Manly Musical Society’s final production for the year is a revival of Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY. This is one of the best productions of this timeless award winning musical comedy that I have seen.
Christie Wykes directs with a fresh new vision that is valid and intriguing. This essential Sondheim musical, features one brilliant show-stopping number after another, and is now gracing the stage in Sydney for a limited season.
From his 35th birthday party celebrations, we follow eternal bachelor Robert, as he tries to de-single himself, as a single man unable to commit, as compared to and seen beside the lives of his friends … four married couples. Robert investigates the importance of marriage, as he observes each and every flaw in his friends’ marriages.
COMPANY examines the life, laughter and the nature of commitment, marriage and relationships, and everything in between. Robert also navigates around his three semi-permanent amorous girl friends; but also has to decide which is better, the unrestricted freedom of his single life versus the likelihood of another splintered marriage similar to those of his friends.
From the very beginning, Robert is fighting a losing battle against self-awareness.
This production- producer Keith Muir- features superb lighting design with intriguing use of various colours matching every mood and song. Laura Beth Wood orchestrates clever, razzle-dazzle choregography. Christine Kay Bennett’s production design features a purpose built set that quickly changed from scene to scene with a particular treat being the five bedroom scene.
Recommended. COMPANY opened at Star of the Sea Theatre at Stella Maris College, corner of Iluka and Collingwood Streets, Manly
on Friday 21 November.
The remaining performances are:-
Sunday 23rd November – 2pm – Matinee
Thursday 27th November – 7.30pm
Friday 28th November – 7.30pm
Saturday 29th November – 2pm – Matinee
Saturday 29th November – 7.30pm – Closing Night
Dramatis Personae:-
Sam Ducker – Robert
Miriam Ramsay – Sarah
Alex Giles – Harry
Hannah Gibbins – Susan
Arie Priebee – Peter
Alya Drobot – Jenny
Blair Whitaker – David
Heather Campbell – Amy
Ryan Fogwell – Paul
Rebecca Hebblewhite – Joanne
Brad Jhaye – Larry
Amanda Berckelman – Marta
Madeleine Norris – Kathy
Keira Connelly – April
Creatives:-
Producer – Keith Muir
Director – Christie Wykes
Musical Director – Anthony Cutrupi
Assistant Musical Director – Elizabeth Alford
Choreographer – Laura-Beth Wood
Production Designer – Christie Kay Bennett
Technical Director – Alex Casanova
Set Construction Manager – Michael Goodyear
Official Website:- http://www.manlymusicalsociety.com/