Theatre 20 has had an exciting two weeks rolling out casting for the highly anticipated summer production of Stephen Sondheim’s COMPANY. After months of speculation and intensive auditions, Dan Chameroy was confirmed to play the lead role of Bobby. Following the announcement, additional cast members were announced and it proved to be an eclectic and diverse group!

The guests at Bobby’s birthday party comprise many Theatre 20 Founding Artists (Louise Pitre, Carly Street, David Keeley) , stars of Canada’s musical theatre scene (Brent Carver, Jeff Lillico) and even a Second City alum and film and TV star (Nia Vardalos). However there was one guest noticeably absent when the big announcement was made last week – for Theatre 20’s Company was still lacking a ‘Marta’.

Given the unexpected twist of including Vardalos in the cast, buzz began to build about what the up and coming theatre company might have up its sleeve for the last remaining girlfriend of the relationship challenged main character.

I’ve learned that popular Canadian singer/songwriter/pianist Sarah Slean will be making her Toronto theatrical debut as Marta this Spring. Slean has had an incredibly successful fifteen year career, including being nominated three times for Canada’s top music prize – The Juno Awards. She’s renowned for her breadth – having tackled music, films (including a movie musical), poetry, painting and orchestral work.

Slean represents a unique and daring choice for Theatre 20 as she is a relative unknown in the musical theatre scene but brings a remarkable passion for art and diverse background to the table – as well as a fanbase that might not generally be exposed to the work of Stephen Sondheim.

Tickets for Company go on sale to the general public on Monday April 14th, 2014 and range from $30-$89. Tickets can be purchased by phone at 416-368-3110or at www.canadianstage.com

The production will be on stage from June 21st to July 13th at the Berkeley Street Theatre Downstairs and will include a limited number of premium on-stage seating at “Bobby’s Birthday Party”