Coastal Carolina University Theatre will present its production of "Company: A Musical Comedy," on Wednesday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 1 in Wheelwright Auditorium. Most performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. with a matinee at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Written by George Furth, the comedy features the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim. "Company" is set in New York and follows five married, once married, or soon-to-be-married couples and their mutual friend Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor who is unable to commit to a long-term relationship. Because Robert is certain the perfect girl is out there waiting for him, he decides to amuse himself with the countless women who come to New York every day. Despite witnessing fights, affairs, talks of divorce, and alcohol and drug abuse, Robert still concludes that although relationships aren't always perfect, they are a necessary part of life.

"Company" won the New York Drama Critics' Award and six Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Music, Best Lyrics and Best Book.

Caleb Jernigan, a freshman musical theater major from Lexington, stars in the leading role of Robert. Other theater majors include Nicole Borysowicz, sophomore from Mount Pleasant, Kirk Johnson, senior from Columbia, Meghan McCormick, senior from Myrtle Beach, and Matt McCoy, a freshman from Columbia.

The production is directed by Steve Earnest, associate professor of theatre; musically directed by Aaron McAllister, assistant professor of theater; and choreographed by Barbara Hartwig, instructor of dance. Kim Cox, instructor of theater, designed the scenery; Eric Hall, assistant professor of theater, designed the costumes; and Kenneth J. Martin, associate professor and department chair, designed lighting. Equity guest artist Marjorie Mitchell serves as stage manager.

Director Earnest is a member of the Screen Actor's Guild (SAG) and Actors' Equity Association (AEA) and has worked professionally as an actor with Performance Riverside, the Burt Reynolds Theatre, the Jupiter Theatre, Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theatre, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival and the Riverside Theatre of Vero Beach, among others. He recently co-founded the Atlantic Stage Performance Theatre Company with other University faculty.

Tickets may be picked up from Wheelwright Box Office Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or prior to the performance. General admission is $12; seniors and alumni, $8; Coastal Carolina University and Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) students, one $3 ticket per valid ID; Coastal Carolina University and HGTC faculty and staff, two $6 tickets per valid ID; teens ages 11 to 17, $3; and children are free with ticket but must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact the Wheelwright Box Office at 843-349-2502.