COMPANY Plays MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, 5/18-6/3

It's Bobby's 35^th birthday and it's a complicated affair.  Pierrot Productions presents the Tony Award-winning musical "Company" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre.  Dates and show times for this Sondheim classic are Fridays, May 18, 25 and June 1 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, May 19, 26 and June 2 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, May 20, 27 and June 3 at 2 p.m. Kelsey Theatre is located on Mercer's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road.  A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on May 18.

"Company" features the unforgettable music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim, based on the book by George Furth.  The plot focuses on the birthday boy, Bobby, and his numerous relationships – as a single man with three girlfriends and five married couples that he counts as close friends. The audience is invited into Bobby's circle, as the story unfolds in short vignettes, all tied together by the theme of Bobby's birthday.  

"Company" was among the first musicals to focus on adult themes and relationships - a comedy-drama that deals with upper middle-class people with upper middle-class problems. It has been embraced by theatergoers, who have recognized some of their own angst being played out on stage. 

The original production, which opened on Broadway in 1970, was nominated for a record-setting fourteen Tony Awards, winning six. Each time the show has returned to the Broadway and West End stages, it has reaped more awards and acclaim, making it one of the most celebrated shows in history.

The show's memorable musical score includes songs such as The Little Things You Do Together, Another Hundred People, Getting Married Today, The Ladies Who Lunch, Being Alive, as well as the title song. 

The cast is led by Jim Petro of Hamilton as Bobby; Lauren Parsons of Delran, Mariel Rosati of Ivyland, and Shannon Rakow of Jackson as his girlfriends; and Laraine Alison of Princeton, Dwayne Bailey of Hamilton, Michael Gearty of Langhorne, Reba Holley of Pennington, Paul Lasky of Woodbridge, Cathy Liebars of Langhorne, Debbie Lingel of Belle Mead, Rob Rodriguez of Hamilton, Peter Sauer of Yardley, and Aziza Seven of Lawrenceville as the five couples who feel they know what's best for Bobby.

This production is directed by Pete LaBriola, with choreography by Kat Kline and musical direction by Pam Sharples and Lou Woodruff. 

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Kelsey Theatre box office at 609-570-3333, or online at  HYPERLINK www.kelseytheatre.net.  Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.

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