One of our very own local theatre groups, Independent Musical Productions, will present a production of Company this month.  Company is a musical comedy based on a book by George Furth with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.  The original production opened on Broadway in April of 1970, and ran for over 700 performances.  And this production was nominated for a record – setting fourteen Tony awards, winning 6.

Set against the backdrop of New York City (the city that never sleeps), this land mark “concept” show is considered by many to have ushered in the modern era of musical theatre.  The show follows anti – hero bachelor Robert, or Bobby, as he makes his way through a series of encounters with April (the stewardess), Kathy (the girl who’s going to marry someone else), Marta (the “peculiar” one), as well as with his married friends.

On the night of his 35^th birthday, confirmed bachelor Bobby contemplates his unmarried state.  In vignette after hilarious vignette, we are introduced to “those good and crazy people,” his married friends, as Bobby weighs the pros and cons of married life.  In the end, he realizes being alone is “alone, not alive.”

An honest, witty, sophisticated look at relationships, Company is as contemporary and relevant as ever, and features a brilliant and energetic score containing many of Sondheim’s best-known songs including “Being Alive” and “The Ladies Who Lunch” (a show stopping number made famous by Elaine Stritch).

The original production starred Decatur, Alabama’s own Dean Jones in the lead role of Bobby.  Through the years, Company has seen several revivals on Broadway, in London, and at the Kennedy Center in Washingon D.C.  The 2006 Broadway revival won another Tony award, and was broadcast on the Great Performances program on PBS in 2007.  This unique production had the actors themselves providing their own orchestral accompaniment.

This show has long been a favorite of ours.  Even though we have never been in a production of Company, we have seen a live performance, the televised Broadway revival, and have performed several of the classic numbers from the show.

Independent Musical Productions will present Company on Feb. 24^th, 25^th, 26^th, and Mar. 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd at Chan Auditorium on the campus of UA Huntsville.   And with a cast that includes some of the best talent in this area, this will be one show you will not want to miss!

Darin & Marianne Windham

About the Author

Marianne Windham is the co-owner and president of Windham Entertainment, a regional talent/entertainment agency. Previously, Marianne had a successful career as teacher, choreographer, performer and guest artist in dance and theatre. She has received numerous awards including Birmingham’s Obelisk, the Virginia Hammill Simms Award, and multiple WINGS Awards. Locally, Marianne volunteer for several performing arts groups. Marianne is a member of the Women’s Economic Development Council, Women’s Business Council, Women’s Leadership Exchange, Huntsville Arts Council.