MICHIGAN CITY — The Dunes Summer Theatre announced its’ next summer production entitled, COMPANY, a musical comedy by Stephen Sondheim, will open on July 20 and run through July 30, with performances every Thursday/Friday/Saturday at 7PM CST; and Sundays at 2PM CST, at 288 Shady Oak Dr., Michigan City, IN 46360.
Shawn Stengel returns to The Dunes Summer Theatre as show Director; with Jeff Otto serving as Conductor. A fast, fun comedy, COMPANY centers around the main character, Robert (played by Michigan City’s, Jacob West), as he prepares to celebrate his 35th birthday. A still single Robert struggles with committing to a steady relationship, let alone marriage. He juggles three girlfriends and is often in the company of five couples who are his best friends. Robert's trying to determine if he would be happier married or if he should remain single. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, thoughtful conversations, and astute observations, Robert comes to understand what “Being Alive” means. The original production of COMPANY was nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards and won six.
“I’m excited to work with the new Artistic and management teams at the Dunes, and anxious to continue to build on the success of Cabaret which I directed last year,” said Stengel.
Dunes Summer Theatre Artistic Director, Jeffrey Baumgartner, said “We’re excited to offer Sondheim’s Company on stage at the Theatre. We’ve teamed up local and regional actors to create an outstanding cast. The set is a cross between two wildly popular 70s TV variety and game shows, Laugh In and The Dating Game.”
Playing alongside West, additional cast members include: LuAnne Pezel as Sarah (Portage); Rick Quarles (Chicago) as Harry; Megan Caton as Susan (Chicago); Sam Birky (Valparaiso) as Peter; Sheree Gudeman (Kouts) as Jenny; John Hutchinson (Michigan City) as David; Amy O’Brien (Otis) as Amy; Warren C. Dailey (Chicago) as Paul; Eileen Long (Furnessville) as Joanne; Charles Kay (Homewood) as Larry; Hannah Williams (Napanee) as Marta; Hope Uggen (Chicago) as Kathy; and Kellen Robinson (Chicago) as April.
Preview tickets for the first Thursday and Friday performances are available for $10; Senior and Student tickets are available $15; and General Admission tickets are available for $18. Tickets may be purchased online up to two hours before show time, and at the Box Office which opens on show dates at 6 PM CST Thursday – Saturday, and 1 PM CST on Sunday. For more information, please visit www.dunesartsfoundation.org/box-office.
