Lawrence High School’s Drama Club Performs “Company”

By Zena Ballas

On November 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th, students from Lawrence High School performed a musical known as “Company.” The play is about a man named Robert nicknamed Bobby and is unable to commit to a steady relationship. All of his friends around him are married except for him. It’s Robert’s birthday and he turns 35. He realizes he is unmarried and all alone even though he has three girlfriends. He can’t choose which to settle down with; he is quite disconcerted when faced with this challenge and each married couple around him brings a unique perspective to the stage which absorbs the audience and makes them feel like they are a part of “Company”.

It was not a shock that Lawrence High School could put this all together. We have such devoted and talented students and the cast is always jovial in their efforts each year. Mr. Buckley, the head of the music department and director is being commemorated for his 25^th year directing at Lawrence. At the last show on Saturday, November 19^th, Mr. Buckley received a gift in recognition for the past 25 years, with each play he directed placed all along the perimeter of the plaque.

Stage Crew should also receive recognition for their amazing help each year. The members of stage crew, including myself, created a cityscape and balcony to further enhance the essence of the play. Without the crew, we wouldn’t  have such decorative sets and such captivating lighting; sets that you can’t take your eyes off of, it lures you in.

“Company” is known for its brilliance and comedic qualities. It has won six Tony awards. It’s a difficult play, in fact, and it’s not often performed by high school students; there’s some language involved. Only one school other than Lawrence has performed this musical.

This play revolved around Robert or student Jose Romero. He had many solos and did an excellent job based on his diligence and efforts. Robert’s world is viewed over a series of different perspectives that the audience gets to admire and meet his loving but erratic married friends and girlfriends.

Other actors and actresses included five couples as well as Robert’s girlfriends. The couples: Michael Grossman and Gizzel George starred as Harry and Sarah. Jared Goodman and Nicole Eras starred as Larry and Joanne. Ryan Bae and Sasha Unger starred as Paul and Amy. Bradley Rubenstein and Patricia Magliaro starred as Peter and Susan. Brandon Morales and Carina Kohn starred as David and Jenny. The girlfriends: Nyasia Robertson starred as April, Alex Spinelli starred as Kathy, and Katy Miller starred as Marta.

The performance couldn’t have been possible without the help and support of Mrs. Posner, Mr. Stabile, Mrs. Sales, Mr. Bats, Mr. Radek, Mr. Verone, Mr. Shall, and of course, Mr. Buckley.

A big thanks is necessary to everyone involved including the cast, stage crew, and teachers. It turned out to be an awe inspiring musical, very dramatic with a slight touch of humor. I’m very happy that I was involved and it was a great experience overall!