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The musical ‘Company’ headed to Community Theatre League stage

There’s probably no better way to whisk away the winter blues than to be surrounded by some good company.

The Community Theatre League’s good company is “Company,” the Stephen Sondheim musical comedy, slated for 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1-2, 7-9 and 2 p.m. Feb. 10 at the downtown theater, 100 West Third St.

David Leidholdt, Millbrook’s producing artistic director, directs “Company,” having twice previously directed this show in New York City in 2004 and 2012. Leidholdt is a member of the Stage Director and Choreographers’ Union.

Veteran Russ Wynn serves as music director for CTL’s Main Stage production.

“To do a show for a modern audience about marriage at a time when it doesn’t have the same significance as when ‘Company’ was written presents challenges,” Leidholdt notes. “But the cast is great.”

Heading the cast is Aaron White as Bobby, approaching his 35th birthday and unwilling to commit to a steady relationship, much less to marriage..

Bobby’s best friends are five married couples, more than willing to give him lots of advice on the pros and cons of getting married.

Playing roles as the quintet of colorful couples are: Philip J. Vonada and Kathryn North; Steve Aguirre and Brooke Reese; Tim Vasey and Aubrey Potash; Tim Hippensteel and Caryn Rehm; and Tim Heilmann and Marisa Sorrentino Hickey.

Bobby does have girlfriends, actually three in number. One he proposes to, while another propositions him.

Featured as Bobby’s girlfriends are Brandy Aguirre, Erica Mowrey and Alexis Shearer.

Created out of 11 one-acts about marriage, “Company,” which was originally titled “Threes,” is unlike most book musicals that have a clearly structured plot. This “concept musical” is comprised of short vignettes in no particular order, as the habitually single Bobby questions why he clings to bachelorhood.

“The score is one of Sondheim’s best, and the best ever written for the modern musical,” Leidholdt says.

Interspersed with Bobby’s reactions are Sondheim’s songs, which have impacted countless composers and lyricists. Wynn notes that the tuneful, witty score includes “Another Hundred People,” “Getting Married Today,” “The Ladies Who Lunch,” “Marry Me A Little,” “Barcelona,” “Side by Side by Side” and “Staying Alive.”

As Leidholdt says, “Company” remains a highly relevant, compelling musical as it deals with adult themes and relationships.

This production is not recommended for audiences under the age of 16.

For more information on “Company,” call 570-327-1777 or visit www.ctlshows.com.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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