Stephen Sondheim’s Company, presented by WAAPA’s third-year Music Theatre students, explores the themes of love, connection and commitment through one of musical theatre’s most celebrated scores.
The musical follows Bobby, a single New Yorker on the cusp of his thirty-fifth birthday. Surrounded by five married couples who gather to celebrate his birthday, Bobby finds himself examining the complexities of relationships, companionship and what it means to commit in a society that expects everyone to couple up.
From the opening moments, the cast establishes the energy and vibrancy required to bring Sondheim’s score to life. The ensemble’s voices blend harmoniously in the title number, Company, delivering a bright, powerful and resounding opening that immediately draws the audience into Bobby’s world.
The clever set design effectively fills the large performance space while the props, including illuminated birthday presents, adds to the celebratory atmosphere.
Among the supporting couples, Jess Suares and Oliver Miskovich shine as Sarah and Harry. Their strong rapport and comic timing make the competitive couple highly entertaining, particularly during their karate inspired exchanges.
Romy Devlin and Oscar Langmar bring a vibrant stage presence to Susan and Peter. Despite their characters announcing plans to divorce, the pair share an engaging chemistry on stage that connects with the audience. Similarly, Aydin Suitela and Abby Dickson deliver humour and authenticity as David and Jenny, capturing both the joy and challenges of young parenthood.
As Bobby, Cooper Williams appears somewhat tentative early in the performance. Whether due to opening night nerves or the enormity of the role, it takes him some time to fully settle into the character. However, by the second act he finds his footing, and his emotionally charged rendition of Being Alive provides the production with a powerful and satisfying climax.
At times, several musical numbers appeared to sit slightly too high for some performers, resulting in occasional vocal strain and a handful of cracked notes. Some solo numbers began at an emotional intensity that left limited room to build, thus reducing their dramatic impact.
Kushinka Jayewardene’s faultless rendition of Not Getting Married Today is executed at impressive speed and precision. Abby Dickson’s accompanying soprano, combined with her exaggerated reactions and expressive facial expressions, added to the song’s comedic success.
William Johnstone brings maturity and emotional depth to Paul, particularly during the wedding day sequence, while Charlotte Allen’s Marta delivers a passionate ode to New York City filled with enthusiasm and affection.
Jessie O’Connor is delightful as the dim witted air hostess April. Her butterfly sequence is delivered with impeccable timing, connecting strongly with the audience through both humour and sincerity, while Isabella Rath’s rendition of The Ladies Who Lunch is commanding and powerful. However, it lacks some of the playful recklessness and chaotic intoxication that often gives the number its distinctive edge.
The band, under the direction of Craig Dalton, performs Sondheim’s score with confidence and vigour. The musical number Side by Side by Side, embraces a vaudevillian aesthetic complete with canes, top hats, colourful pom poms and cleverly executed choreography. The number injects the production with visual flair and becomes one of the evening’s most memorable sequences.
Director Sonya Suares makes several interesting staging choices throughout the production. During Bobby and April’s bedroom scene, intimacy is conveyed through dancers rather than the actors themselves. While the concept is visually effective, the decision not to use a male and female dancer, left some ambiguity regarding the intended symbolism and felt somewhat disconnected from the scene being portrayed.
WAAPA’s third year Music Theatre students deliver a production of Sondheim’s Company that is filled with strong ensemble work, accompanied with some memorable performances and moments of emotional connection.
Company
Studio Underground – State Theatre Centre of WA, 174 – 176 William Street, Perth
Performance: Saturday 6 June 2026
Season continues to 11 June 2026
Information and Bookings: www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Images: The Cast of Company – photos by Stephen Heath
Review: Craig Dalglish