“The unexamined life is not worth living, but the unlived life is not worth examining.”
When approached to direct our summer musical, I knew immediately that I wanted to take on Sondheim’s Company. The dark comedy of the show and the stark way Furth and Sondheim depict the relationships of these heightened characters was a challenge that I knew we were ready for. Robert is turning 35 and has a strong sense of self, but through attempts of self preservation, he has managed to keep everyone in his life at arms length.
AACT has also just celebrated a milestone birthday, and we are so excited to be kicking off our 21st season with Company. I wanted this musical to be part of this season because I feel, much like Bobby, that AACT has a strong sense of self and identity. We have been making theatre in this community for over 20 years, and you have supported us through every one. But, again like Bobby, AACT has so much more to create, explore, and say… Which is a scary precipice we find ourselves on.
Like Peter says in the show, “Don’t be afraid it won’t be perfect. The only thing to be afraid of is that it won’t be.” While community theatre is not always ‘perfect’, it is fundamental for art opportunities like these to exist. We are so grateful for your support of our creation of theatre that matters to this community, and for creating a safe space for everyone involved.
To me, Company goes far beyond the talk of marriage, and at its core, we find true intimacy: To know and be known. Bobby is surrounded by friends, potential partners, and the hundreds of thousands of people living in New York… And he feels utterly alone. Bobby craves community and connection, and we get to walk alongside him through that journey together now.
I imagine we have all felt like Bobby at some point, but I hope that you are sitting in your seat having found your community of people. If not, we would love to have you as a member of the AACT family. It’s my favorite place to know and be known by “these good and crazy people – my friends.” My wish is that you will continue to support AACT through your time, talent, and treasure, and help us continue to ensure that this safe space is here for 20 more seasons.
We have many more stories to tell, lives to examine, and life to live, and I hope you will be there alongside us – After all, we are pretty great Company.
Eli Grant
Company Director
