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Sondheim's "Company" takes the stage at Strauss Theatre 5 months after the acclaimed composer's death

Strauss Theatre Center performs Steven Sondheim's Tony award-winning musical comedy Company April April 21 to 24 and April 28 to 30.

The musical was originally produced and directed on Broadway by Harold Prince with orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. The inspiration for the play came from the book by George Furth. Music and Lyrics were written by Stephen Sondheim.

On the night of his 35th birthday, Robert (played by Sam Coleman) struggles to think of a wish to make as he blows out his birthday candles. The lone bachelor, surrounded by “those good and crazy people” — his married friends — Robert is uncertain whether he should simply be happy with his lot or whether he should wish for his own romantic partner. Over a series of dinner parties, first dates, and thoughtful conversations, Robert attempts to understand the pros and cons of marriage from his diverse and frequently hilarious friends, and begins to make sense of his own persistent bachelorhood.

Sondheim is famous for not wrapping things up in a pretty bow.
Taylor Nelson

Choreographer Taylor Nelson said, "It's a classic musical, but whenever it first came out, it was a little bit controversial. It was considered one of the first concept musicals. Stephen Sondheim is famous for not wrapping things up in a pretty bow and exploring deeper and sometimes darker themes about relationships and what makes people tick.

The production is co-directed by Mickey Cannon and Terry Larson Cunningham. Cannon said, "Bobby's journey throughout the musical is finding out what it means to be in a relationship — the good parts and the bad parts — and whether or not it's worth it. That what he has to decide for himself in the end."

Performances for are at Strauss Theatre Center on Lamy Lane in Monroe. The first weekend of performances is Thursday through Saturday, April 21 to 23 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. The following weekend, shows are Friday, and Saturday, April 29 and 30 at 7 p.m., and the final showing on Sunday, May 1 at 2 p.m.

For more information on the production and to purchase tickets, please visit www.strausstc.com. Admission for adults is $30 and $15 for students.