Paul (Clenton Hollinger) are long time lovers, nervously marrying. Susan (Amy Royster) and Peter (Jason Clement) are living together happily now that they have divorced. Harry (Josh Cohen) and Sarah (Missy Doehne) are a couple with each fighting an addiction (alcohol and food).
Alexandros Tsilogiannis is a senior and this will be your final chance to see him on stage, as he will be leaving for graduate school in London, England. I have heard and seen him in opera type roles previously and he’s marvelous as Bobby. My companion and I could not decide if he looks like Hugh Grant or Senfield, but I can see him with a very successful career in musical theatre if he does not choose operatic roles. He has a great voice and wonderful stage presence, so don’t miss his performance. Musical Director Robert W. Turdor conducted the orchestra of fourteen instruments and melded them with the excellent voices on stage to create a unique evening of musical entertainment.
I have reviewed this show at least five times in the past 25 years, and I can honestly say this is one of the best productions I have experienced.
Call 256-7345 to make reservations. Seats are general admission and I would advise sitting as close to center as possible. Please note: curtain time is 7:30 PM, and there is plenty of well lit and free parking on campus just a short walk from the new Swisher Theater.
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