Los Altos Stage Company to Present COMPANY, 5/29-6/28

The Los Altos Stage Company presents a groundbreaking, award-winning musical by one of the most popular theater artists of all time. Stephen Sondheim's Company opens May 29 and runs through June 28 at the Bus Barn Theater in Los Altos.

Winner of six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Company is the story of Bobby, a 30-something bachelor, and his inability to commit to a long-term relationship, even with himself. Witnessing the trials and tribulations of his friends-five married, once married or soon to be married couples-Bobby struggles to understand the reason for "couplehood." Eventually, he comes to believe that while relationships are far from perfect, they are a necessary part of 'Being Alive'.

Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. As Sondheim put it, "Broadway theater [had] been for many years supported by upper-middle-class people with upper-middle-class problems. These people really want[ed] to escape that world when they [went] to the theatre, and then here we [were] with Company talking about how we're going to bring it right back in their faces." Company literally set the stage for the ensuing explosion of contemporary musical theater.

Company is directed by Carol Fischer, Adjunct Professor of Theatre Arts at West Valley College. The production features a talented ensemble of Bus Barn Theater veterans, as well as a few new faces, including: Adam Cotugno as Robert; Melissa Reinertson as Sarah; Michael Rhone as Harry; Skye Wilson as Jenny; Andy Rotchadl as David; Kristin Walter as Amy; Aaron Vanderbeek as Paul; Mary Gibboney as Joanne; Scott Stanley as Larry; Kate Leyva as Susan; Vanessa Alvarez as Petey; Maureen O'Neil as April; Alexis Rogers as Marta; Jennifer Mitchell as Kathy; Clara Walker as Kathy swing/Understudy.

Performances are Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 8 pm and Sunday matinees at 3 pm.

Ticket prices range from $18 (student) to $36. Opening Night tickets, including a reception with the artists, are $38. Tickets are available on-line at www.losaltosstage.org or by calling the Box Office at (650) 941-0551.

The Los Altos Stage Company is a quintessential American neighborhood playhouse, serving Los Altos and the greater South Bay area, and paying tribute to the full cannon of American musicals, comedies, and dramas. This 19-year-old theater company strives to bring together a diversity of theater enthusiasts, practitioners, and supporters to create, explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of American culture and experience through live theater. The Los Altos Stage produces five to six shows annually at its intimate 99-seat theater located on the Los Altos Civic Center campus.

Photo by Joyce Goldschmid