Gone are the days that theater (and art, in general) have become a means to escape problems. Art imitates life, as they say, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Especially not in the case of the multi-awarded Stephen Sondheim musical, “Company.” The story, although told in non-linear vignettes, revolves around Bobby, a bachelor who is celebrating is 35th birthday. The musical explores the ups and downs of relationships through Bobby’s couple-friends and his three girlfriends.
This is the second staging of “Company” in Manila, this time with Upstart Productions taking the helm. The current restaging is directed by Topper Fabregas and stars OJ Mariano as Bobby, Sweet Plantado as Sarah, Joel Trinidad as Harry, Nicky Triviño as Susan, Ariel Reonal as Peter, Bianca Lopez as Jenny, Chino Veguillas as David, Cathy Azanza-Dy as Amy, James Uy as Paul, Caisa Borromeo as Marta, Jill Peña as Kathy, Maronne Cruz as April, Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo as Joanne, and Michael Williams as Larry.
Perhaps unlike most productions of “Company,” Upstart’s staging will be set in a theater in the round, with the audience seated around the stage.
“Company: A Musical Comedy” runs at the Globe Auditorium, Maybank Performing Arts Theater, BGC Arts Center from Sept. 13 to 22. Shows are Fridays at 9 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. For tickets, visit Ticketworld.com.ph.
Watch out for Nolisoli.ph’s thoughts on the show next week.
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