Musical comedy ‘Company’ comes to Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville March 8-24
From a press release:
The Music Box Dinner Playhouse in Swoyersville will present the Tony Award-winning musical comedy “Company” beginning Friday, March 8 and running through Sunday, March 24.
The concept musical composed of short vignettes, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (“Sweeney Todd,” “Into the Woods,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “West Side Story”) and a book by George Furth, revolves around Bobby, a turning-35 single man who’s afraid to commit to a steady relationship. The audience will also meet Bobby’s three girlfriends and the five couples that make up his best friends.
The original production opened on Broadway in 1970 and was nominated for a record-setting 14 Tony Awards, winning six.
Mike Wawrzynek of Forty Fort plays the lead role.
“The entire musical is a reflection of the relationships in [Bobby’s] life and how he interacts with them,” Wawrzynek said.
“He’s always present, but simultaneously a voyeur watching the events unfold in front of him. He sees how other people handle love and relationships and tries to build his own definition of what it means to have a romantic partner. He’s single and all of his friends are married couples; it really takes a toll on him – but he rarely shows it.”
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Michael Marone directs the local production with music director Hollie Major Baker and choreographer Becky Phillips. The 11-person cast takes on some tough harmonies and comedic moments that are sure to please audiences.
This is the second time Wawrzynek is playing Bobby.
“Even in our read-through, my interpretation of Bobby had a slightly different attitude compared to the way that I played him in 2017,” he explained.
“I think it’s my job as an actor to keep the role new and spontaneous, and the writing of the script makes that very easy. Even more so, I identify closely with the character’s feelings and opinions, so every time I respond to another character onstage, it feels like I’m saying the line for the first time; it doesn’t feel like autopilot.
“This show is a passion project for me, and I’m working constantly to make sure that I bring Bobby as much justice as I can.”
“Company” opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 8 and continues on March 9, 15, 16, 22, and 23 at 8 p.m. Sunday matinee performances will be held at 3 p.m. on March 10, 17, and 24. For all shows, audience members have the option of purchasing a dinner and show ticket or a “show only” ticket.
Doors at the Music Box (196 Hughes St., Swoyersville) open at 6 p.m., and the meal begins at 6:30 p.m.. For matinees, doors open at 1 p.m., with the meal beginning at 1:30 p.m. Dinner tickets must be purchased in advance.
“Show only” tickets are $20. Buffet dinner and show tickets are $38. Both can be purchased by calling the box office at 570-283-2195. Additional information is available at musicbox.org.
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