Company – the misadventures and challenges around navigating relationships – on stage until Feb 8, 2026 (Toronto)

Company follows a bachelor named Bobby who is approaching his 35th birthday and has mixed feelings about the idea of getting married.

Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks and even a wedding, his friends–some of whom have happy marriages, others on the brink of divorce–explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse. Through it all, Bobby wonders, “What do you get?” Director Dylan Trowbridge offers a fresh new take on this concept musical–one of Sondheim’s most complex, revolutionary and distinctive works–which Sondheim himself said is about “the challenge of maintaining relationships in a society becoming increasingly depersonalized”–a reality that could not be more relevant today.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW

Another production from Talk is Free Theatre (TIFT), a Barrie, Ontario based company known for presenting original content in unique spaces. This time however, they’re presenting a well-known musical in a traditional theatre setting, and it comes across as less courageous and challenging that their previous endeavours. It’s unclear as to why, however a few factors may allude to, such as the large cast ensemble, the overly long musical numbers including the prolonged opening number, the 2.5 hour runtime, or perhaps just the dated storyline that was originally written in 1970. With over a dozen central characters, it becomes a challenge for each and everyone to build on themselves and resonate with the audience. As well, often the musical numbers were drawn out with not much added in return with regard to the storyline, instead leaving the audience longing for the dialogue to return. The story itself, while aiming toward a comedic tale of fractured relationships, comes across more as a flat narrative. Here’s hoping future TIFT productions return to their roots with original and catipativing productions in non-traditional venues.

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Book by George Furth, Directed by Dylan Trowbridge. Winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best Book

Company – Jan 15 to Feb 8, 2026 – The Theatre Centre – 1115 Queen Street West, Toronto – Tickets

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.