Last night, WAAPA 3rd year Musical Theatre students opened their sold-out season of Stephen Sondheim’s award-winning musical Company, directed by visiting artist Sonya Suares. Studio Underground at Perth’s State Theatre came alive with 1970s charm, high energy and eccentricity. WAAPA students never fail to deliver work that feels fully professional.
Company, which premiered in 1970, is an unconventional musical that features a series of non-linear, comedic vignettes. The story follows single Manhattanite Bobby, on the cusp of turning 35, who faces increasing pressure from his coupled friends to get married.
Unsure of what, or who, he wants, Bobby observes the dynamics of the couples around him, reflecting on marriage, commitment and the meaning and purpose of company. WAAPA’s production, under Suares’ direction, teases out the musical’s nuanced and witty exploration of connection and loneliness.
Suares’ production emphasises the ambiguity and paradoxes of relationships and marriage. Inspired by the prevalence of loneliness in contemporary, tech-driven society, her direction is intelligent and grounded. She identified why Company remains topical more than fifty years after its debut and elevates these themes with intention and wit.
In her Director’s Note, Suares describes perceiving the show existing in a ‘psychological space’ rather than strictly 1970s New York, a concept well-reflected in her direction. Suares blends musical conventions to support the non-linear storytelling, granting the students the opportunity to showcase their range.
The set and costume design, directed by Beck Bogñalbal and designed and created by WAAPA’s Production and Design students, is both fitting and beautiful. The set evokes a 1970s New York penthouse, complete with neon lights, a sunken couch, a retro drinks cart and an abundance of swirling patterns.
The costumes feature classic silhouettes of the era, including bootleg pants, bell sleeves, men in heeled boots, florals and bold colours and patterns. Paired with delicate lighting design, spotlights and cool hues, the scenography is immersive and well-developed.
The band, positioned off to the side, seemed to be a highlight for many audience members. Directed by WAAPA’s Craig Dalton and performed by Music students, the musicians are precise and expressive.
The choreography, directed by visiting artist Bernie Bernard, is diverse, playful and technically challenging. The cast confidently executes dance routines across a range of styles including Tap, Contemporary and Broadway Jazz. Particularly memorable is the comedic stage-combat sequence between Sarah (Jess Suares) and Harry (Oliver Miskovich), whose bold karate scene enticed laughs from the audience.
The 3rd year Musical Theatre cohort deserves special praise for their talent and professionalism. The production features a range of American accents, dance styles and musical genres, and each cast member is poised, well-rehearsed and consistent in their delivery.
The couples are well-cast, with authentic and believable chemistry. Cooper Williams, as Bobby, anchors the show with vulnerability. Company is a long musical, and Williams remains composed and emotionally present throughout. His performance of Being Alive is warm and heartfelt.
Interestingly, this production felt like a showcase for the female characters, who seem to be given more depth and complexity. The students rose to the challenge. Abby Dickson, as Jenny, delivers a stand-out performance. Her vocal technique and control in the stylised choral sections of Getting Married Today is excellent, and her portrayal of stoned Jenny showcases terrific comedic timing.
Kushinka Jayewardene (Amy) demonstrates remarkable vocal control in the notoriously difficult, fast-paced sections of the same number, never faltering. WAAPA continues to uphold an incredibly high standard.
The cast and crew capture the essence of Company and bring it into 2026. It is no surprise that audiences continue to resonate with this musical, and last night’s crowd clearly did. The careful direction made it evident that the themes were well-understood and interpreted.
There were moments where the musical’s 1970s origin were unmistakable as certain lines didn’t translate seamlessly into today. I’d be curious to see a fully modern adaptation; what aspects would change and what would remain.
Congratulations to WAAPA’s Musical Theatre students for a sold-out season of Company. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed!
Company is presented by the WAAPA 3rd year Musical Theatre students and runs to 11 June at Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA. 174 – 176 William Street Perth WA 6000.
Tickets: https://boxoffice.waapa.ecu.edu.au/Events
Website: https://www.artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/venues/state-theatre-centre-of-wa/whats-on/company/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/waapa.ecu/
Photo credits: Stephen Heath Photography
