Company is in some ways divided into two sections: Act 1 - "Bobby looks at his life" Act 2 - "Bobby looks at his options" The Peter / Bobby scene fits in with exploring those options and while it can be played for laughs, it sounds to me like a period-appropriate awkward pick-up attempt from a newly divorced man exploring hisnsexuality. It needn't be creepy as sexual attention needn't always be creepy, but it can make the divorce make more sense and present another available path for Bobby to reject. What kind of relationship does Bobby want? Casual with almost strangers? (His solid back up is moving on and no longer available.) Casual with a buddy? A kept boy on the side? These are the options if he wants a relationship without much committment. Which brings us to Being Alive.
I think the Peter / Bobby scene can work as a part f his reconning with the avenues open to someone who is aging but unwilling to committ much. I certainly agree it is a challenge to get right in the actual playing. |
