Musical "COMPANY" to be performed 4 times at National Taichung Theater from July 10-12

(CNA reporter Hao Hsueh-ching, Taichung, July 4) The musical "COMPANY," featuring 14 actors from Taiwan and Hong Kong, will be performed four times at the National Taichung Theater from July 10 to 12. Japanese director Miyamoto Aramon, who is directing the production, said, "COMPANY is brilliant and full of laughter. I hope audiences will return home happy after watching the show."

According to a press release from the National Taichung Theater, "COMPANY," a six-time Tony Award winner by musical theater master Stephen Sondheim, will have its first full authorized reproduction in Taiwan. It is directed by Miyamoto Aramon and features Korean dance designer Kim Do-ho and top actors. The rehearsal site was like a mini United Nations, with intensive four-channel discussions.

"COMPANY" opens with the protagonist's 35th birthday party. The play features five married couples, some of whom are divorcing, some who criticize each other's flaws, some who panic at the last moment before marriage, and one who has become cynical after multiple marriages. The protagonist enjoys the good qualities of his three girlfriends but is also torn between being single and married under the constant pressure from his friends to get married.

"In typical musicals, you'll hear beautiful, familiar melodies. Sondheim wasn't interested in creating those," said Miyamoto Aramon. "Sondheim wanted the characters' emotions to be fully expressed through the music. More than singing correctly, he wanted actors to bring their acting skills into the songs and 'perform' them, demanding extreme attention to detail."

Miyamoto Aramon stated that the Taiwanese version of "COMPANY" should have a sunny and energetic style. "Although this play is fun, rehearsals are extremely challenging. We have to balance acting, dance, and other elements. There are countless things to accomplish, and the actors are all very enthusiastic and rehearsing with all their might." (Editor: Li Ming-tsung) 1150704

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