Britney Coleman Shines in the National Tour of “Company” in San Francisco
As the gender-swapped version of Stephen Sondheim’s classic musical “Company” reaches its final weeks at the Orpheum Theatre, actress Britney Coleman, who takes on the lead role of Bobbie, reflects on her experience during the ongoing national tour. Currently in San Francisco, Coleman is enthusiastic about celebrating Pride Month in a city rich with LGBTQ+ culture and history.
A Multifaceted Talent
Britney Coleman is no stranger to the spotlight. She participated in the world premiere of Andrew Lippa’s “Unbreakable” with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in 2018 and starred in the national tour of “Beetlejuice.” On Broadway, her credits include performances in “Tootsie” and the revival of “Sunset Boulevard.”
Embracing San Francisco’s Vibrant Culture
Coleman expresses her excitement for the city and its events: “I think we’ve been really looking forward to San Francisco because it is June, and because it is Pride Month.” She plans to visit destinations like the Mission district, Dolores Park, and Muir Woods, emphasizing her love for nature and local delicacies. “I’ll get a croissant from Tartine and just walk up to the park,” she shared.
The Journey of “Company”
This production of “Company” originated in London before making its way to Broadway in 2020. Although it was intended to premiere on March 22—Stephen Sondheim’s birthday—the pandemic postponed its debut until December 9, 2021, just two weeks after Sondheim’s passing at the age of 91.
Connection to Stephen Sondheim
Coleman fondly recalls her encounters with the iconic composer: “He did get to stop by and see a run through in the rehearsal room,” adding that their interactions were limited due to his age and health.
Being in the Spotlight
As one of the prominent faces in the marketing campaign for “Company,” Coleman acknowledges the challenges of embodying the show’s essence amidst her individual publicity. She noted, “I’m on stage the whole time, but I’m really acting as kind of a fulcrum for the company that I keep.” Despite the focus on her image, she wishes to highlight her co-stars, stating, “While it’s cool to see my face, I also wish it was everyone.”
Strategies for Life on Tour
Touring presents its challenges, which Coleman mitigates by maintaining a sense of routine. She travels with her own pillow for comfort and adheres to a consistent warm-up and workout regimen, seeking familiar grocery stores like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for a sense of normalcy.
Looking Ahead
As a fan of Sondheim’s work, Coleman has expressed interest in tackling more of his scores in the future. She reminisces about roles she hopes to play, including Johanna in “Sweeney Todd,” and keeps an eye on upcoming productions such as “Merrily We Roll Along” and “Follies.”
Celebrating Love in “Company”
For Coleman, one of the most poignant elements of the show, especially in light of Pride celebrations, is the “Not Getting Married Today” scene, which articulates the joy and normalization of love through its humor and heartfelt execution. She points out, “We are in a perfect place to really celebrate our show and what it means to a lot of people who haven’t seen themselves on stage represented in this way.”
Final Details
The national tour of “Company” runs through June 29 at the Orpheum Theatre, located at 1192 Market St., San Francisco. Tickets are available ranging from $55 to $224 at broadwaysf.com.
