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Artwork by Sandy Klein
tage Right Productions and 2nd Street Theater present Company written by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, directed by Maralyn Thoma, Scott Michaelsen and David DaCosta. On the night of his 35th birthday, confirmed bachelor Robert contemplates his unmarried state. In vignette after hilarious vignette, we are introduced to “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.” An honest, witty, sophisticated look at relationships, Company is as contemporary and relevant as ever (witness the recent hit revivals on Broadway and the West End). It features a brilliant energetic score containing many of Stephen Sondheim’s best-known songs (including Another Hundred People, The Ladies Who Lunch and Being Alive). Company was among the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. As Sondheim puts it, “Broadway Theater has been for many years supCompany will be on stage from June 7 to June 23 ported by upper-middle-class people with uppermiddle-class problems. These people really want to then here we are with Company talking escape that world when they go to the theatre, and about how we’re going to bring it right
back in their faces.” The Broadway Revival in 2006 won the Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, among other awards. “I have wanted to do Company since I saw it on opening night in New York in 1970, so this is a dream come true for me,” says Thoma. “We are blessed to have this talented cast who has worked so hard to sing the impossible Stephen Sondheim harmonies, and they do it beautifully.” Company features some of Central Oregon’s most talented performers, including David Simpson, recently seen in Cat Call Production of The Producers, Patty Davis, whose professional background includes 15 years of musical theatre and a Central Oregon favorite, Rachel Deegan, who has appeared in numerous 2nd Street Theater productions including Menopause the Musical. Performances are Friday June 7 through Sunday June 23, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 3pm, with an Opening Night Black Tie Champagne Reception on June 7 from 6:30-8pm. There is no performance on Sunday June 9. Tickets are $21 for adults, $18 students/seniors. www.2ndstreettheater.com, 541-312-9626.
Bend Follies - Fun for Money
Bend Laughed at Itself to Benefit the Tower Theatre Foundation
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Dobey, Billye Turner, Ed Carson, Mike Cheney, Sara Whipple, Ann Golden Egle, Joanne Sunnarborg, Tammy Baney, the High Desert Raisinettes, Lee Anderson, Alicia Inns, Sam Albert, Doug LaPlaca, Cate O’Hagan, Buffy Busik, Jeff Cox, Russell Nute and many others. “Everyone left the Follies feeling good about Bend, the Tower, their somewhat-talented friends and neighbors – and with very little money left in their wallets,” said Tower Foundation director of development Todd Dickerson. “And that’s what I call a successful fundraiser!” Specifically, the Follies raised $31,000 through donations, auctions, ticket sales, cash “votes” for gratuitous standing ovations and a $9,000 matching donation challenge. Ray Solley, executive director of the Tower Foundation, announced the 2014 Follies will be April 25 and 26. “If Bend wants another weekend to laugh at itself, and support a good cause, we can do that.” Solley said. The Tower Theatre Foundation owns and operates the historic stage in downtown Bend. The Foundation’s mission is to provide performing arts, civic, educational and social events that enliven and enrich the lives of all Central Oregonians. 541-317-0700, www.towertheatre.org. Photo by Wendy Caro
or two nights, prominent business, civic, educational and entertainment leaders showed off their singing, dancing and joke-telling skills and put some “fun” back in “fundraising” for the Tower Theatre Foundation. It was the first – and now annual – Bend Follies, a comedy show about Bend, by Bend and for Bend. “The Follies were designed to showcase the important role the nonprofit Tower Foundation plays in the cultural life of Central Oregon,” said Bob Singer, chair of the Tower’s board of directors. “We figured the best way to spread our message was through a lighthearted, fast-paced variety show; one that would open one night, and close the next!” he concluded. Follies hosts Donna James (The Mountain 99.7 FM) and David Simpson (The Producers; KPOV’s Big Screen/Little Screen), led a cast of nearly 90 volunteer performers including Bob Shaw, Mary Barackman (a.k.a. Little Caesars Lady), Tim Casey, Roz and Ashton Eaton, Maralyn Thoma, Betsy Warriner, Chuck Arnold, Lava City Roller Dolls, Scott Ramsay, Mark Capell, Jodie Barram, Sally Russell, Pamela The High Desert Raisinette’s kick line Hulse Andrews, Renee Patrick, Lisa
Theatre & Flim
Phone Rings,Door Chimes,Company Arrives at 2nd Street Theater
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