Las Vegas, Nev. - The Nevada Conservatory Theatre at UNLV opens its 2009-2010 Main Stage Season in the Judy Bayley Theatre with the Tony Award-winning Company - book by George Furth, music by Stephen Sondheim, and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim - at 8 p.m. on Friday, October 2. The production is directed by Broadway's Michael Lichtefeld and stars Equity performer Anthony Holds as Bobby.
The clashing sounds and pulsing rhythms of New York City underscore this landmark "concept" show, considered to have inaugurated the modern era of musical theatre. It follows anti-hero Robert 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 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state. In vignette after hilarious vignette, we meet "those good and crazy people," his married friends, as Robert weighs the pros and cons of married life. In the end, he realizes being alone is "alone, not alive."
Others in the production include Matthew Arrington, Brooks Asher, Tony Blosser, Elena Ferrante-Martin, Lisa Ferris, Phil Hubbard, Dana Martin, Kate Mazzola, Spencer Rowe, Savannah Smith, Phoenix Toliver, Lisa Wilson, and Melody Wilson. Composer/sound design is Arles Estes, associate choreographer is Joe Bowerman, scenic designer is Ron Keller, lighting designer is Christopher Trevino, costume designer is Kehler Relick, musical director is Thom Culcasi, technical director is San Schmidt, and production stage manager is Sandy Knight.
Additional performances are October 3, 5-10 at 8 p.m., and October 4 & 11 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$30 and on sale at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office. Special rates are available for groups of 15 or more. Performing Arts Center Box Office hours are Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The box office may be reached by calling 895-ARTS (2787). View the entire season at nct.unlv.edu.
