NEWS RELEASE
SHOT IN THE DARK THEATRE
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The upcoming musical comedy production of “Company” has been cast with a top-tier list of local talent. Shot in the Dark is proud to announce a fourteen-member cast of actors (and an ensemble of five) who will bring this Stephen Sondheim classic to life.
The show runs October 29-November at The Loft, home of Algoma Conservatory in the Canal District.
This iconic and award-winning musical play is the first major theatre piece to be performed at The Loft, Algoma Conservatory’s premiere performing arts space. Tickets are now on sale through the Conservatory’s website.
Andrew Stuetz, well-known song and dance man of such shows as “White Christmas”, “Jersey Boys”, and “Singing in the Rain”, will be playing the lead character of Bobby in this Shot in the Dark theatre production, directed by Anthony Aceti and Rob Rock.
A landmark role in the Broadway repertoire, Stuetz is taking this opportunity as a chance to “stretch his acting muscles” and tackle something new. He spends the entirety of the show on stage, constantly staying in character, intricately connecting with every other actor in the show.
Stuetz notes that his character “slowly but surely evolves” from a single and successful New York bachelor into something more. “It’s a beautiful arc to go on as a character, and I think the way we’re rehearsing the work so far is going to really connect with audiences.
“Company” opens with Bobby’s birthday celebration as his closest friends surprise him in his apartment: five married couples with their own quirks and foibles. They will be played by a first-rate set of local talent, known for electrifying the stage in other popular local productions.
Jaime Miller (“Mamma Mia”) and Leo Moore ("Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat") play Sarah and Harry, two high-strung New Yorkers who turn to karate as they awkwardly attempt to avoid their vices.
Amanda Hicks Moss (“It’s a Wonderful Life”) and Mike Poluk (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) play Susan and Peter, an unconventional couple who have found their solution to a perfect marriage later in life.
Sarah St. Amour (“Jersey Boys”) and Kyle Wilson (“Priscilla, Queen of the Desert”) play Jenny and David, a seemingly mismatched pair who find love and laughter in compromise.
Abby Barsanti (“Legally Blonde”) and Aj Ancieto (a graduate of St. Clair’e College acting program who is new to the Sault) play Amy and Paul, a young couple who are making their way to the altar but stumble across a few hilarious roadblocks before they can exchange vows.
Nuala Kenny (“Matilda”) and Aaron Fisher (“Fiddler on the Roof”) are Joanne and Larry, a couple who believe that the third time’s the charm when it comes to marriages.
Alison MacDonald (“West Side Story”), Yafei Deng (in her Sault stage debut), and Nicolette Rebello (“Sister Act”) play April, Kathy and Marta, three New York bachelorettes who vie for Bobby’s attention.
Katriina Hopper (“Oklahoma”), Clarissa Howells (“West Side Story”), and Krissy Strickland (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”) round out the ensemble. Andrew Brienesse (“White Christmas”) and Cameron Leask (“Les Misérables”) also appear as part of the company.
“This is such a talented group of people, and the fact that we all have such different roles and we’re all tackling something new for us as actors has been really exciting, says Alison MacDonald who plays a flight attendant, April, who catches Bobby’s eye. “She fascinates Bobby, but at the same time I think she scares him a little bit. It’s quite funny and charming to watch him squirm in our scenes.”
“Company” marks ten years of acting in theatre for MacDonald, who got her start at Superior Heights. She has since gone on to study film production and work in the industry.
Director Anthony Aceti was incredibly pleased by the results of the auditions. “Each actor in our show has such a strong resume. I’m so happy we get this chance to work together. The blend of personalities and talents is really something else. It’s going to be a spectacular night of theatre.
“The chemistry between the couples and the comedy that comes from all the unexpected little surprises has been a lot of fun. The creativity everyone has been bringing and risks these actors take really elevate the story. It’s such a rush leaving rehearsal because we’re all super energized by what we get to do.
It’s going to be a production people will remember and talk about for a long time.”
What: “Company,” a musical comedy by Stephen Sondheim
Where: The Loft, 75 Huron St.
When: October 29-November 1
Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $35
How: Online through the Algoma Conservatory
Link: https://algomaconservatory.com/the-store/other-events (select by date)
Who: Shot in the Dark Theatre
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