Improv does something

"Company" to Come…

As a prelude to the premiere of the Performing Arts' 2010 spring season, Professors and Directors Lynne Morrow and Adrian Elfenbaum welcome everyone to partake in an exploration into the heart of their upcoming production: Stephen Sondheim and George Furth's award-winning Broadway musical "Company". On Thursday, February 11th at 12 noon in Schulz 3001 Morrow and Elfenbaum will, for an hour, discuss the production they have manifested and nurtured for the past 15 months. The discussion promises to enlighten its audience with the passion and conviction of its speakers as well as the relevance and intrigue of its subject.

            The two directors teamed up for a third time (Morrow taking over musical direction and Elfenbaum in charge of the stage). As their production creeps toward premiering, they are open to share their experience and understanding of "Company". Their discussion stems from a profound appreciation of the musical and lyrical author Stephen Sondheim. Both rejoice in the genius of Sondheim and persuade any musical theater skeptic to attend their production.

Even as directors of the show and its music, the two are, at the heart, fans that marvel at the musical's creative genius. Elfenbaum is fervent, saying Sondheim "gets right to your heart" that his lyrics become "emotionally connected to it". The music in their production is a vessel of inspiration that speaks to the basic human condition.

Through the forum, Morrow also hopes that she will succeed in creating an understanding of the very art, substance and impact of musicals, and change the common misconceptions and cynicisms that seem to surround them. Both assert that Sondheim is an influential voice that speaks toward American life; it would be a shame that voice go unheard by those unconvinced of the true impact of the "musical".

            Despite the inspiration of the music, Morrow and Elfenbaum will explain the relevance that a 1970's Broadway musical, set in New York, has to today's audience. The connection to us today, bridges the distance of time and place as the story speaks to conditions growing throughout humanity. A commonality between the musical and today's society: the single man who fears commitment. The setting aside, this issue speaks volumes in relevance.

Morrow and Elfenbaum are excited to illustrate the story and meaning of their main character's trials, challenges. Their man, Bobby, does, in fact, represent many "Bobbys" in 2010. In essence, he is an aging man who is afraid: to commit, to be alone and to fail in finding "perfection". These fears touch the lives of men aging, women aging, people not aging, people merely living. Other than that, it is funny, and humor is universal.

            In and of itself, the discussion promises to be enriching. Morrow and Elfenbaum plan to penetrate the tough hearts of performing arts critics with their insights and explanations, all driven by a passion for art. Their clarifications on the musical's history, importance, relevance and story will deepen the feel for the production, and maybe even for the process of creating art.

            Regardless of the fascinating ins and outs of "Company", it's meaning for Morrow and Elfenbaum at SSU, lies in the students. They will re-create a Broadway hit, but their growth and work make the process worthwhile. SSU's Performing Arts music and theater department, quoting Morrow, does a show "Every Year!" They crave the audience and the chance for everyone to share in such a personal but open and exhilarating experience. "Company" is an opportunity to share in a show that "distills the human experience down to a moment and a song". Morrow and Elfenbaum will hold the lecture, but also prompt you to go see "Company".