"Company''

In 1970, Stephen Sondheim revolutionized the modern American musical with “Company.” The sophisticated, comic musical about life among middle-class Manhattanites swept the Tony Awards, winning Best Musical, and becoming a best-selling original cast album. The songs “Being Alive” and “The Ladies Who Lunch” became overnight standards.

“Company” was revived in 2007 and once again took home the Tony, proving that the ground-breaking, minimalist musical had lost none of its appeal.
No wonder. The story of a handsome, successful bachelor reconsidering commitment on the brink of turning 35 is even more relevant today. And the vignette style of the show – a series of clever scenes played out among the bachelor, his girl friends and his all-partnered pals through the filter of Bobby’s perspective – is more popular today than in 1970.

Ephrata Performing Arts Center, which first produced “Company” in 1989, is following suit with its own revival. But this time, EPAC’s “Company” will be directed by the man who has built the reputation of being the area’s foremost interpreter of Sondheim musicals, artistic director, Edward R. Fernandez. Fernandez was an actor busy making his EPAC directing debut with another show back in 1989. Although he has crafted critically acclaimed productions of many Sondheim musicals since, including “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Sweeney Todd,” Assassins,” “A Little Night Music,” “Passion” and “Into the Woods” – Fernandez has never directed “Company” until now, he said, because he was waiting for the right cast to come along. Having built a solid EPAC acting ensemble over the years, Fernandez figured that the EPAC stars were finally aligned this season.” Most important, I knew I currently had a perfect actor to play the central character of Bobby, EPAC leading man Tim Reilly (“Urinetown,” “South Pacific,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “A Streetcar Named Desire”).
“Unfortunately, after the show was announced and already cast, the curse of Community Theater descended upon our heads,” Fernandez said. “Tim Reilly was relocated by his employer and had to leave the area. However, the theater gods smiled and sent me the perfect Bobbie just in time, EPAC newcomer Bryon Thomas Smith.”

Smith has a big spotlight to fill but he comes well prepared for his EPAC debut. He is a graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. A resident of the Reading area, Bryon has been involved in show business since he was a young boy, appearing in many regional commercials and theaters around the country. His many roles include the Beast in “Beauty and the Beast,” John in “Miss Saigon,” Riff in “West Side Story” and Chauvelin in “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”

The musical actors sharing the stage with him in “Company” is a virtual EPAC Who’s Who: Anita Lewis (Sarah), Kevin Ditzler (Harry), Abby Martin (Susan), Bob Breen (Peter), Katherine Robb (Jenny), Kevin Ditzler (David), Karyn Reppert (Amy), Carl Bomberger (Paul), Susan Barber (Joanne), Larry Gessler (Larry), Stacia Longenecker (Kathy), and Kristie Ohlinger (April) and Katelyn Mullin ( Marta).
J.P. Meyer is musical director for the Tony-winning score. Choreography is by Irving Gonzales. Joan Adams is stage manager. Stephanie Witman is technical director. Angie Fasnacht is props mistress. Sets are by Michael Rhodes; lighting by Joshua Star; sound by Chad Thomas; and costumes by Veronica Craig.

“Company” is rated PG-13 for mild language and adult situations.
Any unsold seats remaining at 7:30 p.m. for all shows will be sold to students for $10.00. Those tickets may not be reserved in advance. Current Student ID required. All Saturday matinees are pay as you wish for remaining seats at 1:30 p.m. at the box office only.