Lakeland Civic Theatre will present Stephen Sondheim’s inventive and most introspective musical, “Merrily We Roll Along” running Feb. 2 through Feb. 18, on the college’s main campus in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center,7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094.

Performance dates: Feb.2, 3, 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 4, 11 and 18 at 2 p.m.

About the play

In his 18th season at Lakeland Civic Theatre, director Dr. Martin Friedman continues his examination of the works of the legendary Stephen Sondheim.This play, to the shock of everyone, closed after only 11 performances on Broadway in 1981 – even though it had all the elements of a successful Sondheim production. It has since become one of Sondheim’s most beloved musicals and has seen widespread resurgence off-Broadway, nationwide and internationally. It is widely considered one of Sondheim’s best scores.

Based on the book by George Furth and original play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, this Tony Award-nominated and Drama Desk Award-winning play is rich with witty interplay and offers up many of Sondheim’s most memorable and brilliant songs. Told in reverse, the story follows the 20-year history of Franklin Shepard, an accomplished Hollywood producer who abandoned his composing gifts, as well as his relationship with his wife and dear friends, to follow the lure of shallow commercial success. The story questions what truly remains when the curtain finally comes down.

Veteran actors Eric Fancher, Neeley Gevaart and Amiee Collier play the main characters in the production. Musical direction is by Jordan Cooper, set design is by Austin Kilpatrick, lights by Adam Ditzel, sound by Eric Simna, choreography by Jennifer Justice and costumes by Ohio Shakespeare designer Kelsey Tomlinson.

Tickets

Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $7 for students.

Call 440.525.7526 for production information.

Call 440.525.7134 for ticket purchases.

Visit lakelandcc.edu/arts to order tickets online.

About Lakeland Civic Theatre

Lakeland Civic Theatre produces two shows annually where members of the community can enjoy exceptional play productions that range in themes from classical literature to the avant-garde, famed musicals to beloved comedies. Performers can include equity actors, community members and students. These professional productions take place in the 400-seat Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, where every seat has a great view of the stage and the feel of an intimate theater setting.

In addition to productions, Lakeland's theater program also offers classes that include the following: two survey courses in the history of theater; and classes in voice and movement, scene study, set construction, and lighting and sound. Students are afforded opportunities to perform in the Lakeland Civic Theatre or be a part of the production crew, where they gain a great deal of hands-on work experience using state-of-the-art technology.

Lakeland's faculty is drawn from the ranks of professional actors/directors and those who currently work in radio and television broadcasting.

Lakeland is located at the I-90 East/ Route 306 exit. Free parking is available.

By: Jeri Pilarczyk