WCSU To Stage Musical Comedy COMPANY

Western Connecticut State University will present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy "Company" next month in the Studio Theatre of the Visual and Performing Arts Center on the university's Westside campus, 43 Lake Ave. Extension in Danbury.

The WCSU Department of Theatre Arts production, directed by Adjunct Instructor of Theatre Arts John Hickok, will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 6; Saturday, April 7; Friday, April 13; and Saturday, April 14; with 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday, April 7; Sunday, April 8; Saturday, April 14; and Sunday, April 15.

A 1970 musical comedy with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, "Company" was nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards and won six for its original production. Originally titled "Threes," the plot revolves around a single man, Bobby, five married couples who are his best friends and his three girlfriends. Unlike most book musicals, which depict a clear storyline, "Company" is a concept musical composed of short vignettes, presented in no particular chronological order, linked by a celebration for Bobby's 35th birthday.

Hickok is a director and actor who has been involved with productions on Broadway, across the country and in London that range from classics to musicals. Doing "Company" was seen as a challenge to him that he was ready to take on.

"This unusual story of a bachelor torn between his demanding married friends and crazy girlfriends is brimming with hilarious and heartbreaking songs, which have become theatre classics," Hickok said. "I was drawn to it as a director because, despite irresistible music and a fun book full of great roles, it's known in theatre circles as a 'problem play.' In other words, no one's really sure what it's trying to say, but I love a good challenge. I knew with our amazing cast of gifted students, the fantastic choreography of the Tony-nominated Liz Parkinson and the magical musical direction of Howard Kilik, we'd have no trouble sorting it all out. Please come see what we've discovered!"

The cast features Isiah Bostic, of Hamden, in the role of Bobby; Olivia Kurtz, of Andover, as Sarah; Sergio Mandujano, of Norwalk, as Harry; Alaina Mueller, of Windsor, as Susan; Michael Katz, of Monroe, as Peter; Emily Gray, of Southington, as Jenny; Mark Summer, of Middletown, as David; Jaclyn Mercer, of New Milford, as Amy; Nathan Clift, of Trumbull, as Paul; Caleigh Lozito, of Bristol, as Joanne; Luis DeJesus, of East Haven, as Larry; Shaylen Harger, of Orange, as Marta; Victoria Wall, of Wallingford, as April; and Joelle Tshudy, of Belvidere, New Jersey, as Kathy.

Female understudies for the cast are Alexandra Colavecchio, of Cromwell; Emma Giorgio, of Ridgefield; and Megan Aviles, of Stratford. Male understudies are Thomas Bergamo, of Wolcott; Colin Gallaher, of Wappingers Falls, New York; and Carter Smith, of Ledyard.

The crew includes Hickok, Pam McDaniel as producer, T. Michael as assistant director, Frank Herbert as production manager, Vitoria Gelling as stage manager, Howard Kilik as music director, Elizabeth Parkinson as choreographer, Joshua Rose as technical director and lighting designer, Maiko Chii as set designer, Sharon Sobel as costume designer and John Hartman as sound designer.

Hickok added, "Sometimes you have to divorce your friends a little before you can really think about getting married."

Tickets are available online or in person with cash only at the Visual and Performing Arts Center box office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Wednesday through Friday.

For more information, contact the Office of University Relations at (203) 837-8486.

Western Connecticut State University offers outstanding faculty in a range of quality academic programs. Our diverse university community provides students an enriching and supportive environment that takes advantage of the unique cultural offerings of Western Connecticut and New York. Our vision: To be an affordable public university with the characteristics of New England's best small private universities.

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