John Michael Coppola Stars as 'Bobby' in Williams Street Rep's COMPANY, Now thru 2/16

Founding Artistic Director Richard Kuranda and Williams Street Repertory have announced that John Michael Coppola of Chicago's Jersey Boys will star as Bobby in their upcoming production of Company opening tonight, February 1, 2013 at Raue Center For The Arts.

Also joining the cast are; Matthias Austin (Peter), Sarah Breidenbach (Jenny), Chris Davis (David), Amy Ferraro (Sarah), Amanda Flahive (Amy), Frank Gaughan (Larry), Kate Hein (Marta), Mark R. Mahallak (Harry) and Dana Parker (April) are also cast in this production. WS Rep is pleased to welcome newcomers Teresa Arnold (Kathy), J. Matthew Madigan (Paul), Mary K. Nigohosian (Joanne) and Miriam Naponelli (Susan).

Crew credits also include Phillip Denofrio (Props), T Paul Lowry (Scenic & Projection Design) Johnny Dwyer (Technical Manager/Sound Designer), Pat Henderson (Stage Manager), Rebecca Lowry (Designer), Mike Potts (Music Director), Steve Spera (Lighting Designer) , Chesney Murphy (Choreographer) and Kate Wilford (General Manager/Understudy).

Richard Kuranda (O'Neill, Signature, Epic Rep, Actors Studio) directs the Musical as the company starts the new year.

Company will run through February 16, 2013 (select dates and times). The book is by George Furth, and music and lyrics are by Stephen Sondheim. Tickets are on sale now online via rauecenter.org, and through the Box Office at 26 N. Williams Street or by calling 815.356.9212.

During his 17 year career, John Michael Coppola has had the good fortune of appearing on the stages of some of the top regional and Off Broadway theatres in the US. Among them: the Duke Theatre, the Promenade Theatre, Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera, Goodspeed Opera House, Stages St. Louis and the Marriott Theatre. Career highlights also include appearing on the 59th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards, as well as sharing stages with Tony Award winners Patti LuPone and George Hearn.

Coppola's most notable success was his appearance in the Chicago and Las Vegas companies of the Tony Award winning musical, Jersey Boys, where he understudied and performed the role of Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons. From there he went on to perform with America's Hottest New Vocal Group, Under the Streetlamp, where he was a regular fill in for all four vocal parts for the group (although never at the same time).

John has also been seen on tour throughout the United States, Canada and Europe, including multiple productions of She Loves Me, 42nd Street, Flight of The Lawnchair Man, Hot Shoe Shuffle and Singin' in the Rain. Currently living in Chicago, along side his theater projects he also performs his solo concert throughout the region.

Williams Street Repertory (WS Rep) is a 501(c)3 non-profit Production Company in-house at Raue Center For The Arts. WS Rep is a new American theatre company dedicated to sustaining an artistic process of innovative and emotionally charged work, telling diverse stories with an ever growing company of well-respected local, regional and national artists. This unique hybrid model set in the Midwest has garnered high praise and yielded much growth. The inaugural seasons included The Rocky Horror Show, Run to the Capulets, Raise up the Montagues and The Fantasticks. For additional information, visit wsrep.org.

Raue Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of all through the arts. For 12 years, they have provided quality programming - striving to make it pertinent, available and affordable to all. As a painstakingly restored, 1920s regional Showcase Theatre named for its benefactor-Lucile Raue-Raue Center has attracted the finest stars, Broadway shows, musicians and artists. Named on the League of Historic American Theatres, Raue Center is one of the finest examples of restored art and decor in the nation. The 750-seat theatre, located in historic, downtown Crystal Lake, is a gathering place for our region's citizens and has become a true destination. For additional information, visit rauecenter.org.

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