Most Marinites know 142 Throckmorton in Mill Valley, the pre-professional theater training program for youth. This month, the teen group is presenting the second of their Season of Stephen Sondheim shows: the multiple-Tony Award-winning Company.
“Everyone who heard we were doing Company with teenagers thought we were nuts,” says co-director/choreographer Erin Gentry. “But it made sense to us because we knew these kids and knew how much they love to be challenged.”
“That’s true,” confirms program director Reba Gilbert. “These kids always rise to the challenge.”
If one doesn’t know the show, Company is the first non-linear concept musical. It’s considered a cornerstone of the post-Golden Age of Broadway musicals. Originally produced in 1970, the show follows perpetual bachelor Bobby as his 35th birthday approaches. Exploring themes of dating, divorce, commitment and loneliness, this show is usually seen as very adult.
“It’s actually perfect for teenagers,” Gentry says. “You don’t need to be married or divorced to understand the nuances in relationships. The teen years are the most complicated times in someone’s life when it comes to navigating that nuance.
“Some of the kids surprised us at auditions,” Gilbert adds, “by telling us that Company was their favorite show. But it’s not really that surprising. Since it’s told in vignettes, it is deeply modern in format. The show is always moving, which is perfect for current attention spans.”
Despite the modern format, co-directors Gentry and Adam Maggio have decided to do the play in the era it was written. “I had to teach the kids how to use a phone,” Gentry notes with a laugh. “They had no concept of handsets or a phone service.”
However, Gentry was not surprised by how authentically the teenagers are responding to their roles. “They are playing vulnerable real people. It’s why I knew I had to work with Adam for the play; he is a great director for scene study,” Gentry points out.
“This is probably the closest we’ve come to a straight show,” Gilbert adds, “but also, this show is really funny.”
“It really is,” Gentry confirms. “Everyone will find something relatable. It’s about how we get through the world with and without each other. There is a character in the show for everyone to relate to.”
“Also, the show is double cast,” Gilbert says. “So you can watch it twice in a weekend and not see the same show.
Gilbert adds, “Just, please, don’t wait until closing weekend.”
Throckmorton Youth Performers present ‘Company’ through March 22 at the Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley. Fri & Sat, 7pm; Sun, 2pm. $30-$48. 415.383.9600. throckmortontheatre.org.
