Bisom, Fogel & More Cast In Sondheim's COMPANY Opens 4/22 At Phoenix Theater

Phoenix Theatre will present a star-studded cast, including some of Phoenix's favorite actors, when Stephen Sondheim's Company opens on April 22, 2009 for a limited engagement. Company follows on the heals of Phoenix Theatre's biggest hit in its 88 year history, Les Miserables.

A Tony award winner for Best Musical, Company is an honest, witty and sophisticated look at relationships. On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert, a confirmed bachelor contemplates his unmarried state as do his married friends who weigh-in on the pros and cons of being alone, in love, commitment, sex and marriage.

Company was the first non-linear, concept musical, which is why many considered it to be the show to usher in the era of the "modern musical." The show recently played to packed houses in a 2006 revival on Broadway. A few of the most memorable songs include "Getting Married Today," "The Ladies Who Lunch," and "Being Alive."

Phoenix Theatre's Associate Artistic Director Robert Kolby Harper will direct and Resident Musical Director Alan Ruch will provide musical direction.

"Company is simply about relationships. Not just the good things about them. It's about the fights, the disappointments, the white lies but most of all the love that makes it all worthwhile," says Harper. "I can't remember when I've laughed so much in rehearsal."

John Bisom returns to Phoenix in the lead role as Robert. Bisom was last seen on the Phoenix Theatre stage as the lead in the Will Rogers Follies (Zoni award for Principal Actor in a Musical). Most recently, he was seen throughout the country in The Full Monty (Garland Award actor in a musical); Plaid Tidings; The Wizard of Oz (Ovation nomination); Bye Bye Birdie, and Johnny Guitar. A Los Angeles resident, Bisom has several tv/film credits including Desperate Housewives, ER, Veronica Mars, Charmed, Rosewell, and Three Sisters. His vocal talents are also in the Dreamworks animated film, Shrek. This summer, he will appear in the Utah Shakespearean Festival where he will be starring in Foxfire.

Joining Bisom on stage are several Phoenix favorites, including Kristen Drathman (Sarah), Lisa Fogel (Jenny), Jenny Hintze (Kathy), Dion Johnson (David), D. Scott Withers (Harry) and Gina Handy (Marta). Fogel, Handy and Hintze were all seen on stage in Phoenix Theatre's production of Les Miserables, that closed on April 5. Also on stage will be Ian Christiansen (Peter), Beth Reynolds (April), Molly Lajoie (Susan), Mike Lawler (Larry), Shawna Quain (Amy), Patti Davis Suarez (Joanne) and Toby Yatso (Paul).

Company is the final show of Phoenix Theatre's Epic 88th Mainstage Season. Subscriptions are now on sale for the 09/10 season and start at just $98 for six shows.

Single tickets range from $20-58 and are available by contacting the Phoenix Theatre box office at 602/254-2151 or on-line at phoenixtheatre.com

Phoenix Theatre is a not-for-profit corporation that offers a full range of theatrical programming currently in its 88th consecutive, producing year: Mainstage subscription series of musicals, comedies and dramas; the 28-year-old Cookie Company Theatre for young audiences and families; the annual New Works Festival; and PT Connections, supporting curricular and extra-curricular educational programs for all ages. It is a member of Theatre Communications Group, the national organization of professional theatres, employs members of the Actor's Equity Association, and is supported in part by the Phoenix Office of Arts and Culture, the Arizona Commission on the Arts, and hundreds of individual, corporate, and foundation donors.

Phoenix Theatre is located at 100 East McDowell Road, just east of The Phoenix Art Museum at Central and McDowell.

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