Photo Flash: Madison Lyric Stage's COMPANY to Open Tonight

Madison Lyric Stage will present the multiple Tony Award-winning musical comedy Company July 18-29 at the historic Deacon John Grave House in Madison, CT.

With music by Stephen Sondheim and book by George Furth, Company is set in the swinging 1970s and follows Bobby, a single man unable to commit fully to a steady relationship, let alone marriage, the five married couples who are his best friends and his three girlfriends. A wildly funny romp through the pre-disco era, Company includes the popular songs "Being Alive," "Another Hundred People," "Barcelona" and "The Ladies Who Lunch."

Company will star John Johmann (Judas in Jesus Christ Superstar and Che in Evita with MLS) as Bobby, and Neva Small as Joanne. Ms. Small is a veteran of five Broadway shows, many Off-Broadway and concert appearances, and is perhaps best known for her signature role of Chava in the classic film version of Fiddler on the Roof. Ms. Small is appearing courtesy of Actor's Equity Association.

Marc Deaton directs and choreographs. The performance is accompanied by a combo of nine musicians.

"We are so thrilled to return to our Sondheim roots and Present Company, featuring a brilliant score by one of the greatest composers of our time," said Marc Deaton, artistic director of Madison Lyric Stage. "And to top it all off, we are moving to a larger venue right in the heart of Madison at the Deacon John Grave House. What a way to spend the summer!"

Company will be presented outdoors, under a big top tent, behind the historic Deacon John Grave House, located at 581 Boston Post Road at Academy Street in Madison. Performances are Wednesday through Sunday each week, with all shows at 8:00 p.m.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased at madisonlyricstage.org or by calling 203-215-6329.

Special Pre-Show Theatrical Exhibit at the Deacon John Grave House

Prior to performances, Company ticket holders will be able to tour the Grave House and experience a special theatrical exhibition, chronicling the history of some of the theatrical troops that have called Madison, CT home. One predecessor to Madison Lyric Stage was the Jitney Players, which operated from about 1923 - 1934 and was headquartered in the red Talcott Bradley House, along the Boston Post Road near the Madison Town Green. The exhibition, which will also feature Madison Lyric Stage costumes, photos and posters, will be curated by Ruthann McTyre, Director of the Irving S. Gilmore Music Library at Yale University.

In October, Madison Lyric Stage will present the Benjamin Britten suspense opera The Turn of the Screw, also at the Deacon John Grave House.

Madison Lyric Stage is a winner of a Broadwayworld Connecticut theater award for its 2017 production of Jesus Christ Superstar.

Madison Lyric Stage is a 501(c)(3) non-profit public charity and arts collective for the Shoreline of Connecticut. Its mission is to present affordable, professional-quality entertainment from the worlds of opera, musical theater and drama. Past productions include: A Little Night Music, Agnes of God, Blithe Spirit, Evita, Godspell, Jesus Christ Superstar, Macbeth, Peter Grimes, Salome, The Glass Menagerie, and many others.

For more information about Madison Lyric Stage, visit madisonlyricstage.org.