White Theatre Stages Sondheim's COMPANY, Now thru 2/23

Stephen Sondheim's Company, nominated for fourteen Tony Awards and winning six, comes to the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center tonight, February 8th.

It's his 35th Birthday and bachelor Bobby (Joel Morrison) is examining the meaning of his unmarried, uncommitted state. Through vignettes with five unpredictable couples and three girlfriends, Bobby searches for meaning and explores the joys and risks of commitment. Company, set in New York City, mimics the sophisticated, frank, and often humorous rhythm of the bustling city at its best.

Director of Cultural Arts, Krista Blackwood, says "Sondheim and playwright George Furth weave a series of sketches of married life together into a cohesive whole that, with wit and wisdom, explores the eternal human conflict between the fear of intimacy and the fear of being alone. Whether you are single or married, Company will strike a chord and ultimately have you leaving the theater thrilled with the experience of being alive."

Cast member Samantha Agron describes the show as "very unique, since it's not your typical song and dance musical. It focuses on the characters, on the relationships and on telling these real life stories that are so true and so relatable."

Company is directed by Barb Nichols with musical direction by Martha Risser, who both made their White Theatre directing debut earlier this year with the smash hit LES MISERABLES.

A cast is at full tilt with the talent of 14 local actors making up the "company," most of whom auditioned for the chance to work with Nichols and Risser. Agron says, "Barb and Martha are one of the best directing teams in Kansas City. They know how to challenge you to think bigger and dig deeper while supporting you for the choices you make. It's a wonderful atmosphere to work in."

Company runs February 8 through February 23. For ticket information, go online at www.jcckc.org/company or contact the White Theatre Box Office at 913-327-8054.

The production staff of Company also features Assistant Music Director Michalis Koutsoupides and Choreographer Rob Reeder. The cast features Joel Morrison (Bobby), Mark Murphy (David), Laura Roose (Jenny), Kevin Bogan (Harry), Jan Lord (Sarah), Whitney Armstrong (Amy), John Edmonds (Paul), Lyndsey Agron (Susan), Curt Crespino (Peter), Cathy Wood (Joanne), Kipp Simmons (Larry), Samantha Agron (Marta), Maggie Gremminger (April), and Katie Bartow (Kathy.)