When Jack Watson saw the play “Company” for the first time on Broadway in 1971, he had no idea he would direct it 35 years later. The original in New York further engulfed Watson’s interest in theater, helping him wind up as a director of more than 100 plays and a theater professor.
In his last play at the University, Watson takes the helm of the University Theatre’s rendition of “Company,” debuting at the Robinson Theatre Friday. Tickets are $6 for students.
Steven Sondheim, a Tony, Grammy and Oscar winner, wrote “Company” as a non-traditional play that doesn’t tell a linear story but examines the larger issue of marriage through a series of vignettes. The plot centers around Bobby, a single 35-year-old man whose friends are all in committed relationships. With suggestions that he settle down plaguing him, Bobby begins to think about what married life would be like. He struggles with commitment issues and fears married life after visiting several “happy” couples.
Watson said the play’s intent isn’t to tell a story but to examine the values and defects of marriage in a comic way.
“I’m a big fan of Steven Sondheim,” he said. “I still consider (the play) to be one of the smartest shows I’ve ever seen. It has a depth of thought a lot of musicals lack. I didn’t want to do another piece of froth.”
Watson added that although “Company” is a musical, it’s more serious than most. But he said the piece blends together comedy, music and drama exceptionally. The audience sees the couple that bickers, the bride-to-be with cold feet and the couple that smokes pot all the time. All of these situations, Watson said, add to the comedy and depth of the piece, as well as the audience’s ability to relate to the characters.
“Marriage is an issue a lot of students have to deal with. I think the question of commitment and permanence and change is something we all face and this play takes a look at all of it,” Watson said.
At the University for 19 years, Watson will finish teaching in the spring and finish directing at the University after “Company.” This musical is the last University play he will direct, but he said it hasn’t hit him yet.
“I’m just enjoying it right now. On closing night there will probably be some nostalgia, but I’m just living in the moment,” he said. “But I’m not done with theater just because I’m done here.”
The director said he’s focusing on opening night and not thinking too much about life after the University. One reason Watson likes the play is because it comprises only 14 cast members He said that the small cast makes it easier to work one-on-one with the actors to perfect the piece.
One supporting actor in “Company” is Natali de Assis, a University sophomore, who is cast in the role of Kathy, one of Bobby’s three girlfriends. She said everyone involved in the production has contributed to the quality of the play.
“The play is such a collaboration on all fronts. The writing, directing and production all create this community,” she said.
De Assis said the production of “Company” has been unforgettable.
“The experience has been amazing,” she said. “Everyone is at such a high caliber and level of professionalism. The end result is a really polished show.”
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