Lakeland Civic Theatre will present one of Stephen Sondheim’s most award-winning plays, “A Little Night Music,” starting Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, and running through Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018, on the college’s main campus in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094.

Performance dates: Sept. 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 at 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m.

About the play

Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler combined talents to create a witty and wistful play that opened in New York City in 1973 and ran for over 600 performances. It received rave reviews and garnered many awards, including the Tony Award, Grammy Award, Drama Desk Award and NY Drama Critic’s Award.

An enchanting musical, the story takes place at the country estate of Madam Armfeldt, where her daughter Desiree, a once glamourous but now fading actor: her granddaughter Fredricka; and several couples have gathered for a weekend getaway. Based on the Ingmar Bergman film“Smiles of a Summer Night,” it is a witty and at times touching story of tangled love affairs, lessons learned, bold beginnings and quiet endings.

Lakeland’s production of “A Little Night Music” features the 10th collaboration between musical director Jordan Cooper and Lakeland Civic Theatre Director Dr. Martin Friedman. The play also represents Friedman’s 50^th production at Lakeland and continues his examination of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals. Friedman has directed 11 different titles of Sondheim over the years.

Well-known actors featured are Trinadad Snider, Rob Albrecht, Eric Fancher, Neely Gevaart, Ian Atwood and Mary Jane Nottage. Nottage will once again play the role of Madame Armfeldt, a role she played in Lakeland’s production in the summer of 2000.

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 find opportunities to perform in the Lakeland Civic Theatre or be a part of the production crew, where they gain important 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