Bobby is the first name of the unmarried central character in the Broadway musical Company.
Company follows Robert, usually called Bobby, as he observes the marriages and relationships of his friends. The character’s unmarried status gives the musical its central perspective: he is surrounded by couples while reconsidering his own ideas about intimacy and commitment.
Stephen Sondheim wrote the music and lyrics, and George Furth wrote the book. The musical opened at the Alvin Theatre on April 26, 1970, and won the Tony Award for Best Musical.
The character is sometimes identified simply as Robert in cast lists and reference works, but “Bobby” is the short name used throughout the show. This distinguishes him from several married male characters, including Harry, Paul, and David.