The Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) third year students will be staging the groundbreaking Broadway spectacular Company this June.
Making a splash in 1970 and dominating the Tony Awards, Company is Stephen Sondheim’s flashy exploration of finding connection and commitment in a modern world.
The story follows Bobby, who is about to celebrate his 35th birthday. A single man in New York City, Bobby’s friendship circle is entirely comprised of married couples and he is confronted when they throw him a surprise party to celebrate the big day.
Bobby is forced to find his place in a world that insists you find a partner and couple up.
“Company is a sharp and deeply moving examination of romance, connection and relationships –
its ‘laugh out loud’ funny, brilliantly cutting and deals squarely in paradox, which is something we
humans tend to shy away from,” says Director Sonya Suares.
“Working with third year Music Theatre students on something as meaty and masterful as one of Sondheim’s works is always a delight.
This cast is eating these characters up with a spoon, they will delight audiences with the sheer joy and raw talent they bring to the stage.”
The students and Suares are joined by choreographer Bernie Bernard and musical director Craig Dalton.
Company will be held at the State Theatre Centre of WA’s Studio Underground on 6, 8 – 11 June at 7:30pm. For more, head to artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au
Images: Kathy Wheatley
Declaration: OUTinPerth co-editor Graeme Watson is an employee of Edith Cowan University.
