“A sister is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship.”

That quote by Margaret Mead could probably describe the relationship between Lyndsey and Samantha Agron. The two sisters are members of the cast of “Company,” the Stephen Sondheim musical, beginning its run at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center Saturday, Feb. 8.

Lyndsey, who works for a software company in the metro area, and Samantha, the Cultural Arts coordinator at the Jewish Community Center have performed in professional and community theater for years, but this is the first time they will have shared the stage together. Lyndsey, who plays Susan in “Company,” says she and Sam are supportive of each other. Sam, who plays Marta in the production, says it was a pleasant surprise to work with her older sister.

“It was total happenstance that we are performing together,” says Sam. “And our characters will interact on stage. This is truly a thrill for both of us!”

Lyndsey, the older sister by three years, realized her theater dream by traveling extensively following graduation from the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music. She performed full-time around the Midwest, East Coast and in Kansas City. But, she says, after living out of a suitcase for a while it was time to come home and be with family.

Samantha, also a graduate of the Conservatory, says her first on-stage performance was as a senior at Shawnee Mission South High School, performing in “Les Miserables” and “Godspell,” before entering the world of community theater in the Kansas City area.

The sisters say, though, they have a deep sense of gratitude toward their grandfather, Lester Kessler. Kessler, who passed away in 2010, set up college funds for both sisters that allowed them to continue their studies at the Conservatory.

“We cannot thank our grandfather enough for what he did for us,” says Sam. “He will always hold a special space in our hearts.”

Grandfather Kessler would be proud of his granddaughters during the run of “Company.”

‘Company’ comes to the White Theatre

“Company,” nominated for 14 Tony Awards and winning six, comes to the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center. Based on a book by George Furth with music and lyrics by the renowned Stephen Sondheim, it’s the story of Bobby, a single man in New York City who seemingly cannot commit to a steady relationship.
“Company” may be a bit unusual for some theater goers, as the production is a series of short vignettes in no particular order. It was one of the first musicals to deal with adult themes and relationships. But, you will sing along to those wonderful Sondheim songs that everyone recognizes, like “Side by Side” and “Being Alive”.
“Company” is directed by Barb Nichols and under the musical direction of Martha Risser.
“Company” is the White Theatre’s annual Helen and Sam Kaplan Commemorative Production. It will be presented at the White Theatre at the Jewish Community Center on Feb. 8, 13,15, 20 and 22 at 7:30 p.m. It runs Sundays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23 at 2 p.m.
For ticket information, visit www.jcckc.org, call 913-327-8054 or email .