Relationships, Commitment Issues Take Center Stage in Company

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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University Theatre will close its 2012-2013 season with the musical Company, which opens on Friday, April 19, and runs until Sunday, April 28. This award-winning musical, directed by visiting professor Kate Frank (Cabaret, Urinetown, The Musical), features a cast of graduate and undergraduate students from the department of drama in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, this acclaimed production follows the life of Bobby, a New York bachelor with commitment issues, his three girlfriends, and the five married couples who are his closest friends. Based on a book by George Furth, the 1970 production is unique for its method for storytelling. Instead of events following a chronological story, it is composed of vignettes. The scenes unfold in no particular order, but all link back to Bobby’s 35^th birthday. 

Nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony awards, the production won six, including Best Original Music. It includes a number of well-known musical numbers, such as “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Side By Side By Side” and “Being Alive.” The production is rated PG-13 due to mature subject matter. 

Cast members include Kieran Cronin as Bobby, Kara George as Sarah, Travis Deal as Harry, 
Missy Maramara as Jenny, Curtis Longfellow as David, Ryan Breakell as Susan, Mason Azbill as Peter, Hannah Maxwell as Amy, Nate Stahlke as Paul, Laura Shatkus as Joanne, James Odom as Larry, Loren McDaniel as Marta, Maegan Hickerson as April and Debbie Banos as Kathy, with musical direction by Jeannie Lee, choreography by Gail Leftwich, scenic design by Michael J. Riha, costume design by Patricia J. Martin and lighting design by D. Andrew Gibbs.

Company performances are April 19, 20 and 24-27 at 8 p.m. and April 21 and 28 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and university faculty and staff and $7 for children under 18. University of Arkansas students may see the show for free on April 24 and 25 or purchase a student ticket for $3 to any of the other performances. 

Tickets may be purchased at the University Theatre Box Office in the lobby of the Fine Arts Center. The box office will be open from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and two hours prior to each performance. For reservations by phone, call (479) 575-4752. Tickets may also be purchased online at theatre.uark.edu. University Theatre accepts cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, Discover and American Express. Students must come to the box office in person, with valid university identification, to obtain free or discounted tickets.

Parking is available in the Stadium Drive Parking Facility and is free after 5 p.m. Entrance to the parking facility is on Stadium Drive, and the facility’s elevator will take patrons to street level directly across from the Fine Arts Center.