Phone rings, door chimes, and in comes Company, Stephen Sondheim's musical romance masterpiece.
It marks the start of Burloak Theatre Group's (BOTG) 48th season at the Oakville Centre, and even though the show was first staged over 50 years, it's the first time this comedy classic takes Oakville's biggest stage.
The curtain goes up tonight on Company, now playing until Oct. 19 at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts. The group is usually known for staging their annual musical in the spring season, but this is the second time they've staged a fall musical as well (following 2019's The Drowsy Chaperone.)
The musical centres on New York bachelor Bobby (Nicholas Paolone) on his 35th birthday, filled with vignettes as he spends time with his various friends and girlfirends, all under the pressure of finally settling down - or perhaps, finally settling with himself.
According to co-producer Diane Slater, Company was programmed because they wanted to revive the classic script, honouring what made it so fresh and fun when it was first performed in 1971.
"It's a fabulous flashback to the 70s with beautiful harmonies and hilarious marital angst," says Slater. Her favourite part? "Without spoiling it, there's a scene where one couple’s relationship to food and fighting that will have you laughing on the floor!"
Director Michelle Righetti (who staged BOTG's 20th Century Blues back in January) says her own life experiences from being 35 were what first drew her to the show. But local audiences will get hooked on it because of the local talent bringing Sondheim's score to life.
Read more here: A snapshot on 20th Century Blues
"Company is a hilarious romantic comedy about friendship and marriage, performed by 20 of Oakville’s best singers and performers," says Righetti. "They’re truly fabulous, and have handled the enormity of this score as if it’s effortless."
"The show presents us with the question of how intimate relationships shape who we are, which matters now at a time when people have been feeling increasingly isolated. This has never been more relevant than right now, and at the same time, we can laugh at the comedy of this."
"Hopefully," she finishes, "people leave the show feeling inspired and entertained."
One of the highlights in BOTG's production is a heightened musicianship rarely seen in community theatre anymore: the show this week is being performed with its complete, original 20 piece orchestrations.
Well, almost. Musical director Charlie Henderson admits there's all but the third trumpet part playing in the band. Nevertheless, it's still a wildly impressive achievement, and the orchestra sounds is among the richest ever seen at an Oakville Centre musical.
"Using a 20 piece orchestra for this show has added dimension and colour that you can’t get from a reduced orchestration," says Henderson.
"The combinations of instruments and lush harmonies restore the beautiful score to what the composer intended. In a show about romance and intimate relationships, the audience needs to be invested and be in the moment. Hearing this score in its full glory allows the them to do just that."
Brampton artists Nicholas Paolone returns to Oakville playing star Bobby - he also starred as Spongebob in BOTG's April production of The Spongebob Musical. But taking on this part is an extreme change in character.
Read more here: The Spongebob Musical dives into the Oakville Centre
"The most exciting part about Bobby has to be his songs," says Paolone. "These beautiful ballads showcase his actual thoughts, which matters because Bobby is a blank canvas, going along with what everyone else says."
"But when he sings," he continues, "we actually get an idea of what he's thinking, and it's not just the overall story that progresses, but his as well."
His greatest challenge? "It has to be the energy of the character. Coming from someone who has lots of energy, which made sense playing someone like Spongebob, it's a giant tonal shift. Learning to be more reactive and quiet instead of brash and colourful Is difficult for someone such as myself."
Joking around the title of Company's grand finale song, Paolone says, "Being reserved is hard when you're known for being...well, being alive."
"My favourite part is the final song, Being Alive. Bobby's true emotions come through his songs, and Being Alive shows the audience his inner desire of wanting to not be alone. He wants to learn to love - to accept it, to give it. He might not be ready to go through the door, so to speak, but he's opened the door, which is a big step on its own."
If you're looking for the funniest, sweetest night out in Oakville this weekend, come and spend some time with Bobby's good and crazy married friends. You'll surely be in good company.
Company
Now playing at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts until October 19, 2024.
Tickets are available online here.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by George Furth.
Directed by Michelle Righetti. Musical Direction by Charlie Henderson. Choreography by Madison Arnason.
Starring Nicholas Paolone. Also starring Emily Bernasiewicz, Kristoffer Bradley Cruz, Jordan Brunet, Quincy Clarke, Allison Colosimo, Diana Collins, Mike Ingram, Sarah Joy, Rachel Malevich, Ian McKechnie, Cliff Murphy and Erin Ross.
Rated 10+, appropriate for most audiences. Runs 2hrs 45mins. Tickets range from $31.50-$42.
Exclusive for Oakville News readers: Use promo code COMPANY at checkout to receive four tickets for the price of three. Valid for all performances until Oct. 19, 2024.
Editor's note: while this story is not sponsored by Burloak Theatre Group or the Oakville Centre, the author of this story is affiliated with the show and contributed to the production on a volunteer basis.