The incredible Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and George Furth’s Company comes to the Forrest Theatre November 28th through December 10th. It’s the winner of five 2022 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival. The Kimmel Cultural Campus is also a member of the Independent Presenter’s Network, a producer of the original Broadway revival production and shares in the Tony Award win!
I talked to cast member Beth Stafford Laird who is from nearby Wayne, PA! Beth is one of the show’s seven understudies and covers both Bobbie and Jenny. Read more about Company and the character of Bobbie, how the revival has been updated for the 21st century, and how Beth prepares for the show each night. She also gives us some insight on her latest birthday celebrations and her favorite spots to visit in Philly. Take note!
Q: Tell us about Bobbie! What should the audience know about her?
A: Well to me, the best way to learn about Bobbie is to come see the show! But for a little context- the show opens on Bobbie coming home to her NYC apartment on her 35th birthday. While her many married friends bombard her with overwhelming attention and affection, we watch as Bobbie’s reality becomes distorted, similar to Alice falling down the rabbit hole, forcing her to face daunting questions about what she wants in her life. What we learn is gleaned from her interactions with her crazy friends. We see through her eyes the things about marriage that amuse her, terrify her, intimidate her, shock her, entice her.
The other important thing to know is in the original 1970 production of Company, Bobby was written as a man. So this re-imagining of the show, set today for a woman turning 35, takes on an entirely new and relatable context, begging us to ask ourselves the implicit pressures we place on women and who they should be, whether married or not. Being 35 myself, and only recently married, I find this part particularly fun to explore.
Q: As the role’s understudy, what’s a typical show day look like for you?
A: Every day starts with coffee. Sometimes several coffees. I try to fit in the gym a few days a week before work, so sometimes there’s that. But mostly, unless it’s a two-show-day, I’ll have rehearsal in the middle of the afternoon. I am one of a team of seven understudies, of whom each cover between three and five roles in the show. No small feat. So in rehearsal, we’ll pick the characters we’re focusing on and we’ll work choreographic moments, do scene work, practice prop and set movements, and review music. Every night in the show, I play a small part as the “Bobbie Double” so I’ll do my makeup, and get into my wig and costume for those moments. Otherwise, there’s more down time for reviewing, making notes, watching certain sections of the show, or chatting with other cast mates. And I certainly do a lot of chatting!
Q: Did you get a chance to see the revival on Broadway?
A: I did. It was beautiful and moving. I also happened to see it on a day where there were many cast members out of the show due to Covid. But I love getting to see understudies perform. And while I wouldn’t know it at the time, I saw three of the four folks who joined our touring cast from the Broadway company performing that night! Kismet, if you ask me.
Q: Why was it important for you to be a part of this production?
A: I’ve been in love with the music from this show since I saw the 2006 Broadway revival with Raúl Esparza. My mom and I went to see it, knowing absolutely nothing about it, and I came out a devotee. Soon, I had the original soundtrack playing on repeat. So, to have the chance to play an iconic role that very few women in the world have had a chance to play, in a production conceptualized and directed by a woman (Marianne Elliot), and visually designed by a woman (Bunnie Christie), feels monumental.
Q: Is there a Bobbie scene or song that you consider a favorite?
A: I’m still figuring out my favorite moments! Already there are many contenders. The opening number “Company” is probably at the top right now. But I really love how it feels to sing “Marry Me A Little”. “Side by Side” is just so unhinged in a beautifully fun way. “Barcelona” is such brilliant scene work written into song. I could honestly go on and on.
Q: How did you celebrate your most recent birthday?
A: Well, a few days before, I had a small gathering at a bar in Manhattan to see friends and say goodbye, because my actual birthday happened to fall on my last night at home in NY before hitting the road with the show. So in light of my turning the same age as Bobbie, I went with my husband, whose birthday is also three days before mine, to an incredible steak and martini dinner at Gage & Tollner in Brooklyn. It felt like a very “Ladies Who Lunch” kind of evening, in the best way.
Q: What Philadelphia spots are you hoping to introduce your cast members to while Company stops here?
A: Oh wow, lots: Reading Terminal Market, The Magic Gardens on South Street, my personal favorite cheesesteak spot, Ishkabibbles. Philly soft pretzels. Mussels, fries, and beer at Monk’s Cafe. Federal Donuts. Any of the museums. For first timers, they’ve obviously got to run the Rocky Steps, but for my own nostalgia, the Franklin Institute and the Barnes Foundation. A night out in the Gayborhood. And since it’ll be close to the holidays, the Christmas Village at City Hall!
For tickets and info, visit the The Kimmel Cultural Campus website.
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