The Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park wants your theatergoing experience to be as enjoyable as possible. Following is a list of content within Company that may be of concern to some members of our audience. Please understand that some information may give away surprises within the story. The information is provided to help you make informed decisions. Keep in mind, however, that the language and themes outlined below, taken out of context, may seem more offensive than they would be within the context of the actual play. This information will continue to be updated until the opening of the show to address any changes that may occur throughout the rehearsal process. Please check back often.

Company is suitable for adult and most teenage audiences. It contains mature themes and mild adult language.

This Tony Award-winning hit musical is a revolutionary, unconventional look at love and commitment in a complex modern world. Company is a remarkably honest, clever and sophisticated portrayal of five married couples as seen through the eyes of their mutual friend Robert. The story takes place on the occasion of Robert’s 35th birthday, and he’s about to walk in on a surprise party thrown by his closest friends. Through a series of vignettes, the audience meets them as Robert weighs the pros and cons of wedded life, comparing the good and bad aspects of their marriages with three of his own less than perfect partnerships.

The first couple viewed in depth is Sarah and Harry. He’s trying to quit drinking, while she’s obsessively dieting. Except that both are failing miserably. The tension this causes becomes obvious in a demonstration they stage for Robert of karate maneuvers Sarah has been learning in a new class. Robert eventually breaks up the competition, and, as he’s leaving, he sees the two as they exist in quieter moments together, clearly happy in spite of their arguing.

On the terrace of their New York apartment, Peter and Susan appear to Robert to be the couple most perfectly matched. That is, until Robert becomes the first person to learn that they are planning to get a divorce. Later, when he visits them again, they are happier than ever … thanks especially to the termination of their marriage.

In a den surrounded by toys and with their children sleeping upstairs, Jenny and David fear they are becoming old and square, a fact they try to remedy by “keeping up with the kids” and getting stoned for the night. David tells Robert that a person isn’t really complete until he’s married, while Robert continues to make excuses. He says he’s not avoiding marriage but rather it is avoiding him, a statement with which three of his current girlfriends seem to take objection. Robert imagines the perfect woman as an amalgamation of all of his friends’ wives, and begins to fear that he might have missed his opportunity to find her.

Robert’s objections to marriage are put clearly back in focus as he witnesses the complete meltdown of bride-to-be Amy on the day of her wedding. Ultimately, Amy calms her nerves and realizes that Paul is good for her. But Robert’s moment of truth comes in a drunken evening at a nightclub with Joanne and Larry, his wealthy, older friends. Joanne’s acerbic personality appears to indicate a disdain for marriage. But Larry insists that this outward contempt is just for show and that Joanne is a different person when others aren’t around. Still, Joanne urges Robert not to marry, and tells him that she’ll take care of him instead. In reply, Robert questions who he’ll take care of, and Joanne recognizes that he’s reached a turning point.

Ultimately, the show’s message stresses that, while commitment may be difficult, being alone is impossible. A comic and touching tale, Company explores not only fear and longing but also the simple joys of being alive.

Company contains only the mild use of adult language. This includes “hell” (eight times), “dam*” or “goddam*” (once), “sh*t” (once), “ass” (12 times), “son-of-a-b**ch” (five times), “crap” (twice) and several expressions invoking God’s name (“Oh God,” “Oh Jesus,” “Crissake” and “For God’s sake”).

Two characters demonstrate karate-style maneuvers.

A cigarette may be smoked briefly onstage. Several characters drink alcohol in various scenes. In one vignette, two of them appear to become visibly drunk. In another scene, three characters smoke marijuana.

Robert is a bit of a playboy, juggling multiple girlfriends at the same time. In one scene, he climbs into bed with one of them. Characters kiss onstage. One male character asks another if he ever has participated in a homosexual experience, and both men admit that they have.