Award-winning musical Company opens at Schwartz Center Feb. 12

Bachelor Bobby's (played by Resident Professional Teaching Associate Laurence Drozd) ambivalence on marriage is making girlfriends, from left, April (Gretchen Poulous), Marta (Peggy Powers) and Kathy (Darra Messing) crazy. Will Bobby tie the knot? Check out the Stephen Sondheim musical Company opening at Cornell's Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 12. Thomas Hoebbel Photography

Company's coming, and it's not your Aunt Ethel and Uncle Fred. It's the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth that first appeared on Broadway in 1970. Company is coming to the Cornell Schwartz Center stage beginning Feb. 12 and running through Feb. 22.

This memorable musical follows bachelor Bobby as he debates the pros and cons of marriage by observing the quirky habits and lives of his married friends. Company includes such favorite Sondheim songs as "Ladies Who Lunch" and "Being Alive."

"Company was a landmark in the development of the American musical, both in terms of form and content," said guest director and choreographer Will Pomerantz. "Its score contains some of Sondheim's most wonderful songs. Sondheim himself cites the piece as being the first in which he successfully found his own voice." A New York City-based director, Pomerantz recently finished directing The Shape of Things in Washington, D.C., which was voted outstanding production of 2002 by Metro Weekly. Here at Cornell Pomerantz is collaborating with musical director Robin Jensen, who recently relocated to the Ithaca area. Jensen has worked as the conductor of the Orlando Opera Company and stage director for The Madhatter's Community Theater and the Civic Theaters of Central Florida, among other credits.

Company features both professional and student actors and singers. Playing the lead, Bobby, is Resident Professional Teaching Associate Laurence Drozd. Other cast members include: Meredith Carman (Susan), Matt Volner (Peter), Amy Bravo (Sarah), Samuel Knowlton (Harry), Daina Schatz (Amy), Michael Wolland (Paul), RPTA Sarah K. Chalmers (Joanne), Colista Turner (Jenny), Alexander Santiago-Jirau (Larry), Alex Magliaro (David), Gretchen Poulos (April), Darra Messing (Kathy) and Peggy Powers (Marta).

Company is set in New York in the 1970s, and dialogue often revolves around the city. The Soho loft set is designed by guest designer Troy Hourie, who designed in New York for the Juilliard Drama School, the Bronx Opera and Greenwich Street Theatre and regionally for Syracuse Stage and the Hangar Theatre.

The fun costumes of the decade are created by Debra Tennenbaum, Cornell's assistant costume shop manager. Sound and lights are the work of Schwartz Center designers Ford Sellers and Warren Cross.

Company opens Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. Evening performances continue Feb. 13-15 and Feb. 18-22. Matinees are offered Feb. 16 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 (seniors/students) and $10 (general) in advance. Seating is limited. Call the box office for wait list and ushering opportunities.

For tickets and information, call or visit the box office in the Schwartz Center, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; 254-ARTS.