Jim Stanek and More to Star in COMPANY at Pittsburgh Public Theater, 1/23-2/23

At the center of Pittsburgh Public Theater's MASTERPIECE SEASON is a brand-new staging of the musical comedy Company, directed and choreographed by Ted Pappas. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, Company runs January 23 - February 23, 2014 at the O'Reilly Theater, Pittsburgh Public Theater's home in the heart of Downtown's Cultural District. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org. Company is presented by Highmark.

Leading an 11-member orchestra, the musical director for Company is F. Wade Russo, who was last here for The Public's smash-hit production of 1776. Company's songs include "Another Hundred People," "Side by Side by Side," "Barcelona," "The Ladies Who Lunch," and "Being Alive."

Company evokes the excitement of Manhattan where eligible bachelor, Robert, is surrounded by five married couples and three single women. Robert will be played by Pittsburgh native Jim Stanek, whose Broadway credits include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Rivals, Little Women, Lestat, and The Story of My Life.

As yet unable to make a commitment of his own, Robert supports his married friends and hears about the ups and downs of their relationships. The couples are: Harry and Sarah (Benjamin Howes and Nancy Anderson), Peter and Susan (Paul Binotto and Elizabeth Broadhurst), David and Jenny (Daina Michelle Griffith and Daniel Krell), Paul and Amy (Billy Hepfinger and Courtney Balan), and Larry and Joanne (Darren Eliker and Judy Blazer). Robert's girlfriends are: Kathy (Lee Harrington), April (Lara Hayhurst), and Marta (Hannah Beth Shankman).

Company debuted on Broadway in 1970 where nothing like it had ever been seen before. Funny and honest, emotional yet unsentimental, the story is told through scenes and songs performed by 14 principals and no chorus. It received six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Music, and Best Original Lyrics.

The design team for Company is James Noone (Scenic), Martha Bromelmeier (Costumes), Phil Monat (Lighting), Zach Moore (Sound), and Larry Shea (Projections). Randy Kovitz is the Fight Director. Carol Schuberg is the Associate Choreographer. Casting is by Cindi Rush Casting. Ruth E. Kramer is the Production Stage Manager and Fredric H. Orner is the Assistant Stage Manager.

Since his first taste of Broadway success - writing lyrics for 1957's West Side Story and 1959's Gypsy - Stephen Sondheim has created an incredible variety of theatrical productions. His great scores include A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park With George, Into the Woods, and Assassins. He has received numerous Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for "Send in the Clowns," an Academy Award for Best Song for "Sooner or Later (I Always Get My Man)" from Dick Tracy, the Pulitzer Prize for Sunday in the Park With George, and the National Medal of the Arts. In 2010, in honor of his 80th birthday, Broadway's Henry Miller Theatre was renamed The Stephen Sondheim Theater.

Pittsburgh Public Theater presents Company, running January 23 - February 23, 2014. Performance Schedule: Tues. at 7 pm; Wed. thru Sat. at 8 pm; Sat. at 2 pm (except Jan. 25 & Feb. 1). Also 2 pm on Thurs., Feb. 20; Sun. at 2 & 7 pm (except Sun., Feb. 23 when the final performance is at 2 pm). Press Night is Thursday, Jan. 30. Opening Night is Friday, Jan. 31. Ticket Prices: $29 to $60. Students and age 26 and younger $15.75 with valid ID. For tickets call 412.316.1600 or visit ppt.org.

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