Stephen Sondheim's COMPANY

A sensational Broadway musical comedy comes alive at the Subiaco Arts Centre this May, focusing on relationships and their complications through song. Written by Stephen Sondheim, Company won six Tony Awards – including best musical – when it was first produced in 1970. Sondheim is famous for Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Gypsy and has said Company was designed to explore upper middle-class people and their problems. The plot revolves around the extremely good-looking Bobby who, after celebrating his 35th birthday, still can’t commit to a steady relationship although wants to share his life with someone. Looking at how he interacts with his three girlfriends and five married couples who are his best friends, Company was one of the first musicals to deal with adult problems through its lyrics and melodies. The team behind the successful productions of Oliver and Les Miserables at the Regal in 2012 are back again for another year of shows, starting with Company co-directed by Mark Barford and Brendan Hanson with musical direction from Jangoo Chapkhana. Presented by the ICW Performing Arts Association (a charity that helps performers with disability), producer Ian Westrip described it as one of the great Sondheim musicals with wonderful insights into the human condition. “Bobby celebrates his single status as he witnesses all the various aspects of marriage problems and circumstances with his friends,” he said. “But he gradually changes to grasp the idea that being alone is not the best of human conditions.” Co-director Brendan Hanson plays Bobby, after a memorable performance as Jean Valjean in ICW’s production of Les Miserables in November and coming sixth in the Channel 10 reality show I Will Survive. Company plays at 7.30pm, May 1, 2, 3 and 4 with a 2pm matinee also on May 4. Book through Ticketek on 132 849 or at http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=COMPANY13#.UXskN0r5wZR. The ICW Performing Arts Association is also offering a special deal: buy two tickets for Company and receive one free ticket for the preview performance of Cats in July. The deal is only available by calling 0416 251 265. And if you're an RAC member, you can get a discount on tickets here: http://rac.com.au/Membership/Show-your-card-and-save/Entertainment/Great-savings-with-Company.aspx The Subiaco Arts Centre is at 180 Hamersley Road, Subiaco.